Ethics & Communication Flashcards

What are the four pillars of medical ethics?

Answer: Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice

The four pillars of medical ethics — autonomy (patient choice), beneficence (doing good), non-maleficence (do no harm), and justice (fairness) — guide all medical decision-making.

When can patient confidentiality be legally breached in the United States?

Answer: When required by law, such as reporting certain communicable diseases or suspected child abuse

Patient confidentiality may be legally breached when required by law (mandatory disease reporting, suspected child/elder abuse), when there is a serious risk to others, or with valid court orders.

What is informed consent?

Answer: A process where patients receive adequate information to make voluntary decisions about their treatment

Informed consent is a process (not just a form) where patients receive information about diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives, enabling voluntary, informed decision-making.

What is Gillick competence?

Answer: A legal concept where a minor under 16 can consent to treatment if they demonstrate sufficient understanding

Gillick competence (established in Gillick v West Norfolk, 1985) allows minors under 16 to consent to medical treatment if they demonstrate sufficient intelligence and understanding of the proposed treatment.

How should a physician deliver bad news to a patient?

Answer: Using a structured approach like SPIKES: Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Emotions, Strategy

The SPIKES protocol provides a structured approach: prepare the Setting, assess patient's Perception, get an Invitation to share, give Knowledge/information, address Emotions, and discuss Strategy/next steps.

What is a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order?

Answer: A medical order indicating that CPR should not be performed if the patient's heart stops

A DNR order is a medical directive stating that cardiopulmonary resuscitation should not be attempted if the patient experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest, respecting the patient's wishes about end-of-life care.