MEDICAL ETHICS 137 cases:

[IMG SURVIVOR]

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MEDICAL ETHICS 137 cases:
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1. A 25- year old mother refused immunization for her 2-month old son. The social worker spoke to

the mother. (Important for Board examination)
Next step in management: immunization should be given for the benefit of the child.


(CORRECTION)IMMUNIZATION CAN BE WITH HELD FROM THE CHILD IF PARENTS ARE AGAINST IT.BECUZ LACK OF

IMMUNIZATION POSES VERY LITTLE THREAT AND IT IS NEITHER LIFE OR LIMB SAVING.HOWEVER IF GLOBAL

CAMPAIGN ON IMMUNIZATION REFUSED APPROPRIATE HEALTH AUTHORITIES SHUD BE NOTIFIED{BREAK

CONFIDENTIALETY BECUZ POSING RISK TO OTHERS}

2. A 30-year old mother refused surgery for suspected appendicitis for her 6-year old daughter.

The social worker spoke to the mother. (Important for Board examination)
Next step in management: surgical removal of the appendix should be preformed for the benefit of

the child.(RULE:PARENTS CANNOT WITHHOLD LIMB OR LIFE SAVING PROCEDURE TO THEIR CHILD)

3. A 16-year old boy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the right thigh. The surgeon recommended

amputation. The boy refuses amputation. He is doing very well otherwise. He is aware that death

is certain without surgery.boy lives alone (Important)
Next step in management: amputation should NOT be preformed.
Adolescent patients or adults who are competent in making decisions have an absolute right to

determine what shall be done with their own bodies. However, most pediatric patients are not

competent to make their own decisions. Please remember, children (15 years or older) are usually

able to give a genuinely informed consent. Therefore physicians may respond to their request,

except in a case of irreversible sterilization.

4. A 17-year old girl is a Jehovah’s Witness. She refuses a lifesaving blood transfusion. She is

aware of the consequences.she doesnt live with her parents She spoke to the social worker.

(Important)
Next step in management: blood transfusion should NOT be given because she is competent to make

the decision.

5. A 5-year old girl is a Jehovah’s Witness. She requires emergency blood transfusion. Her mother

refuses blood transfusion. A social worker along with two physicians spoke to the mother.

(Important)
Next step in management: blood transfusion should be given because the patient is not competent.

Mother cannot refuse her daughter’s treatment.{LIFE savING}

6. A 2-year old boy was brought to the ER by his parents for an injury. Physicians made the

diagnosis of child abuse. There are three other children living in the same household. Both

parents confess to child abuse but request the physician to keep it confidential. Social worker

was involved. (Important)
Next step in management: the case should be reported to Child Welfare Agency (CWA). All children

should be removed from the parents by the CWA.physicain cannot take totally prove or disprove

child abuse only CWA can and take the custody of children

7. A 15-year old boy with STD (sexually transmitted disease) came to see a physician. He asked

the physician not to tell his parents. (VERY IMPORTANT)
Next step in management: the physician should treat the patient and notify the appropriate health

authority, but should not tell his parents.

8. A 16-year old boy wants to use a condom. He comes to the clinic for free samples. He requested

the physician, however, not to tell his parents. (Important)
Next step in management: condom should be given and physician should not tell his parents.

9. A 30-year old male patient is recently diagnosed with HIV. He lives with his wife and two

other children but is promiscuous. He requested the physician not to tell his wife. He lost his

job recently. Social worker spoke to the patient. (Very Important)
Next step in management: physician should notify the appropriate authority (e.g. department of

health) for the safety of other specific persons who are engaged in unsafe sexual practices. The

physician however, should ask the patient to divulge the diagnosis to his wife and other sexual

partners.if failed contact the wife personaly

10. A very small premature infant was born in the delivery room by NSVD (normal spontaneous

vaginal delivery). The attending physician decided not to resuscitate the newborn. Physician

spoke to the mother. Mother started to cry. Newborn expired after 30 minutes. Is the physician

liable for the newborn’s death?
Answer: NO. Please remember, no physician in the USA has ever been found liable for withholding

or withdrawing any life sustaining treatment from any patient for any reason.ideally he shud have

asked for consent or DNR from parents

11. A physician picked up a car accident victim from the street and brought him to the ER in his

car. He did not want to wait for an ambulance because the patient’s condition was critical.

Physical examination in the ER reveals quadriplegia. Is the physician liable for this

consequence? (Very Important)
Answer: YES, because the physician did not protect the neck of the patient resulting in

quadriplegia.also good sumaritan laws not fully fulfiled.the physicain shud have stayed on the

site till releived by appropriate people.

12. A policeman brought an alcoholic patient to the ER. The policeman asked the physician to give

him a sample of gastric contents by putting a nasogastric tube for laboratory study. The patient

refused insertion of a nasogastric tube. (Very Important)
Next step in management: nasogastric tube should not be placed. Blood alcohol level however

should be preformed. The policeman should not give orders to a physician.

13. A 60-year old man with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) suddenly develops ventricular

tachycardia. A physician from another department was present. The patient needs resuscitation.

(Very Important)
Next step in management: the physician must resuscitate that patient. Physician should not refuse

treatment because he belongs to another department.

14. A 15-year old homosexual boy wanted to change his sexual orientation. He was not successful.

He needed help. He requested the physician not to tell his parents. (Important)
Next step in management: physician should help him avoid homosexual activities. Physician should

not tell his parents about his homosexual activities.

15. A 15-year old homosexual boy is brought by his parents to a physician. His parents do not

accept their son’s sexual orientation. The boy refuses to change. (Important)
Next step in management: physician should tell his parent that homosexual activity is considered

as an alternative life style. Parents should talk to his son but should not force him to change

his homosexual activities.

16. A 16-year old girl becomes pregnant. Her mother wanted her to abort this pregnancy. The girl

wanted to continue her pregnancy despite difficulties. Her boyfriend is a high school drop out.

(Important)
Next step in management: physician should advise to continue this pregnancy because the girl is

partailly competent to make this decision only about her pregnancy.(contraversial.diff states

diff rules.so unlikely to be tested on exam)

17. A 15-year old girl recently becomes pregnant. She went to a doctor for abortion. She told the

doctor not to tell her parents about this pregnancy. (Important)
Next step in management: abortion should be done and parents should not be notified. Please

remember, strict requirements for parental consent may deter many adolescents from seeking health

care.(abortion contraversial.diff states diff rules.so unlikely to be tested on exam)

18. Can a physician provide sterile needles for intravenous drug abusers? (Important)
Answer: YES. It reduces the risk of acquiring HIV or hepatitis. The patients should be referred

to appropriate health facilities.

19. A 26-year old pregnant woman went for antenatal check up. Sonogram revealed a 27-week old

fetus with erythroblastosis fetalis. Doctor recommended intrauterine fetal blood transfusion. She

refused the procedure. Social worker discussed the case with the mother. (Important)
Next step in management: doctor should receive a court to do the procedure which will help the

fetal condition.( A HIGHLY DEBATABLE ASPECT.MOTHER IS LIABLE FOR WITH HOLDING LIVE SAVING

PROCEDURE TO VIABLE FOETUS WHICH DOESNT PUT THE MOTHER AT RISK OF SERIOUS DAMAGE.HOWEVER

AMERICAN OBSTETRIC ASSOCIATION MENTIONS NOT TO DO ANY OBS PROCEDURE ON REFUSAL OF MOTHER.MOTHER

SHUD BE TOLD THAT SHE IS COMMITING AN ASSAULT AND THE CASE BE TAKEN IN COURT.COURTS ARE NOW

RECOGNISING THE RIGHTS OF A VIABLE FOETUS)

20. A 20-year old man tells his doctor that he is going to kill girlfriend. She lives in the

university dormitory. Doctor called the university alerted them about the threatand notified the

police. However, university security people did not protect her. She was killed by her boyfriend.

Who should be responsible for this killing? (Important)
Answer: the 20-year old man is responsible. Doctor did the right thing by notifying the

university and the police. The university is also responsible because they did not take any

preventive measures.

21. A 20-year old pregnant woman refuses cesarean section for complete placenta previa. Fetus is

full-term and healthy. Social worker spoke to mother. (Important)
Next step in management: doctor can go to court to get permission for cesarean section for the

benefit of the fetus.FULL DESCRIPTION ABOVE.

22. A 30-year old pregnant woman ingested alcohol and illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, crack) which

are harmful to the fetus. What should a physician do? (Important)
Answer: the physician should be careful in reporting this case because the pregnant woman may not

come back for prenatal care, which is important for both the mother and the fetus. However, if

the baby’s urine toxicology test is positive for illicit drugs, case should be reported to CWA

(child welfare agency).

23. A physician wants to study a group of children aging from 10-12 year old. Physician already

got the consent from the parents. However, he didn’t discuss the study with the children. A child

refused to participate. Should the physician force the child to participate? (Important)
Answer: no, because a child can refuse to participate in a research study.

24. A 40-year old schizophrenic patient needs hernia repair. Surgeon discussed the procedure with

the patient who understood the procedure. Can the patient give consent? (Important)
Answer: yes. If a psychiatric patient understands the procedure, he or she can give the consent.

25. A 65-year old schizophrenic patient needs coronary angiography because of suspected

myocardial infarction. Cardiologists explained the procedure to the patient who did not

understand the procedure. Who can give the consent on behalf of the patient? (Important)
Answer: the patient’s relative can give the consent. If nobody is available to give the consent,

court order should be obtained. If a psychiatric patient does not understand the procedure, he or

she cannot give the consent.

26. A 25-year old woman developed postpartum psychosis. The newborn developed cyanosis due to

congenital heart disease. The newborn needs cardiac surgery. Surgeon discussed the procedure with

the mother. She understood the procedure. Can she give the consent? (Important)
Answer: yes, because she understood the procedure.

27. A newborn is diagnosed with either trisomy 18 or 13 with TE (tracheoesophageal) fistula which

requires suregery. Mother request surgeon to repair the TE-fistula. What should a surgeon do?

(Important)
Answer: surgeon should refuse to do the reparative surgery because these conditions (trisomy 18

or 13) are nonviable. If the patient survives, surgeon can put a gastrostomy feeding tube for

nutrition. However, please remember that a patient with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) with TE

fistula should be operated on.(LAW OF MEDICAL FUTILITYAPPLIED HERE)

28. A 45-year old terminally ill patient wanted to die. He has pancreatic cancer and has been

suffering from constant pain. He asked the physician to give him some medication which can

expedite his death. What should a physician do? (Very Important)
Answer: physician cannot give any medication which will expedite the death. However, physician

can prescribe medication to minimize the pain. The dose should be appropriate. Physician-assisted

suicide is illegal everywhere (except in the state of Oregon).IEAALY PT REQUEST PHYSICIAN

ASSISTED SUICIDE IF a-DEPRESSED b-IN PAIN.IF THESE SITUATIONS RESOLVED NOT REQUESTED BY PT.ON

USMLE NEVER GO FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE.THOUGH IT IS CONTRAVERSIAL.

29. A 47-year old man came to a doctor for chronic low back pain and dysuria. The diagnosis of

metastatic prostate cancer was made after appropriate investigation. Should the doctor tell the

bad news to the patient? (Important)
Answer: yes physician must tell the truth to the patient.

30. A surgeon wanted to perform cholecystectomy on a patient. The surgeon is not sure whether the

patient has decision-making capacity. What is the next appropriate step? (Important)
Answer: consultation with a psychiatrist or neurologist may be helpful. Sometimes it is necessary

to discuss the case with hospital attorneys, ethic committees, or ethic consultants. In a

difficult case, the ultimate judge of a patient’s competency is a court.

31. A 45-year old widow was admitted to an ICU (intensive care unit) with ruptured intracranial

aneurysm. She is comatose and is placed on a mechanical ventilator. She has a 20-year old son who

did not keep any relation with his mother. However, he came to see his mother. His mother made a

written proxy advance directive which indicates that her 50-year old female neighbor should make

the substitute decision. Who is the right person to make the substitute decision in this

situation? (Important)
Answer: 50-year old neighbor should make the substitute decision. Please remember, the most

appropriate person to make the substitute decision is someone designated by the patient while

still competent, either orally or through a written proxy advance directive. Other substitute

decision makers, in their usual order of priority, include a spouse, adult child, parent, brother

or sister, relative, or concerned friend. For a patient who has no other decision maker

available, a phblic official may serve as a decision maker.

32. The right of patients to refuse medical intervention: patients can refuse dialysis,

cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mechanical ventilation, and artificial nutrition and hydration,

even if such a decision results in the patient’s death. A patient’s decision to withdraw

(discontinue) or to withheld (not to initiate) life-sustaining treatment is not considered

suicide and physician participation is not considered physician-assisted suicide. Physicians do

not have any legal risk.

33. Can a medical student introduce himself or herself as a ‘doctor’ to the patient? (Important)
Answer: no. a patient can refuse a medical student from performing any procedure. However,

medical students are allowed to perform a procedure under appropriate supervision If the patient

agrees to that.

34. Should a bus driver hide history of epilepsy from his employer? (Important)
Answer: no. He has requested his physician not to mention his epilepsy to the employer because

this would result in the loss of his job. The physician is obligated not only to his patient but

to the community. The patient should notify his employer and try to find a non-driving job in the

company. If the patient disagrees, physician may notify the appropriate authority for the safety

of the patient and the community.

35. A 50-year old make is diagnosed with stomach cancer. He requested the physician not to tell

his wife. The following day, the wife calls to inquire about her husband’s diagnosis. (Important)
Answer: the physician should not divulge the husband’s diagnosis. However, the physician should

encourage the patient to reveal his diagnosis to his wife.

36. A 29-year old man is diagnosed with presymptomatic Huntington’s disease. This disease is an

autosomal dominant (50% chance of having the disease in each pregnancy). He requested his

physician not to tell the diagnosis to his wife. The wife wants to have children. (Important)
Answer: physician should ask the patient to seek genetic counseling and to urge him to discuss

the matter with his wife. Since there is a risk of harm to the future children, physician can

divulge the diagnosis to protect the future children.

37. A 18-year old man is diagnosed to have suspected bacterial meningitis. He refuses therapy and

returns to the college dormitory. What should a physician do in this situation? (Very Important)
Answer: physician should report to the college authority and recommend that the suspected

individual should be isolated during the course of his illness.

38. A 39-year old nurse is diagnosed with hepatitis B antigen-positive. She is working in a

dialysis unit. She told her doctor. However, she did not tell the hospital authority because she

is afraid to lose her job. (Very Important)
Answer: physician should ask the nurse to divulge her medical condition to the hospital

authority. If she refuses, physician should notify the hospital authority for the protection of

patients.

39. A 20-year old man with severe head injury was admitted to a small hospital. The patient needs

neurosurgical intervention which is available in a nearby university hospital. Hospital refused

to accept a patient who has no medical insurance.
Answer: university hospital must accept the patient.

40. A 30-year old man needs a second prosthetic valve. He is a drug addict. Surgeon does not want

to perform surgery because the patient does not take care of himself. Is this the right decision?

(Important)
Answer: no. Surgery should be performed if it is medically indicated.(DONT EVER BE FOOLED BY TV

PROGRAMES LIKE DR.HOUSE.IF U REMEMBER THE EPISODE ON BULIMIA AND IPECAC POISONING)

41. A newborn male is diagnosed with anencephaly. His 1-year old sibling needs a kidney. His

parents requested the physician to remove the kidney from the anencephalic child and to

transplant that kidney in the 1-year old sibling. What should a physician do?
Answer: surgeon should perform the kidney transplant.

42. A 50-year old man is in a persistent vegetative state. Physician decided to discontinue

nutrition and hydration for that patient. Is this the right decision?
Answer: yes. This is an acceptable practice in most states. Few states require clear evidence

that the patient would have chosen this course.

43. A medical student requested his attending to perform a pelvic examination on a patient who is

anaesthetized for appendectomy. Is this ethically acceptable?
Answer: no. The patient did not give consent to perform a pelvic examination.

44. A 20-year old woman slashed her wrists and wanted to die. She was unconscious and was brought

to the ER. What should a physician do? (Important)
Answer: physician should take care of the patient. Psychiatric consultation and social worker

evaluation are indicated. A suicide attempt is very often a ‘cry for help’.AND RENDERS THE PT

INCOMPETENT REGARDING MEDICAL DECISIONS

45. A 90-year old man was diagnosed with having Alzheimer’s disease 10 years ago. It is difficult

to feed him. He cannot recognize his family members. He developed recurrent aspiration pneumonia.

What should a physician do?
Answer: physician should discuss this with the family and should respect their decision.

46. A 1-day-old infant was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The patient is

stabilized with the use of prostaglandin. Physician discussed this case in detail with the

parents. What should the parents decide in this situation?
Answer: the parents can choose a staged surgical repair of the heart, a final heart

transplantation if the organ is available, or allow the infant to die.(BEST INTEREST STANDARAD

REMEMBER THE CASE OF DOWN SYNDROME AND TE FISTULA)

47. A 55-year old woman with severe developmental disability recently is diagnosed with breast

cancer. Her mental age is estimated at a 2-year old level. Her family members do not want any

more intervention. What should physician do?
Answer: physician should discuss this case with the hospital ethics committee members. The usual

consensus is ‘not to do anything’ because of her severe mental disability.(NEVER COMPETENT

PATIENT APLLY BEST INTEREST STANDARAD)

48. A 49-year old woman with cervical cancer has a history of noncompliance. She had surgery a

month ago. She missed several appointments. Can a physician force her for chemotherapy?

(Important)
Answer: no. Physician can talk to her regarding the importance of chemotherapy. However, the

patient must make the final decision.

49. An internist has been managing a diabetic patient for the last 10 years. The patient’s

condition is progressively getting worse. The patient is also not happy with the physician’s

management. What should a physician do in this situation?
Answer: physician should find another physician (e.g., endocrinologist) who might be more

successful with the patient in this particular circumstance.

50. An internist recently refused to see a patient who he has been seeing for the last 5 years.

Internist stated that the patient was rude to him. The patient went to see another physician who

requested the patient’s medical record. What should the internist do in this situation?
Answer: internist should provide the medical records of the patient to the new physician.

51. An internist refused to see a complicated hypertensive patient who he has seen for the last

10 years. Internist did not give any notice to that patient. The patient was angry with the

physician. The patient was recently admitted to a hospital with the diagnosis of stroke. Is the

internist responsible for the patient’s condition?
Answer: yes. The legal charge of abandonment can arise when the physician without giving timely

notice, ceases to provide care for a patient who is still in need of medical attention. Internist

is not obligated to find him another physician. However, patient should have sufficient time to

arrange for another physician.

52. A physician went to vacation for 2 weeks. He did not find another physician to cover him. He

is very sincere. One of his patients with hypertension developed severe headache. The patient has

an appointment with the doctor as soon as he comes back from vacation. The patient did not look

for another physician and decided to wait. The patient suddenly collapses and was diagnosed to

have intracranial hemorrhage. Is the physician responsible for this patient? (Important)
Answer: yes. The physician has a legal obligation to arrange for coverage by another physician.

53. An ophthalmologist performed a cataract surgery on a patient who went home after the

operation. In the evening, the patient started vomiting and complained of severe headache. The

ophthalmologist refused to accept that the symptoms were due to postoperative complications. The

patient wanted to see the doctor immediately but he refused to see that patient. The patient went

to the nearest ER and was diagnosed to have dislocation of the lens and partial retinal

detachment. Is the physician responsible for the patient’s condition?
Answer: yes ophthalmologist failed to judge the patient’s condition seriously enough to warrant

attention.

54. A 70-year old Chinese man is diagnosed to have severe osteoarthritis. He told his doctor that

he is using Chinese herbal medicine. He is feeling better. However, he had two episodes of dizzy

spells since he started that herbal product. What should a doctor suggest to this patient?

(Important)
Answer: the doctor should suggest to discontinue the herbal product which may be causing the

dizzy spells.

55. A 35-year old woman is diagnosed to have chronic throat infection. She is frustrated with the

conventional medicine. She told her doctor that she is using an alternative homeopathic medicine.

She is feeling much better and she has no other complications. What should a doctor suggest to

this patient?
Answer: the patient can continue an alternative homeopathic medicine. Alternative medicine

therapy is accepted in the society and is also used along with conventional therapy.

56. A 45 year old woman is diagnosed to have UTI (urinary tract infection). She told her doctor

that she could not afford to purchase antibiotics. However, she is using herbal medicine that is

cheaper. She is complaining of fever and dysuria. What should a doctor suggest to this patient?

(Important)
Answer: the patient should discontinue the herbal medicine immediately and should start

antibiotics as soon as possible.MAY EVEN BE FREE.REMEMBER THE CASE FROM KAPLAN QBANK

57. A 13-year old boy with suspected meningitis refuses therapy. His parents also support that

decision because they are supposed to go on vacation the following day. What should a physician

do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: the patient should be admitted and treated in the hospital. If they refuse, legal action

should be taken.(MEMGITIS TREATMENT IS LIFE SAVING)

58. A 2-year old girl is admitted with the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Her mother has a

psychiatric problem. Her mother is not capable of giving the consent. Her father died one uear

ago. What should a surgeon do in this situation?
Answer: legal steps may be taken to provide a surrogate decision-maker.IN EMERGENCY LIKE THIS ONE

USE IN LOCUM PARENTIS I.E PHYSICAIN DECIDES)

59. A 67-year old widow has been using hypnotics for the last 5 years. She is addicted. Her

doctor wants to withdraw her from her present medication by trial on placebos. Is the physician

making a right decision? (Important)
Answer: no. The physician cannot use placebos because his decision is deceptive. The problem of

addiction should be discussed directly with the patient. The use of deceptive placebo is

indicated in the following conditions:
(a) the patient insists on a prescription;WHICH MAY BE HARMFUL
(b) the patient wishes to be treated;WHICH MAY BE HARMFUL
(c) the alternative to placebo is either continue illness or the use of a drug with know

toxicity;
(d) high response rates to placebo (e.g., postoperative pain, mild mental depression).PT BE

NOTIFIED IN CASE.THOUGH EFFICACY OF PLACEBO NOW WILL BE QUESTIONABLE.

60. A 50-year old man is diagnosed to have multiple sclerosis. In the morning, the surgeon asked

the man his opinion on the surgical procedure and he agreed. In the evening, the man refused to

give consent for the same surgical procedure. He is also disoriented to place and time. Is the

patient capable of making the decision?
Answer: no the patient has impaired capacity.MORNING DECISION SHUD BE UPHELD

61. A 55-year old woman with diabetes is diagnosed to have gangrene on both feet. She was brought

to the hospital. She told the doctor the she is feeling fine and she has no medical problems. Can

she give consent for the amputation of both legs?
Answer: no. The appointment of a surrogate should be sought to get the consent for the

surgery.BECUZ PT IS INCOMPETENT AS IS NOT AWARE OF A CLEARLY VISIBLE FACT.

62. A 17-year old boy came to a surgeon for bilateral vasectomy. He is the father of one child

and does not want to have any more children. He does not want to tell his girlfriend and parents.

He lives with his parents. What should a surgeon do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: surgeon should not perform bilateral vasectomy and should offer him less radical

alternatives. Please remember, a mature minor may not comprehend the implications of this

procedure.PT IS PARTIALLY EMANCIPATED.A FULLY EMANCIPATED MINOR CAN EVEN GO FOR IRREVERSIBLE

CONTRACEPTION.

63. A 16-year old girl came to a doctor for bilateral tubal ligations. She is a mother of one

child and does not want to have any more children. She does not want to tell her boyfriend and

parents. She lives with her parents. What should a doctor do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: obgyn doctor should not perform bilateral tubal ligation and should offer her less

radical alternatives.

64. A 16-year old boy wants to donate one of his kidneys to his friend who is suffering from ESRD

(end stage renal disease). The boy’s parents did not agree with his decision. What should a

physician do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: the physician cannot accept his kidney. However, he can donate one of his kidneys if his

parents agree.

65. A 15-year old boy wants to participate in a research study. He told his parents who did not

agree. He lives with his parents. Can this boy participate in the research study?
Answer: no the boy needs consent from his parents to participate in a research study.

66. A 17-year old boy lives independently. He is married and has one child. He wants to

participate in a research study. Does he need his parents permission? (Important)
Answer: no. He is an emancipated minor who lives independently from his parents physically and

financially.

67. A 70-year old man is diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer and requires an insertion of a

gastrostomy tube. He has signed a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order about a month ago. Should the

preexisting DNR order stand or be suspended during the surgical procedure? (Very Important)
Answer: attending physician, surgeons, and the patient or surrogate should discuss the matter and

either affirm or suspend the order in anticipation of surgery. If a patient is competent and

wishes a preexisting DNR order to stand, resuscitation should not be performed in the event of an

intrasurgical arrest.(BAD BAD ANSWER DNR ONLY REFERS TO CPR AND NOTHING ELSE IF NOT CLEARLY

MENTIONED IN DNR ORDERS)MY ANSWER IF PT COMPETENT ASK SPECIFICALLY TO GASTROSTOMY.AND PROCEDE AS

WISHED BY PT.IF PT INCOMPETENT ASK FAMILY FOR PTS WISH.IF CONFLICT AMONG FAMILY ON WISH OF THE PT

GO TO ETHICS COMMITEE.(REMEMBER IF CONFLICT AMONG FAMILY IS NOT BASED ON WISH OF PT.GO FOR THE

WISH WHOEVER TRULY REPRESENTS IT.)

68. An infant, born at 30 weeks gestation, appears to be SGA (small for gestational age) with

multiple malformations. Amniocentesis study was not performed. Infant needs resuscitation at

birth. What should a physician do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: physician must resuscitate the patient in the delivery room because the diagnosis is

uncertain.

69. A 60-year old man is diagnosed with terminally ill colon cancer and needs resuscitation. He

did not sign a DNR order. The physician has decided to perform a ‘slow code’ on his own. Is this

the right decision? (Important)
Answer: no. Please remember, a performance of ‘slow code’ or ‘show code’ is not acceptable to the

patient. This decision by the doctor represents the failure to come to a timely and clear

decision about the patient’s resuscitation status.SLOW CODES REFER TO WHEN FAMILY SAYS TO DO CPR

BUT PHYSICAIN THINKS ITS FUTILE AND JUST TO SHOW FAMILY DOES CPR WITHOUT FULL PROTOCOL.

70. A 20-year old man is diagnosed with suspected bacteremia and meningitis. He refuses

antibiotic therapy. He collapses and requires resuscitation. What should a physician do in this

situation?
Answer: the physician should resuscitate the patient despite the patient’s refusal to antibiotic

therapy.THOUGH ANTIBIOTICS STILL NOT USED.

71. A 50-year old woman is diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis. She collapsed in a doctor’s

office and is required resuscitation. She is waiting for valve replacement surgery. What should a

physician so in this situation?
Answer: this condition is called ‘physiological futility’. In severe aortic stenosis, vigorous

resuscitation is highly unlikely to restore adequate cardiac output. Therefore, the physician

might reasonably refrain from resuscitation.PHYSIOLOGICAL FUTILITY IS WHEN CHANCES OF SURVIVAL

WITH CPR LESS THAN 1%.

72. A 14-year old boy is diagnosed with terminally ill cancer. He is not responding to

chemotherapy. His parents want to continue the treatment. However, the boy does not want to

continue his suffering. The physician told the parents that chemotherapy will not be helpful.

What is the appropriate decision at this point? (Important)
Answer: the boy’s decision should be respected because the treatment is futile.(WRONG PT MINOR

PARENTS REQUEST SHUD BE UPHELD)GIVING CHEMOTHERAPY DOESNT PUT PT ON LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION

73. A surrogate pregnant mother made a surrogacy contract with a couple in which she will give

the baby to the couple. She developed complications in the first trimester and wanted to abort.

Is she allowed to do that? (Important)
Answer: yes. If her life or health becomes threatened from continuing the pregnancy, she should

retain her right to abortion.

74. A physician became sexually involved with a current patient who initiated or consented to the

contact. Is it ethical for a physician to become sexually involved?
Answer: no. Sexual involvement between physicians and former patients raises concern. The

physician should terminate the physician-patient relationship before initiating a romantic or

sexual relationship with a patient.IDEALLY ON STEPS SHUD BE HER DOC BUT SUPRESS UR OWN FEELINGS

(BE MOTHER TREASA)

75. A physician decided to take care of his own family members and relatives. He is a very smart

physician. Is this a right decision?
Answer: no. The physician should encourage all friends and family members to have their own

personal physician.

76. A male patient wants to have a copy of his medical records. What should a physician do in

this situation?
Answer: the physician should retain the original of the chart. Information should only be

released with the written permission of the patient or the patient’s legally authorized

representative (e.g., attorney).

77. A 30-year old female wants to have an abortion. Her physician objects to abortion on moral,

religious, or ethical grounds. What should a physician do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: physician should not offer advice to the patient.IF SHE IS NOT COMFORTABLE DOING ABORTION

ON MORAL GROUNDS REFER THE PT TO SOMEONE ELSE.

78. A physician sees patients at a reduced fee. He spends very little time with each patient. Is

the physician doing the right thing?
Answer: no. The physician is not providing optimal care.

79. A surrogate pregnant mother signed a surrogacy contract with a couple. Male partner gave

sperms which were artificially inseminated to the surrogate mother. Surrogate mother has a

genetic relation to the child. She wants to void the contract after the baby is born. Is she

allowed to breach the contract? (Important)
Answer: yes. Surrogate contracts, while permissible, should AND USUALLY grant the birth mother

the right to void the contract within a reasonable period of time after the birth of the child.

80. A surrogate pregnant mother signed a surrogacy contract with a couple. Both male and female

parents gave sperm and ovums respectively. The surrogate mother wants to void the contract and

she has no genetic relation. Is she allowed to breach the contract? (Important)
Answer: no. Genetic parents have exclusive custody and parental rights.

81. A surrogate pregnant mother signed a surrogacy contract with a couple. The couple got

divorced. Male partner gave sperms and the female partner gave ovums. They do not want to

continue the surrogate pregnancy. What should be the decision at this point? (Important)
Answer: the couple is genetically related to the fetus. They have the right not to continue with

this pregnancy.

82. A surrogate pregnant mother signed a surrogacy contract with a couple. The couple got

divorced. Male partner gave sperms but the female partner could not give ovums. They do not want

to continue the surrogate pregnancy. What should be the decision at this point? (Important)
Answer: female partner has no right to terminate this pregnancy because she has no genetic

relation. Surrogate mother has genetic relation and she has the right to continue this pregnancy

even if the male partner disagrees.

83. A 3-year old girl is diagnosed with blood cancer. She has been waiting for an umbilical cord

transfusion. Her mother delivered a newborn baby girl. Umbilical cord blood was obtained and was

transfused to the 3-year old sibling. What is the duty of the physician?
Answer: physician should obtain an informed consent of the risks of donation and he or she should

follow the normal umbilical cord clamping protocol. Physician should protect both the children.

84. A 31-year old man has decided to donate one of his kidneys for a large amount of money. Is

this the right decision?
Answer: no. However, the donor can receive some payment to cover his medical expenses.

85. A couple has decided to have a child through artificial insemination. They asked the

physician for sex selection of the child. What should a physician advise in this situation?

(Important)
Answer: physician should not participate for sex selection for reasons of gender preference.

However, sex selection of sperm for the purpose of avoiding a sex-linked inheritable disease is

appropriate.

86. A 30-year old man has donated his sperms which were kept frozen. He died in a car accident.

He did not leave any specific instructions regarding sperm donations. His wife wants to make use

of them. A woman requested her to donate his sperms. What is the appropriate decision?

(Important)
Answer: the donor’s wife can use the semen for artificial insemination but not to donate it to

someone else. The donor should give clear instructions at the time of donation. The donor has the

power to override any decision.

87. The donor and recipient of sperms are not married. Who would be considered the sole parent of

the child? (Important)
Answer: the recipient. Except in cases where both donor and recipient agree to recognize a

paternity right.

88. The residents and medical students were asked by an attending to follow certain orders for a

patient. The residents and medical students believe the orders reflect serious errors in clinical

or ethical judgment. What is the appropriate way to handle the situation? (Important)
Answer: The residents and medical students should not follow those orders. They should discuss

with the attending issuing those orders. They should also discuss the situation with a senior

attending physician, a chief of staff, or a chief resident.

89. A physician used a newly prescribed drug to his patient. The patient got sick after the drug

was ingested and required hospitalization. Should the physician report this drug’s side effect to

FDA (Food and Drug Administration)? (Important)
Answer: yes. FDA should be notified only if the drug causes serious adverse events such as those

resulting in death, hospitalization, or medical or surgical intervention.

90. A 39-year old female has been suffering from chronic cholecystitis. The surgeon advised

cholecystectomy. The patient wants a second opinion. The surgeon agreed. The patient went to

another surgeon and has decided to be operated by the second surgeon. What should the second

surgeon do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: the second surgeon should accept the patient because the patient has the right to choose

the surgeon. First surgeon should accept the patient’s decision.

91. A 45-year old male was admitted to the hospital with mild chest pain. He wants to leave the

hospital before completion of therapy. How do you manage the patient? (Important)
Answer: The patient is asked to sign a statement that he is leaving against medical advice (AMA).

The patient may however leave without signing that statement. This document is a legal evidence

that the patient was warned by the physician about the risk of leaving. Please remember,

discharge AMA does not apply to children.

92. A 55-year old man requested his physician to misrepresent his medical condition to receive

disability or insurance payment. What is the appropriate response of the physician in this

situation?
Answer: The physician must refuse that request.

93. What is the responsibility of a fellow physician who is aware of drug abuse, alcohol abuse,

or psychiatric illness of his colleagues or of a medical condition that is harmful to patients?

(Very Important)
Answer: the physician should protect the patients. The fellow physician should report to the

appropriate authority (i.e., report to the hospital authority; report to the Dean for a medical

student’s problem).

94. A 60-year old male has been suffering from severe pain due to terminal prostate cancer. The

patient is receiving lower doses of narcotics and sedatives. How can a physician relieve his

suffering? (Important)
Answer: The physician should increase the dosage of narcotics and sedatives up to the maximum

recommended amount. The suffering can be reduced by listening, spending more time with him, and

reducing psychological distress.

[IMG SURVIVOR]

95. A 25-year old female medical student or resident noticed a mistake made by a junior attending

physician during rounds. She is afraid of that attending physician. What is the appropriate way

to handle the situation? (Important)
Answer: She should discuss the situation with a more senior attending physician for appropriate

interpretation, advice, and assistance.

96. A 26-year old male medical student or resident made a mistake during patient care. He is

afraid of what might result. What is the appropriate way to handle the situation?
Answer: He should disclose the mistake to the attending physician and try to learn from that

mistake. The patient should be notified as well.

97. A 63-year old female health care worker is concerned about taking care of patients with HIV

infection or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. What is the appropriate way to handle the

situation? (Important)
Answer: The physician should provide appropriate care to patients despite personal risk.

Institutions should reduce the risk of infection by appropriate equipment, supervision, and

training. Her concern should be taken seriously.

98. A 30-year old male physician has an opportunity for financial incentive if he sees more

patients and refers them unnecessarily. What is you opinion about this?
Answer: The physician should provide only care that is in the patient’s best interest.

99. Two physicians are discussing a case inside the elevator of a hospital. What is your opinion

about this?
Answer: They should not do that because they have to maintain the patient’s confidentiality.

100. The patient’s confidentiality should be maintained except in the following situations:
Physicians should override third parties in case of domestic violence, child abuse, elderly

abuse, gunshot wounds, syphilis, and tuberculosis. They should report these cases to appropriate

governmental authorities.

101. A physician is experiencing a very difficult ethical issue regarding a complicated case. He

is confused. What should be the next step?
Answer: he should discuss the matter with other faculty members in his health care team,

colleagues, or hospital ethics committee.

102. What is the final plan of action in an ethical issue?
Answer: Both patient and physician should agree regarding final management. The patient should be

well-informed about the medical condition. The physician should be sympathetic and knowledgeable

regarding the relevant medical condition.

103. DNR (do not resuscitate) order. This is appropriate if the patient or surrogate signed that

order or if CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) would be futile. Physicians should write DNR

orders and the reason for them in the chart. Please remember, “slow” or “show” codes are not

acceptable. Foods and fluids are considered therapies that should be stopped. (Important)

104. (A)Brain death (adult): (Important)
(i) Definition by the President’s Committee:
Death is an irreversible cessation of circulation and respiratory functions or irreversible

cessation of all functions of the entire brain and brain stem.
(ii) The criteria of brain death by the staff of Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard

Committee:
Death occurs when there is absence of all signs of receptivity, responsivity, and all brainstem

reflexes, and the EEG is isoelectric. Sometimes metabolic disorders and intoxications may mimic

the above findings.
(iii) The guidelines of brain death:
(a) The diagnosis should be made also by another physician and confirmed by clinical findings and

EEG.
(b) The family should be notified. They should not make the decision about discontinuing medical

treatment except in a situation where the patient has directed the family to make the decision.
(c) The physician should discuss with another physician before removing supportive measures

(e.g., ventilators).
(d) Family members may request organ donation, and in many states physicians may request the

family to make an organ donation.
(B) Brain death (children):
(i) Definition: same as in adults.
(ii) Criteria: similar in children and adults, but the period of observation is longer in

children.
Children 1wk-2mo of age: two separate examinations 48 hours apart
Children 2mo-1yr of age: two separate examinations 24 hours apart
Children more than 1 yr of age: two separate examinations 12 hours apart
Spontaneous movements must be absent, with the exception of spinal cord reflex withdrawal and

myocolnus.
Generalized flaccidity should be present. The presence of clinical criteria for 2 days in term

and 3 days in preterm infants indicates brain death in majority of asphyxiated newborns. The

absence of cerebral blood flow on radionuclide scan and silence of electrical activity on EEG are

not always observed in brain-dead newborns. There is no universal consensus about the definition

of neonatal brain death. The decision is made after discussion with the family and health care

team. If there is difference of opinion, the ethics committee should be consulted. The decision

is made on the basis of what is in the best interest of the infants and children.

105. Practice guidelines for physicians:
(i) The best way to practice medicine is to select useful diagnostic techniques and therapeutic

measures which are most appropriate to a particular patient and clinical condition.
(ii) Practice guidelines can reduce the health care costs, which improves health care to patients

who even do not have adequate health care benefits.
(iii) Please remember, guidelines do not and should not be the only way of managing an individual

patient.

106. Some important points about patients:
(i) For a patient with an incurable disease, the major goal of therapy should be the enhancement

of the quality of life.
(ii) The patient care begins with a personal relationship between the patient and the physician.

If a patient has confidence on the physician, reassurance may be the best therapy. The patient

must understand that the physician is giving the best possible care available.

107. Patients who do not have decision-making capacity about their medical care:
The patients who do not have decision-making capacity usually arrange for surrogates who make

decisions for them. Their choices depend on their values. Psychiatrists are helpful in mentally

impaired patients. Family members are usually the surrogates, because they know the patients very

well
Advanced directives: statements made in advance in case patients lose their decision-making

capacity in the future. These directives indicate the names of surrogates and which interventions

are acceptable or not acceptable to them. These are achieved by oral conversation (most common

form), living will, health care power of attorney, or physicians can ask the patient in advance.
Absence of advance directives and surrogates: physicians can make the decision using all

information and should respect the patient’s values. Physicians must know the laws of the state

in which they practice.
Patient preferences are known:
The decision is made with the patient’s best interest in mind.
Disagreements between potential surrogates or between the physician and surrogate: Physicians can

consult with the hospital ethics committee or with other physicians. The courts should be only

the last resort.

108. Down syndrome with different medical conditions: (Very Important)
(a) Duodenal atresia at birth: surgical repair is recommended as it is done regularly.
(b) VSD (ventricular septal defect) in newborn period: initial conservative medicals management

is followed by surgical repair as it is done regularly.
(c) Cyanotic heart disease at birth: immediate medical management, which is followed by surgical

repair as it is required routinely.
(d) Cosmetic surgical condition (e.g., rhinophyma or big nose): there is no urgency to repair the

underlying condition, but it can be done as it is performed regularly.
(e) Neural tube defects (e.g., meningomyelocele): surgical repair is recommended as it is done

regularly.
Please remember, a patient’s management should be discussed with his/her parents and the decision

made with the best interest of the patient in mind.

109. A healthy male patient with Down Syndrome lives independently. He went to a doctor for

facial cosmetic surgery. Can he make his own decision? (Important)
Answer: yes. The patient can make his decision if he understands the procedure and the

consequences. He lives independently which indicates that he is capable of making his own

decision.

110. A patient went to the doctor due to throat pain. The doctor asked the patient what her

problem was. The patient said that she woke up at six o’clock in the morning, went to the

bathroom, ate breakfast, and went to drop her children at school. She then came back home, stared

cooking and continues to talk about irrelevant things. What should the doctor do to stop the

patient from rambling? (Important)
Answer: the doctor should ask the patient to tell him what problems she has related only to her

throat.

111. A patient went to a doctor for abdominal pain but remained quiet throughout the visit. He

did not tell the doctor enough about his symptoms. What should the doctor do? (Important)
Answer: the doctor must ask the patient detailed questions about his abdominal pain. It is the

doctor’s obligation to find out as much as he can about the patient. Without enough information,

the doctor will not be able to make an accurate diagnosis.

112. A patient walked into his doctor’s office with acute abdominal pain. He has been suffering

from ulcerative colitis. The patient is noncompliant and did not visit for the past six months.

What should the doctor do in this situation? (Very Important)
Answer: The doctor should find out more about the patient’s abdominal pain before making any

other decision. The doctor should always be responsible with the patients.

113. A terminally ill pancreatic cancer patient with multiple metastasis is admitted to the

hospital.
He is in critical condition. The patient wants to know his prognosis. What should the doctor say?
Answer: the doctor should tell the patient politely that he will discuss his condition with him

The doctor should never specify the longevity of the patient. The doctor should tell the truth

even when the patient is a child. The doctor should not hide any medical information from the

patient.

114. A patient is recently diagnosed with cancer. He is nervous but is eager to know about his

medical diagnosis. What should the doctor’s reply be? (Important)
Answer: the doctor should gently tell the patient his condition.

115. A patient is recently diagnosed with cancer. Previously, he had an episode of a nervous

breakdown after hearing a family death and had to be admitted to a hospital. He loves his family

members and tends to be very open with them on all issues. How should the doctor tell the patient

about his current state? (Important)
Answer: the doctor should call his family members and discuss the patient’s medical condition

openly and politely.(WRONG IF DISCLOSING BAD NEWS CLEARLY PUTS PT IN NERVOUS BREAKDOWN CONDITION

WAIT AND GRADUALLY TELL THE PT.NEVER BREAK CONFIDENTIALETY)

116. A male patient was admitted with severe myocardial infarction. He was admitted to the ICU

and his condition is very critical. He does not know the reason for his admission. The patient is

unstable. What should the doctor tell the patient? (Important)
Answer: the doctor should wait until the patient is stabilized and then gently tell him his

medical condition.(HIDING SOMETHING FROM THE PT MAKES HIM MORE SUSPICIOUS AND MAY LEAD TO ALL

KIND OF MISCONCEPTION IN PTS MIND SO NEVER WAIT TO TELL PT UNLESS TELLING IS CLEARLY DETREMENTAL)

117. A mother gave birth to a premature baby who was admitted to the NICU (neonatal intensive

care unit). The baby is on a mechanical ventilator. The mother wants to hold the baby IN HER

ARMS. What should the doctor do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: the mother should be allowed to hold the baby.

118. A male patient is recently diagnosed with HIV. Should the doctor ask about his sexual

orientation (i.e., male, female, or both)? (Important)
Answer: yes, the doctor should ask the patient directly but politely about his sexual

orientation.

119. A homosexual male patient went to a doctor. The patient’s partner was recently diagnosed

with HIV. Should the doctor ask the patient whether he is being penetrated by his partner or he

penetrates his partner?
Answer: yes, because the person who is being penetrated has a higher incidence of HIV due to

trauma in perianal area.

120. A 6-year old boy comes to the ER after drowning. He expired in the ER despite appropriate

resuscitations. The family members became angry which is a reflection of a sense if guilt and

helplessness. What is the appropriate way of giving information to the family members?
Answer: the physician should give the information clearly and compassionately when there is no

hope for survival. Parents need to know that everything was done to save the child.

121. A pregnant woman who is Rh(-)ve became sensitized. She had H/O induced abortions. Her

husband is not aware of his wife’s previous abortions. He wants to know from the physician how

she became sensitized. (Very Important)
Answer: the physician should tell the man to ask his wife. The physician should not mention

anything about the patient’s H/O abortions.

122. A mother brought her infant to the ER. The radiologist test reveals old fractures of the

ribs. She did not know anything about that. (Very Important)
Answer: this is a case of child abuse. This case should be reported to child welfare agency.

123. A physician is examining a child with respiratory distress. The child’s mother became

anxious during the physical examination. Please remember, a patient’s management should be

discussed with his/her parents and the decision made with the best interest of the patient in

mind. (Important)
Answer: child abuse.( ICUDNT UNDERSTANMD THE QUESTION)

124. A mentally retarded patient became pregnant. The patient does not want an abortion. Her

mother and husband want an abortion. What should a physician do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: abortion should not be performed.BCUZ SHE IS COMPETENT UNLESS PROVED OTHERWISE

125. A male physician is examining an adolescent or adult female patient. What should a physician

do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: a chaperone should be present during the physical examination. The same rules apply when

a physician is examining a patient who appears to be seductive. (Important)

126. A female physician is examining an adolescent or adult male patient. What should a physician

do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: a chaperone should not be present during the physical exam.

127. A suspected HIV patient expired in a car accident. He signed for organ donations. What
should a physician do in this situation?
Answer: his HIV status is not certain. The organs can be preserved until the HIV status is

confirmed. If the test for HIV is positive, organs should be discarded.

128. A patient who expired in a car accident signed in his license foe organ donations. His

license has expired. He always wanted to donate his organs. What should a physician do in this

situation? (Important)
Answer: physican cannot accept organs because the signed consent has expired.ASK FAMILY MEMBERS

ABOUT WISHES OF THE PT IF HE WANTED TO DONATE ORGANS.JUST AHVING AN ORGAN DONOR CARD DOESNT TELL

PT INTENT.MAY BE HE SHUD HAVE DONE TO SHOW OFF OR GET A BONUS OR FORCRD BY SOMEONE.EVEN IF DONOR

CARD HAD NOT EXPIRED AND FAMILY UNANAMOUSLY SAID THAT PT DIDNT WANTED TO DONATE ORGANS DONOT

ACCEPT ORGANS FOR TRANSPLANT

129. A male physician sexually harassed a female patient during the physical examination. The

patient complained to a nurse. What should the nurse do in this situation?
Answer: the nurse should tell the patient to make an official report to the hospital authority or

to an appropriate agency.

130. A chronic male smoker comes to the physician for his heart problems. The physician wanted

his patient to quit smoking. What should the physician advise in this situation?
Answer: the physician should ask the patient to quit smoking immediately because patients are

usually more responsive when they are ill. The physician should assist the smoker to move one

step closer to quitting.

131. A terminally ill patient did not sign a DNR (do not resuscitate) order, however, he signed a

DNI (do not intubate) order. What should the physician do in this situation?
Answer: the physician should follow his orders i.e., the patient should be resuscitated but

should not be intubated, despite severe hypoxic condition of the patient.

132. A terminally ill patient signed a DNR order, however, he did not sign a DNI (do not

intubate) order. He wants to be intubated but not resuscitated. What should a physician do in

this situation?
Answer: the physician should follow his orders i.e., the patient should be intubated but should

not be resuscitated.

133. An adolescent car accident victim was brought to the ER in an unconscious state. The patient

needs immediate surgical interventions. The surgeon was unable to contact any family member to

obtain consent. What should a surgeon do in this situation? (Important)
Answer: the surgeon should do the procedure without waiting to obtain a consent for the benefit

of the patient.

134. An obgyn doctor is recently diagnosed with HIV infection. He is receiving medication for

HIV. His physical and mental conditions are normal. Should he tell his patients or fellow

physicians about his HIV status?
Answer: no, however, the doctor should take appropriate precautions for infection control. He

does not have to tell his fellow physicians about his HIV status including the physicians who are

referring patients to him. The doctor is allowed to see patients if he takes appropriate

precautions. However, he should notify the hospital authority.

135. A physician is scared of seeing an HIV patient with an open wound. Can a physician refuse to

see a patient?
Answer: yes, however, a physician’s refusal to see a patient is unethical but is legal.

136. An elderly semicomatose patient may require surgical intervention. His family members are

confused about the surgery. They asked the surgeon for his opinion. What should the surgeon’s

response be?
Answer: the surgeon can give his opinion and act as a moral surrogate for the benefit of the

patient. (Very Important)

137. A 12-year old boy is diagnosed with a terminal illness (e.g., malignancy). He asked the

doctor about his prognosis. His parents requested the doctor not to tell him the bad news. What

should the doctor do in this situation? (Very Important)
Answer: the doctor should tell the truth politely and compassionately to the patient.YES TOTALYY

CORRECT CHILD NEEDS TO BE BE TOLD OF HIS TERMINAL ILLNESS IF HE CAN UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION AND

IRREVERSIBILTY OF DEATH.TRY TO CONVINCE PARENTS FIRST.

138. A 55-year old woman is recently diagnosed with right breast cancer. The doctor told the

patient that she will require surgery for removal of the right breast. She started to cry. What

should a doctor do in this situation?
Answer: first, the doctor should give her some tissue paper for wiping her tears. Then, the

doctor should be sympathetic to her and console her. He might tell her that similar reactions are

usually expected from other patients with breast cancer. Please do not mention that she will be

fine with a breast implant or without a right breast because she is already 55-years old.

139. A mother is carrying a 500 gram premature fetus which develops acute fetal distress. The

physician wanted to perform a cesarean section. Mother refused cesarean section. What should the

doctor do in this situation?
Answer: the physician should arrange a bedside conference with the mother along with other

physicians, social worker, and administrator to discuss the ma