Ethical Situations Flashcards
Patient is noncompliant
Attempt to identify the reason
Patient desires an unnecessary procedure
Figure out why but don’t refer to another physician. Avoid performing if its not needed
Patient has difficulty taking medication as prescribed
Provide written instructions and attempt to simplify
Family members ask for info about patient’s prognosis
avoid discussing without consent from the patient
A child wishes to know more about his illness
Ask what the parents have told him. Parents of a child decide what info can be relayed
A 17 yo requests an abortion
many states require parental consent. Unless she is at medical risk, do not advise for an abortion regardless of age or fetus condition
A 15 yo is pregnant and wants to keep it. Her parents want you to tell her to give the child up for adoption
The patient retains the right to make decisions for her child. Educate the parties and promote a dialogue
A terminally ill patient requests physician assistance in ending his life
In most states, refuse involvement in any form of physician-assisted suicide. Physicians may, however, prescribe medically appropriate analgesics that coincidentally shorten the patient’s life
Patient is suicidal
Assess the seriousness of the threat; if it is serious, suggest that the patient remains in the hospital voluntarily. If they refuse, they can be hospitalized involuntarily
A physician orders an invasive test for the wrong patient
No matter how serious or trivial the matter, a physician is ethically obligated to inform a patient that a mistake has been made
What is an Apgar score?
assessment of newborn health via a 10-point scale evaluated at 1 minute and 5 minutes. Score is based on:
Appearance Pulse Grimace Activity Respiration
(7+ good, 4-6 assist and stimulate, 4- risk of long-term neurological damage)
What is a low birth weight defined as?
less than 2500g
