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Medical error disclosure — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyEthics, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Systems-Based PracticeMedical error disclosureUSMLE Step 3

A 63-year-old man received another patient's dose of insulin and developed symptomatic hypoglycemia that required intravenous dextrose. He has recovered. The physician confirms the error and prepares to speak with the patient and family. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Disclose the error, apologize, explain clinical effects, and describe prevention steps

Ethical error disclosure includes timely factual explanation, apology, clinical management, and prevention planning.

Reference: AMA Code of Medical Ethics and patient safety principles: https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/