Legal and Ethical Aspects of Medicine Practice Questions

Q: In euthanasia, withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment from irreversible comatose patients is called?

Passive euthanasia. **Explanation:** **Passive euthanasia** refers to the intentional withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments (such as ventilators, feeding tubes, or medications) that are necessary to keep a patient alive, allowing the underlying terminal condition to take its natural course. In the case of an irreversibly comatose patient, removing life support constitutes passive euthanasia because the physician is not actively introducing a lethal substance but is instead "letting nature take its course." **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Voluntary active euthanasia (A):** Involves the direct administration of a lethal substance by a doctor at the specific, competent request of the patient. * **Non-voluntary active euthanasia (B):** Occurs when a lethal act is performed on a patient who is unable to give consent (e.g., a patient in a persistent vegetative state or a neonate). * **Involuntary active euthanasia (C):** Occurs when a lethal act is performed against the expressed will of a competent patient; this is legally considered murder. **High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Legal Status in India:** The Supreme Court of India legalized **Passive Euthanasia** and "Living Wills" in the landmark **Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018)** judgment. * **Active Euthanasia:** Remains **illegal** in India. * **Doctrine of Double Effect:** Often cited in palliative care, where a medication (like morphine) is given to relieve pain, even if it may incidentally hasten death. * **Living Will (Advance Medical Directive):** A legal document where a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decisions for themselves.

Q: By what age is majority obtained by a person under court guardianship?

21 years. **Explanation:** In India, the age of majority is governed by the **Indian Majority Act, 1875**. Understanding the distinction between general majority and court-appointed guardianship is a high-yield topic for Forensic Medicine. 1. **Why 21 years is correct:** Under **Section 3** of the Indian Majority Act, while the standard age of majority is 18 years, there is a specific legal exception. If a minor has a guardian appointed for their person or property by a **Court of Justice** (under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890) or if their property is under the superintendence of the **Court of Wards**, the age of majority is extended to **21 years**. This is intended to provide prolonged legal protection to individuals deemed vulnerable or those with significant estates. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **19, 20, and 22 years:** These ages have no legal standing under the Indian Majority Act. There is no provision in Indian law that extends the age of majority to these specific milestones for the purpose of legal capacity or guardianship. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Standard Majority:** 18 years (for most legal contracts, voting, and marriage for females). * **Medical Consent:** * **Age 12:** Can give valid consent for a physical examination (Section 89 & 90 IPC). * **Age 18:** Required for consent for major surgical procedures or clinical trials. * **Marriage Age:** Currently 18 for females and 21 for males (though legislative changes are often proposed, these remain the standard for exams). * **Criminal Responsibility:** Below 7 years (*Doli incapax*); between 7–12 years (depends on maturity of understanding).

Question 1

The Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 stipulates all of the following, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Live donation by an unrelated donor for payment is permitted

Answer

Bans buying and selling of organs

Answer

Live donor has to be a near relative or by the reason of affection

Answer

Organ donation after death is subject to competent consent before death

Question 2

In which of the following situations is the principle of confidentiality not applicable?

Accepted Answer

Criminal case

Answer

Group discussion

Answer

Parents

Answer

Spouse

Question 3

A 50-year-old man with a history of being a Jehovah's Witness, who refuses blood transfusions, is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident. He presents with signs of shock (hypotension, tachycardia) and abdominal ultrasound reveals free fluid, necessitating an emergency laparotomy. If the patient requires blood during the operation, what is the surgeon's best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with the surgery without administering blood, even if indicated.

Answer

Seek an ethics consultation.

Answer

Attempt to contact the patient's neighbor for guidance.

Answer

Administer cross-matched blood to the patient.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a privileged communication?

Accepted Answer

In a court of law when asked by a judge

Answer

Information on communicable diseases

Answer

In cases of suspected crime

Answer

A bus driver suffering from hepatitis A

Question 5

A person attempts suicide and is subsequently cured by a private doctor. What is the doctor's responsibility?

Accepted Answer

No action is required

Answer

Inform the police

Answer

Report to the magistrate

Answer

Refer to a psychiatrist

Question 6

In euthanasia, withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment from irreversible comatose patients is called?

Accepted Answer

Passive euthanasia

Answer

Voluntary active euthanasia

Answer

Non-voluntary active euthanasia

Answer

Involuntary active euthanasia

Question 7

What is medical etiquette?

Accepted Answer

The conventional way of courtesy with professional colleagues.

Answer

Courtesy with other individuals in society.

Answer

Courtesy towards a client or patient.

Answer

Courtesy towards a female patient.

Question 8

Who has the authority to issue a professional death sentence?

Accepted Answer

State Medical Council

Answer

Central Health Ministry

Answer

Medical Council of India

Answer

Indian Medical Association

Question 9

By what age is majority obtained by a person under court guardianship?

Accepted Answer

21 years

Answer

19 years

Answer

20 years

Answer

22 years

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT an ingredient of professional misconduct?

Accepted Answer

Advising

Answer

Association

Answer

Adultery

Answer

Advertising

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Medicine — MCQs

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Medicine — MCQs

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