Which of the following most accurately describes the participation of prisoners in clinical trials and research?

Which of the following most accurately describes the participation of prisoners in clinical trials and research?

A 52-year-old man sees you in follow-up after a radical prostatectomy. He had been fully informed about the risk of the procedure such as incontinence and impotence. Neither of these adverse effects occurs. While searching on the Web he finds that there is treatment without surgery involving the implantation of radioactive seeds or pellets in the prostate. He files suit against you because of an improper informed consent. What will be the most likely outcome of the suit?

A 65-year-old man comes to see you because he wants your help in committing suicide. The patient has recently been diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer but he is not in pain or nauseated. He found out because of a screening colonoscopy and a subsequent staging evaluation. He denies depression and seems to have a normal mood. He is asking for a prescription or combination of medications that he can take to end his life. He says he will wait for a few weeks or months until he starts to feel weak and then he wants to end his life before he becomes debilitated, bed-bound, or a burden to his family. Which of the following is most appropriate in this case?

Melinda is a married 35-year-old pregnant childless woman who has lost four previous pregnancies between 16 and 23 weeks gestation. She currently has reached 23 weeks and 3 days of gestation, her fetus is seemingly healthy, and has an estimated weight of 550 grams (+/- 1.2 lbs). She has ruptured her bag of waters and is now having labor that seems unstoppable with tocolytics. Delivery seems inevitable. What is the physician's duty to inform the parents?

A 44-year-old psychology professor with a chronic history of rheumatoid arthritis presents for a follow-up examination. She is currently taking prednisone and infliximab, a regimen that has successfully stabilized her condition. Physical examination reveals no significant changes. Toward the end of the visit, she mentions that she would like to try acupuncture as an adjunct treatment in addition to the medications she is currently taking. What is the most appropriate response to her request?