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Capacity and traditional healing request — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardEthics, medicolegal, Indigenous healthCapacity and traditional healing requestRCPSC EM

An Elder with sepsis from pneumonia has decision-making capacity after fluids and antibiotics. He asks to involve family and a traditional healer while continuing hospital care. The ED is busy, and staff worry this may slow transfer upstairs. What is the most appropriate next step?

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

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Correct answer: B — Accommodate the request where feasible while continuing time-critical medical treatment and shared decision-making

Accommodate the request where feasible while continuing time-critical medical treatment and shared decision-making is correct: the clues indicate Capacity and traditional healing request and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: CanMEDS; Canadian patient-centred and culturally safe care