Ethics and Professionalism

Question 1

62yo F w/ UTI, prescribed TMP-SMX w/o asking about allergies, and she comes back with sulfa allergies. Violated which fundamental principles of medical professionalism?

Answer 1

Principle of primacy of patient welfare

There are three fundamental principles of professionalism. The first is the principle of primacy of patient welfare. Doing No Harm.

Principle of patient autonomy involves empowering pts to make informed decisions.

Principle of social justice involves working to eliminate discrimination in health care

Question 2

Commitment to improving quality of care

Answer 2

Involves maintaining clinical competence, but also working collaboratively with other professionals to reduce medical error.

Honesty deals with informed consent and acknowledging errors with patients.

Maintaining appropriate relationships deals with not exploiting patient relationships.

Commitment to maintaining trust involves managing conflict of interests.

Question 3

Practicing intubations on pts that has passed, violates?

Answer 3

Principle of patient autonomy

Fundamental principles of professionalism (patient welfare, patient autonomy, social justice)

Patient was not given the chance to make an informed decision about participating in this activity. Therefore, autonomy has been violated.

Question 4

Pt 6 months pregnant, found to have condition life-threatening to her and fetus. Pt declines due to religion. Her rights?

Answer 4

She has the right to refuse the intervention IF she is found competent to make decision.

In situations as difficult as this one, legal counsel is recommended.