How would respond to a substance abuse patient having a seizure or other life-threatening event because of withdrawal? Should you deny him and teach him a lesson or give him what he needs?

"My job is not to teach anyone a lesson. My job is to render care for my patient's well-being. If that means finding a remedy that doesn't encourage his addiction, that's what I'll do. If it means giving him something--even the abused substance--to mitigate his life-threatening withdrawal, that becomes part of my legitimate treatment. My mission is to render care while, above all, causing no harm. I wouldn't hesitate to send a note to their primary care provider about getting a treatment plan set up to do what is best for the patient."

Keep your answer concise and explain that you would do what is necessary to stabilize the patient. It is okay to talk a bit about your personal feelings, but tell your interviewers that you have the wherewithal to put those feelings aside. You can also talk about any follow-up that you would do once the patient has stabilized.

"It is important to treat every patient with respect no matter who they are or what they are being treated for. Also, it is critical to treat alcohol withdrawal. If it is not treated the seizures can be life threatening."

"I would never deny any patient, regardless of background or status, any medication or care that they needed. To do so would be inhuman, cruel, and totally opposite of everything I stand for. Human dignity is sacred and I don't think that I am any better than any patient I treat. I will always treat every patient equally with compassion and the appropriate intervention."