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Texas Tech University Medical School Mock Interview

Question 3 of 40 for our Texas Tech University Medical School Mock Interview

Texas Tech University was updated by on September 8th, 2022. Learn more here.

Question 3 of 40

A woman comes into the ER after a car accident. She needs a blood transfusion but states that her religion is against blood transfusions. What decision do you make?

This is a loaded question, indeed! The interviewers would like to know if you are ready to face tough decisions while maintaining the integrity and code of ethics expected of you as a physician. Patients have the right to choose what they want for their bodies. It is not up to you as a physician to do anything that violates a patient's rights. However, you do want to express that as a physician, you would inform the patient what could happen if she refuses a blood transfusion.

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How to Answer: A woman comes into the ER after a car accident. She needs a blood transfusion but states that her religion is against blood transfusions. What decision do you make?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Texas Tech University Medical School interview.

  • 3. A woman comes into the ER after a car accident. She needs a blood transfusion but states that her religion is against blood transfusions. What decision do you make?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      This is a loaded question, indeed! The interviewers would like to know if you are ready to face tough decisions while maintaining the integrity and code of ethics expected of you as a physician. Patients have the right to choose what they want for their bodies. It is not up to you as a physician to do anything that violates a patient's rights. However, you do want to express that as a physician, you would inform the patient what could happen if she refuses a blood transfusion.

      Written by Krista Wenz on September 8th, 2022

      Focus Your Answer On

      You may not be able to answer this question entirely correctly as there are many policies and legal requirements that you may not even know about. Answer to the best of your ability by displaying that you would make the soundest choice possible while maintaining the patient's integrity.

      Written by Krista Wenz on September 8th, 2022

      Answer Example

      "From what I understand, if the patient is of sound mind and they understand the risk they are taking by refusing medical assistance, I do not have the right to override her religious choice. Many factors could change this, such as an unconscious patient, someone under the influence of a narcotic, or perhaps if the person and I had a significant language barrier. I should refer to my facilities' leaders and ethics community in these situations. This is a decision I would not feel comfortable making entirely on my own."

      Written by Krista Wenz on September 8th, 2022

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "If the woman is of sound mind and judgement, I do not have the right to override her choice. However, if she were unconscious, under the influence of a narcotic, or had a significant language barrier, the situation would be more complicated. In those cases, I would need to consult my superiors or the ethics committee to navigate the challenging situation to make an informed decision."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Consulting your superiors and/or the ethics committee is a wise approach. You show strong problem-solving skills by mentioning the presence of other factors at play in this situation.

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