IMNG Medical Media, 2013 Oct 31, SY Tan

Question: A psychiatrist refers a young woman for possible pneumonia. Her symptoms include episodic dyspnea and hyperventilation. The resident obtained a history of chronic anxiety and depression, for which the patient takes diazepam. There was a history of cigarette smoking and use of oral contraceptives. Physical examination was normal except for obesity, tachycardia, restlessness, and breathlessness. The patient’s cardiovascular and respiratory exams were otherwise normal, and the chest x-ray was read as unremarkable.

The woman was sent home with the tentative diagnosis of anxiety neurosis, but was found dead 24 hours later. Autopsy revealed a massive pulmonary embolus originating from a pelvic vein thrombus.

Which of the following observations is correct?

A. Failure to diagnose is the most common basis for a medical malpractice claim.

B. It is likely that this case will be settled in the decedent’s favor, because all four elements of negligence are satisfied: duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

C. The doctor may have been biased, because this was a patient with a psychiatric history.

D. This is an example of framing and anchoring cognitive failure rather than lack of knowledge.

E. All are correct.

For the answer and full story:  http://www.practiceupdate.com/news/3730