ethical situations Flashcards
patient is not adherent
attempt to identify reason for nonadherence and see if willing to change
pt deires unnecessary procedure
attempt to understand why pt wants procedure and address underlying concerns
pt has difficulty taking meds
provide written instructions, attempt to simplify treatment regimens, use teach back method
family membrers ak for information about pts prognosis
avoid discussing issues with relatives without pts permission
pts family member says dont tell him prognosisi
attempt to ID why family member wants this and say cannot withohold
terminally ill pt requests physician assistance in ending his/her life
cant do assisted suicide
can prescribe medically appropriate analgesics that conicidentally shorten pts life
pt is suicidal
if serious threat ask pt to stay in hospital voluntarily
if refuse pt can be hospitalized involuntarily
pt says she is attracted to you
ask direct, closed ended questions, use a chaperone if necessary
woman with mastectomy says she now feels ugly
find out why the pt feels this way, do not offer falsely reassuring statements
pt is angry about the long time he/she spent in the waiting room
acknowldge pts anger but do not take pts anger personally
apologize for any inconvenienees
pt is upset with the way he/she was treated by another doctor
suggest that the pt speak directly to that physician regarding his/her concerns
if problem is with office staff member tell pt you will talk to them
pt requires a treatment not covered by his/her insurance
never limit or deny care bc of the expense in time or money, discuss all treatment options with pt even if some are not covered by their insurance companies
7 yr old boy loses a sister to cancer and now feels responsible
at ages 5-7 many kids realize death is permanent
provide direct, concrete description of his sisters death, avoid cliches, reassure boy that he is not respobisble
