Ethics Flashcards
If an adult patient who is mentally intact desires to refuse a treatment or test, what is the next step in management?
Discuss the reasons before honoring his/her wishes
Who determines Capacity?
Doctors
Who determines Competence?
Courts/Judges
Is capacity sufficient to make a medical decision?
Yes
When is a Psych consult indicated for ethical matters?
If the patient’s capacity to understand is not clear
When should a psych consult NOT be done?
When pt competence/Capcity is Clearly present
When pt is comatose/clearly does not hv capacity
Which minors can be considered Emancipated?
Those who :
Live independent of their parents and are self-supported
Married
In Military
When is a minor considered partially emancipated?
In terms of sexual/reproductive related issues and substance abuse –> these minors can mk decisions w/o parental notification/consent
What condition is an exception to Partial Emancipation and requires parental consent/knowledge ?
Abortion (Recommend that parents be notified or initially discuss why the pt does not feel she can share this with her parent(s)
Are parents allowed to refuse lifesaving therapy for minors?
No, regardless of parental belief/lifestyle. A minor MUST receive life-saving therapy. If they refuse–>considered child abuse!
What is required for informed consent to be granted by a patient?
Pt must have capacity and be fully informed?
What are the 5 prinicples of Informed Consent?
1) Pt. must be informed of the benefits
2) Pt. must be informed of the risks
3) Pt. must be given alternatives
4) Information must be in a language pt can understand
5) Informed consent must be given for each intervention/procedure
What is the rule for a woman’s right to refuse life-saving treatment for her fetus?
A pregnant woman CAN refuse life-saving treatment for her unborn child.
The fetus is considered a part of her body until it is born
A parent cannot refuse treatment for a child that is living outside of the womb!!
What medical conditions allows a physician to inform close contacts/associates at risk about a pt without their consent?
Transmissible Diseases, such as: HIV Tb Syphilis Gonorrhea
Psychiatric pt who may be planning to harm others
What is required for an advanced directive to be valid?
The patient must have capacity