Legal, Ethical and Organizational Aspects (Professional Behaviours) — 30yo Man | Medical-Legal | MCCQE1 Q#13603
MCCQE1 Question #13603
Dimension of Care
Health Promotion & Illness Prevention
Activity
Professional Behaviours
Objective
Legal, Ethical and Organizational Aspects
Section
Public Health / Ethics / Legal / Organizational (PHELO/PMCH)
Subject
Medical-Legal
Last updated: February 2026
A 30-year-old man undergoes elective laparoscopic removal of a benign intra-abdominal mass. Before surgery, he is found to have decision-making capacity and provides informed consent after discussion of the procedure, alternatives, and material risks. Postoperatively, he develops worsening abdominal pain, fever, and signs of peritonitis. CT of the abdomen shows free intraperitoneal air and fluid consistent with a bowel injury. At re-operation, an unrecognized colonic laceration is found and repaired, and he requires further surgery and a prolonged hospital stay. He sues the surgeon and hospital in Canada, alleging negligent intraoperative care. Which defence is most central for the surgeon and hospital in this negligence action?
Full answer analysis and choices are available inside the practice session.
Related questions
- #13601 — A 32-year-old woman presents to her family doctor’s office with headaches, fatig...
- #13584 — In Ontario, a 36-year-old warehouse worker sustains a back injury while lifting...
- #13580 — A family physician provides after-hours phone advice for a community clinic. Ove...
- #13579 — A 45-year-old patient is undergoing an elective colonoscopy with procedural seda...
- #13577 — A 34-year-old patient presents to a walk-in clinic with 2 days of fever, sore th...
- #13575 — A 37-year-old warehouse worker sustains a work-related crush injury to the right...