NZREX Professional Ethics 2

Question 1

A doctor is asked by a pharmaceutical company to speak at a conference and will receive a payment. What is the most ethical approach?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the conflict of interest to the audience and ensure the content is evidence-based and independent

Answer

Conflicts of interest (COI) in medicine must be disclosed transparently. Receiving payment from industry creates a potential COI that can bias clinical recommendations. Disclosure does not eliminate bias but allows the audience to judge the information critically.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the duty of candour for doctors in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

An obligation to be open and honest with patients when something goes wrong and they are harmed

Answer

The duty of candour requires healthcare providers to proactively tell patients when they have been harmed by their care, apologise, and explain what happened. In NZ, this is supported by the Health and Disability Commissioner Act and HDC Code.

Question 3

A medical student is asked by a consultant to perform an intimate examination on an anaesthetised patient purely for teaching purposes without the patient's prior consent. What should the student do?

Accepted Answer

Decline and raise the concern with a senior or the medical school — this is unethical without consent

Answer

Performing intimate examinations on anaesthetised patients without prior consent is unethical and potentially unlawful, regardless of seniority or teaching value. Students must feel empowered to decline and escalate such requests.

Question 4

What is the appropriate management when a competent patient refuses a recommended treatment?

Accepted Answer

Document the discussion and refusal thoroughly, ensure the patient understands the consequences, and respect the decision

Answer

A competent patient's refusal of treatment is legally and ethically binding in NZ. The doctor's obligations are: ensure decision-making capacity, provide clear information about consequences, document thoroughly, and continue providing care within the patient's wishes.

Question 5

Under the NZ Crimes Act, which of the following could constitute criminal conduct by a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Performing a procedure on a patient without consent (assault) or negligently causing serious harm

Answer

Operating on a patient without valid consent may constitute assault under the Crimes Act 1961. Gross negligence causing death or serious harm may constitute a criminal offence. Professional and civil accountability also applies through the HDC and Medical Council.

NZREX Practice Test

NZREX Practice Test

NZREX Professional Ethics 2