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Open disclosure — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

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

HardEthics, consent and communicationOpen disclosureMRCPCH FOP

A child receives ten times the intended dose of an antibiotic but remains clinically stable after review. The parents are waiting on the ward and the prescribing error has been confirmed. What is the most appropriate management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Inform the parents honestly, apologise and follow duty of candour processes

A confirmed medication error should be disclosed openly with apology, explanation, monitoring plan and local incident reporting. Concealment undermines trust and breaches professional duties. Altering records would be dishonest and unsafe. The pearl is that candour applies to near misses and no-harm incidents when a notifiable safety incident threshold or local policy is met.

Reference: GMC Good medical practice; NHS Duty of Candour guidance