What would you do if a patient refuses anesthesia or a blood product needed for safe surgery?
Specialty-SpecificEthical
Purpose
This question digs into your understanding of patient autonomy and ethical dilemmas in medicine. Interviewers want to see how you balance respecting a patient's wishes with ensuring their safety.
Tips
- Start by acknowledging the patient's right to refuse and try to understand their reasons.
- Communicate clearly and compassionately about the risks of proceeding without the necessary treatment.
- Involve your team and consider all alternatives to respect the patient's wishes while ensuring safety.
Common mistakes
- Don't just say you'll respect their refusal without exploring their reasons or the risks involved.
- Avoid making it seem like you can proceed with surgery regardless of the refusal; safety is key.
- Don't forget to involve senior staff or resources like an ethics committee when needed.