A Surgeon Did Not Warn a Patient That the Operation

question 18

Multiple Choice

A surgeon did not warn a patient that the operation could result in an illness because the illness was very rare and highly unlikely.Although he performed the operation with skill and care,the patient contracted the illness several weeks later.She is suing him for negligence.Most leading Australian specialists in the same field have said they would not have warned the patient.Which statement best expresses the most likely court ruling?

• A)The surgeon is not liable because patients can only sue a surgeon for negligence that may have occurred during an operation or related medical treatment.
• B)The surgeon may be liable because professionals must satisfy a standard of care that is reasonable according to a court,not the medical profession.
• C)The surgeon is liable because there is no defence under common law for a failure to warn a patient about any risk,no matter how small it may be.
• D)The surgeon is not liable because he satisfied a standard that was generally accepted by specialists across Australia.

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Definitions:

Teams

Groups of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable.

Political Skill

The ability to understand others at work and to use such knowledge to influence others to act in ways that enhance personal and/or organizational objectives.

Cohesive

refers to the quality of being united or forming a whole, especially in the context of group dynamics where members share a sense of togetherness and common purpose.

Performance

The act of carrying out a task or function, measured by the efficiency and outcome of the activity.