Ethics

Question 1

The 4 ethical principles

Answer 1

1. Autonomy
2. Beneficence
3. Nonmaleficence
4. Justice

Question 2

Exceptions to informed consent

Answer 2

1. Patient lacks decision-making capacity / legal incompetent
2. Implied consent in an emergency
3. Therapeutic privilege
4. Waiver

Question 3

Therapeutic privilege

Answer 3

Withholding information when disclosure would severly harm the patient or undermine informed decision-making capacity

Question 4

Waiver

Answer 4

Patient explicitly waives the right informed consent

Question 5

Situations in which parental consent is usually not required for minors

Answer 5

1. Sex: contraception, STIs, pregnancy
2. Drugs: substance abuse
3. Rock n roll: emergency/trauma

Question 6

Components of decision making capacity

Answer 6

1. Patient >18 years old or legally emancipated
2. Makes and communicates a choice
3. Is informed
4. Decision remains stable over time
5. Decision is consistent with patient values, not clouded by a mood disorder
6. Decision is not a result of altered mental status

Question 7

Priority of surrogates

Answer 7

the spouse chips in:

Spouse>adult children>parents>siblings

Question 8

General principles for exceptions to confidentiality

Answer 8

1. Potential physical harm to others is serious and imminent
2. Likelihood of harm to self is great
3. No alternative means exist to warn or to protect those at risk
4. Physicians can take step to prevent harm