A fellow physician consults you regarding a complicated patient case. From an ethical standpoint, what is the best approach?
A Offer advice that stays within your clinical expertise
B Refer the case back without any input to avoid liability
C Provide a comprehensive treatment plan regardless of your specialty
D Delay responding until you review all relevant literature extensively
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
- The best ethical approach is to offer advice strictly within your clinical expertise.
- This ensures you provide safe, accurate, and reliable guidance without overstepping professional boundaries or risking patient harm.
- Giving input beyond your specialty can lead to mismanagement and possible liability issues.
- Referring without input or delaying response may compromise patient care.
- Maintaining professional integrity and prioritizing patient safety is fundamental in medical ethics.
Reference: Beauchamp & Childress, Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 8th Ed., Chapter 7: Professional-Patient Relationships.