Question

Mr. J is 26 years old and has recently became a patient of a family physician. He had an episode last year of weakness in one arm and blurred vision (without headache) that went away within 12 hours. He was referred to a neurologist, who did several tests. Mr. J was subsequently told not to worry about the episode, and he thought no more about it. He has had no similar episodes since. In his medical records is a letter from the neurologist to his previous family physician, stating that Mr. J almost certainly has multiple sclerosis (also called MS, typically a long-term disease involving decreasing functioning of the nervous system). In the letter, the neurologist explains that in order to prevent excessive worry he does not inform patients in the early stages of multiple sclerosis of their diagnosis.

q1:

Which of these is the best Kantian reason in favor of telling Mr. J of the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Group of answer choices

There is no way that telling him will cause any distress in this case.

He needs this information to rationally set goals for himself and pursue them.

If he has all the information, then he can make himself and his loved ones happier.

Wise and caring physicians typically explain all of a patient’s diagnoses to them.

q2:

Which of these assessments of the case is most correct?

Group of answer choices

The duty of paternalism requires starting treatment for Mr. J’s MS, because he does not know he has MS.

Beneficence requires you not to cause Mr. J. to be worried or distressed.

Utilitarianism favors telling him, so that he is better able to make medical decisions to maximize his happiness.

Confidentiality requires keeping the neurologist’s note from the patient.

q3:

Judging from the information you have about the case, which principle most likely motivated the neurologist’s decision not to tell Mr. J of his diagnosis?

Group of answer choices

Informed consent

Respect for autonomy

Justice

Nonmaleficence

Answer 1

q1) He needs this information to rationally set goals for himself and pursue them.

q2) Confidentiality requires keeping the neurologist's note from the patient.

q3) Respect for autonomy.