Mr. M. consents to a procedure on his left ear. After the patient is anesthetized Dr. W. discovers that the right ear is in greater need of surgery. What should the surgeon do?

Mr. M. consents to a procedure on his left ear. After the patient is anesthetized Dr. W. discovers that the right ear is in greater need of surgery. What should the surgeon do?

A 32 year old woman was admitted to the Trauma Intensive Care Unit following a motor vehicle accident; she had multiple injuries and fractures, with several complications which continued to develop over the first couple of weeks. The patient rapidly developed Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, was on a ventilator, and was continuously sedated. Shortly after the patient's admission, her parents were contacted and remained vigilant at her bedside. The parents reported that the patient was one month away from having her divorce finalized. The patient's husband was reportedly physically and emotionally abusive to her throughout their five years of marriage. The parents had not notified this man of the patient's hospitalization, and reported that visit by him would be distressing to the patient if she were aware of it. The patient's soon to be ex-husband is her legal next of kin. Should the husband be responsible for treatment decisions which the patient cannot make?

After having completed a study that involved the collection of tissue from the subjects, an investigator wishes to perform additional analysis of the archived tissue samples. This nature of this analysis was not explicitly stated in the original consent form. Should the investigator be required to obtain explicit consent for the new research?

A pediatrician in a group practice comes to a colleague to inquire about a patient that the colleague examined earlier that morning. The pediatrician says that he recognized the patient as a former neighbor who is also a good friend of the family. The patient was recently diagnosed as HIV positive and is now on antiretroviral medication. The pediatrician asks why the patient is being treated. What is the most appropriate response to such an inquiry?

A 16-year-old girl is brought to the physician for evaluation of 'moodiness.' Her parents are concerned that she has been crying frequently since her boyfriend ended their relationship last month. The girl has been going to her bedroom after school and refusing to speak to her parents about the breakup. She has no history of medical or psychiatric problems. Her father hunts for sport and keeps multiple rifles in the basement. Growth parameters and vital signs are normal. Examination shows a cooperative girl with flat affect and lacerations on her wrist. Which of the following is the most effective method of preventing firearm injury in a patient with suicidal gestures?