Medical Law, Ethics, and Deontology: Rights, Duties, and Dilemmas
This domain tests the legal and ethical framework of practice: consent, confidentiality, competence, negligence, and end-of-life decisions. Know the four principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) and how they are applied in concrete cases.
Concepts to master
- Informed consent: capacity, voluntariness, disclosure, and documentation.
- Confidentiality and its lawful exceptions (public health reporting, court order, imminent harm).
- Negligence: duty, breach, causation, damages.
- End-of-life: advance directives, do-not-resuscitate orders, and withdrawal of futile treatment.
- Professional duties: honesty, competence, referral, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Traps
Questions often present a patient who refuses treatment; autonomy usually prevails if capacity is intact, even if the decision seems unwise. Another trap is confusing confidentiality with absolute secrecy-there are legal exceptions. Be careful with minors and emergency exceptions to consent. Watch for answers that prioritize institutional convenience over patient rights.
Worked rule of thumb
For any ethical dilemma, ask: Does the patient have capacity? What does the patient want? Is there a legal duty or exception? Apply the four principles and choose the option that respects autonomy while minimizing harm. Document the reasoning.