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Indigenous cultural safety — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardEthics & ProfessionalismIndigenous cultural safetyMCCQE Part 1

A hospitalized patient received ten times the intended dose of a medication because the physician entered the wrong strength. The patient developed transient hypotension but is now stable after treatment. The error is confirmed; the system review is not yet complete. What should the responsible physician do next?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Promptly disclose known facts, apologize, explain current care and uncertainty, and arrange follow-up

The patient should receive an initial disclosure promptly once immediate clinical needs are addressed. Explain what is known in clear language: the wrong strength was ordered, the observed harm, and the treatment provided. Offer a sincere apology, invite questions, describe ongoing monitoring and the plan to prevent further harm, and be explicit about what remains uncertain. Do not speculate about causes or blame individuals before the review is complete. Disclosure is a continuing process, so arrange a follow-up conversation when analysis yields more information. The event also requires accurate clinical documentation and reporting through the organization's patient-safety process. Delaying all communication, disguising the event as an unpredictable reaction, or delegating unsupported disclosure undermines trust and informed care.

Reference: Canadian Medical Protective Association, Disclosure of Patient Safety Incidents: https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/en/education-events/good-practices/physician-patient/disclosure-of-patient-safety-incidents