Medical abandonment may be applied to a patient who was _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Medical abandonment occurs when a healthcare provider terminates the professional relationship with a patient without reasonable notice and without making arrangements for the patient to receive necessary care. In this case, the patient was discharged with continued chest pain and later died of a heart attack, suggesting that she was not adequately treated or referred for further care, which could constitute medical abandonment.

Answer: B
 Noncompliance by a patient is not a justifiable cause for medical abandonment. However, a physician may terminate a professional relationship with a patient after providing reasonable notice and an opportunity to find alternative care, especially if the patient's behavior poses a danger to themselves or others.

Answer: C
 If a physician arranges for a coverage agreement so that someone is available to handle urgent patient needs while they are away, they are not guilty of medical abandonment if the coverage agreement fails. The physician who arranged the coverage agreement would not be responsible if the patient was unable to reach the covering provider.

Answer: D
 Discharging a patient with a follow-up appointment scheduled does not constitute medical abandonment as long as the patient is aware of the appointment and the instructions to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or return. False labor is not a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency treatment.

Medical Abandonment May Be Applied to a Patient Who Was