MCCQE Ethics and Legal Duties 4

Question 1

A physician is treating a long-term patient who is also a close personal friend. Which ethical risk does this relationship most create?

Accepted Answer

Boundary violation and compromised objectivity

Answer

Breach of research ethics

Answer

Violation of mandatory reporting duties

Answer

Conflict with substitute decision-maker hierarchy

Question 2

A physician receives a gift worth $500 from a grateful patient. What is the most ethically appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Decline politely or accept only nominal gifts and document accordingly

Answer

Accept it as a token of appreciation without concern

Answer

Accept it and donate to charity

Answer

Report the gift to the licensing body immediately

Question 3

Which element is NOT required for legally valid informed consent in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Written signature on a consent form

Answer

Disclosure of material risks

Answer

Understanding of the information

Answer

Voluntary agreement

Question 4

A physician is called to testify as an expert witness in a malpractice case. What is their primary duty?

Accepted Answer

Provide impartial, objective evidence to assist the court

Answer

Advocate strongly for the side that retained them

Answer

Protect the reputation of the medical profession

Answer

Avoid disclosing information that might harm a colleague

Question 5

A patient with schizophrenia is stable on medication but refuses to take it, believing they no longer need it. Capacity assessment shows they are currently capable. What is the ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal and develop a safety plan

Answer

Administer medication involuntarily to prevent relapse

Answer

Seek immediate involuntary treatment order

Answer

Inform the family to administer medication secretly

Question 6

Which of the following situations creates a mandatory reporting obligation for a Canadian physician regardless of patient consent?

Accepted Answer

A patient with untreated epileptic seizures who holds a commercial driver's licence

Answer

A patient with poorly controlled diabetes who drives

Answer

A patient with hypertension on medication

Answer

A patient with depression who walks to work

Question 7

A terminally ill patient asks their physician to write a prescription for a lethal dose of medication to end their life on their own terms (assisted suicide). The patient does not qualify for MAID under current criteria. What should the physician do?

Accepted Answer

Decline, explain the legal limits, and explore palliative and MAID eligibility options

Answer

Write the prescription as requested to respect autonomy

Answer

Report the patient to authorities for requesting illegal assistance

Answer

Refer the patient to a psychiatrist only