Question

Question 1

Mr. Cure presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial meningitis. When he was told his diagnosis and told he would be admitted to the hospital for treatment with antibiotics, he refused further care without giving a reason. The physician explained the extreme dangers of going untreated and the minimal risk of treatment. The young man persisted in his refusal. He exhibited no evidence of mental derangement or altered mental status that would suggest decisional incapacity. This patient's refusal of treatment is based on

Select one:

a. competent refusal.

b. refusal on the grounds of unusual belief.

c. enigmatic refusal.

d. an act of omission.

Question 2

A patient is given an inert substance with no pharmacological effect for her back pain. This treatment significantly decreases her level of pain. This is referred to as a

Select one:

a. act of omission.

b. placebo effect.

c. right "Not to Know."

d. disclosure.

Question 3

Confidentiality is an absolute obligation for a health care professional.

Select one:

a. True

b. False

Question 4

When the family does not know the wishes of the patient, end of life decisions may be very difficult.

Select one:

a. True

b. False

Answer 1

1. A

2. B placebo effect

3. False

confidentiality is not absolute'. All healthcare workers, including doctors, have a duty of confidentiality to their patients. In short, this means that information received about patients by a clinician should not be shared.

4.b true