Ethical Dilemma in Physical Therapy

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Questions and Answers

What is a key reason Sherlane urges the student to stop using steroids?

It is against the school's policy to use steroids.

Sherlane wants the student to have a fair chance at winning.

The student will not perform as well without steroids.

Using steroids can lead to serious health risks. (correct)

What conflicting loyalty does the physician face regarding the student's steroid use?

Loyalty to the parents versus loyalty to the team's success.

Loyalty to the student versus loyalty to the coach.

Loyalty to the medical profession versus loyalty to sports ethics.

Loyalty to the school district’s policies versus loyalty to the student’s autonomy. (correct)

What argument does the student use to justify his steroid use?

He feels that the state championship is not important enough to jeopardize his health.

He implies that he has a medical condition that necessitates steroid use.

He believes he can make the team without any performance enhancement.

He argues that everyone else is using steroids, making it unfair to compete without them. (correct)

What ethical principle might the physician invoke to justify overriding the student's autonomy?

Duty to promote health and well-being. Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome does the loyalty to the school district suggest could happen if the student's steroid use is reported?

The student might be expelled from the school. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the zero-tolerance drug policies in Sherlane's school district?

To limit potential damage from drug-related issues Signup and view all the answers

What is a key potential consequence of the 'Do Nothing' option for Sherlane?

It could cause Sherlane to lose her job over time due to negligence Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for Sherlane if she decides to report Donald to law enforcement?

She needs to prepare a written account of the situation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the desired outcome of Option 3 for Sherlane?

To change Donald's behavior while mitigating risks Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of the zero-tolerance policy mentioned in the document?

It does not allow for flexibility in handling situations. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical consideration should Sherlane prioritize when deciding whether to ask Donald about steroid use?

Her responsibility to protect Donald's long-term health Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of Sherlane not addressing her observations about muscle hypertrophy?

Donald may continue using steroids without intervention Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Sherlane's role complicates her decision to inquire about steroids?

Her relationship with Donald as a trusted health provider Signup and view all the answers

In this scenario, what is a possible conflict that Sherlane faces?

Balancing patient confidentiality with the need for transparency Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk for Sherlane if she decides to thoroughly investigate steroid use?

Her professional reputation may suffer if she is wrong Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the deliberation and decision step in the decision-making process?

Weighing the presented options to find the most ethical choice Signup and view all the answers

Which option emphasizes the decision-maker's responsibilities to the student and school?

Speaking with the parents regarding the issue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options involves no formal record of the discussion?

Discussing the issue informally with the principal Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction emphasized in the action step of the decision-making process?

Deciding the best option versus implementing it Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential outcome of discussing the situation with the coach according to the options provided?

Outlining potential consequences for the student's reputation and job Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of reflecting on the decision-making process after an action has been taken?

To evaluate the decision and consider necessary changes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes autonomy?

The self-guidance based on personal desires and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is specifically mentioned as lacking autonomy?

Individuals with advanced Alzheimer's disease and infants Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of predicting future outcomes after a decision?

The future is inherently uncertain with guaranteed outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the key implication of an individual lacking autonomy on their decision-making?

It limits their capacity to guide their own lives Signup and view all the answers

What does moral autonomy primarily refer to?

The moral authority to make one's own decisions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the consequence of respecting moral autonomy in a therapeutic context?

Patients are encouraged to be independent and responsible for themselves Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Mrs. S, what can be inferred about her refusal to continue therapy?

She is exercising her right to refuse based on personal judgment Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of patient care does respecting moral autonomy NOT include?

Imposing treatment plans despite patient objections Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Mrs. S's experience challenges the concept of respecting her autonomy?

The increasing pain associated with range-of-motion exercises Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of medical paternalism?

Promoting a patient's best interests without consent. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of weak paternalism?

Forbidding a patient from taking an overdose of medication. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue does the act of performing ROM exercises against a patient's wishes exemplify?

Informed consent violation. Signup and view all the answers

Medical paternalism can often lead to which negative outcome in a patient-physician relationship?

Decreased patient autonomy and empowerment. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is least likely to be classified as an example of medical paternalism?

Respecting a patient's decision to refuse a life-saving treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of strong paternalism?

It promotes well-being by overriding personal choices. Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance is strong paternalism most commonly accepted?

In cases of emergency without immediate family contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a prominent concern regarding the application of strong paternalism in medicine?

It could lead to a distrust in medical professionals. Signup and view all the answers

What may be a justification for employing strong paternalism in healthcare settings?

To act in the best interest of the patient during incapacitation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the ethical implications of strong paternalism?

It raises complex questions about autonomy and intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of information in the informed consent process?

It provides relevant details that allow patients to make an informed decision about their treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes voluntariness in informed consent?

Patients must feel free to choose among treatment options without coercion. Signup and view all the answers

What does competence refer to in the context of informed consent?

The patient's mental capacity to understand the information provided. Signup and view all the answers

Informed consent must be viewed as an ongoing process because:

Patients may need to renegotiate their treatment plan at any time. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of giving relevant information to patients?

It should encompass alternative therapies and the risks associated with them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Dilemma

A physical therapist is treating a wrestler who is using anabolic steroids and is showing visible signs of it.
She has to decide whether to report him to law enforcement based on school policy
The wrestler's autonomy vs. the therapist's duty to promote health and the school policy must be weighed.
She can choose between reporting the student, doing nothing, or continuing to talk to him.

Options for Addressing the Situation

The text presents several options for addressing the situation.
These include:
- Reporting the student to law enforcement
- Talking to the coach
- Discussing the issue informally with the principal
- Speaking to the parents
- Reporting the situation to the principal with documentation -Doing Nothing

Medical Paternalism

The text discusses medical paternalism, where a doctor might override a patient's wishes to promote their well-being.
Strong paternalism: Interferes with a person's liberty to promote their good, even against their will (e.g., amputating a gangrenous leg).
Weak paternalism: Interfering with a patient's freedom to prevent self-harm (e.g., stopping someone from walking into traffic).

The text discusses informed consent, where a patient has a right to know their treatment options and refuse them.
3 conditions must be met for informed consent: Information, Voluntariness, and Competence.
This includes information on:
- The proposed therapy and alternative therapies
- Risks and benefits of the proposed therapy and alternative therapies
- Financial costs.
- Additional information the patient requests.

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Description

This quiz explores the ethical dilemmas faced by a physical therapist treating a wrestler using anabolic steroids. It examines the balance between patient autonomy, the therapist's duty to promote health, and adherence to school policy. Participants will analyze various options for addressing the situation, including reporting and communication strategies.