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.

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