Ethics

Question 1

What is legally required for informed consent?

Answer 1

Discussion of pertinant information, voluntary agreement, freedom from coercion. Patient must have an intelligent understanding of all risks, benefits, and alternatives which include no intervention. Written consent can be revoked by the patient at any time, even orally (p.56)

Question 2

Name four exceptions to informed consent.

Answer 2

Patients lack decision making capacity; implied consent in an emergency; therapeutic privilege- withholding information when disclosure would severely harm the patient/ undermine informed decision making capacity; waiver (p.56)

Question 3

In what circumstances is parental consent not required for a minor (age <18)?

Answer 3

Emergency situations, prescribing contraceptives, treating STDs, medical care of pregnancy, treatment of drug addiction (p.56)

Question 4

Can you withhold information to a competent patient if their family asks?

Answer 4

This is not required (p.57)

Question 5

What is a living will (or advance written directive)?

Answer 5

Describes treatments and wishes for treatment if the patient loses decision making capacity (e.x. life support measures) (p.57)

Question 6

What is the priority order for potential surrogate decision makers if a patient becomes incompetent?

Answer 6

spouse, adult children, parents, adult siblings, other relatives (p.57)

Question 7

What is the Tarasoff decision?

Answer 7

California Supreme Court decision requiring a physician to directly inform and protect potential victims from harm which may require a breach of patient confidentiality (p.57)