Behavioral Science & Ethics USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 52-year-old man undergoes routine colonoscopy; the gastroenterologist accidentally perforates the colon. Vitals: BP 128/82, HR 88, RR 16, Temp 37.2°C, SpO2 98%. The perforation is identified intraoperatively (CT abdomen shows focal colonic wall defect) and repaired surgically without long-term complications. Post-op labs show WBC 7.2, normal lactate. The physician experiences uncertainty about disclosing the iatrogenic perforation to the patient. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
Answer choices
- ADocument the perforation in the chart but do not inform the patient
- BWithhold the information because the complication was corrected without sequelae
- CDiscuss the situation with the hospital risk management team before informing the patient
- DInform the patient only if he specifically asks about complications
- EInform the patient about the perforation and the corrective surgeryCorrect answer
- FConsult with the hospital's legal counsel to determine liability before deciding whether to disclose the complication
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.