Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

Which of the following could be an example of medical malpractice?

1. Implementing standard dosage guidelines

2. Choosing a procedure without examining the patient

3. Documenting patient medical history steadily

4. Monitoring post-surgery recovery closely

The correct answer is: Choosing a procedure without examining the patient

Choosing a procedure without examining the patient illustrates medical malpractice because it demonstrates a failure to provide the requisite standard of care expected in medical practice. Medical professionals are obligated to conduct thorough examinations and evaluations of patients before proceeding with any treatment or procedure. This is essential not only for accurately diagnosing a condition but also for ensuring that the chosen intervention is appropriate and safe for the individual patient. Bypassing this step could lead to incorrect procedures being performed, potentially harming the patient and exposing the medical professional to legal liability. In contrast, implementing standard dosage guidelines, documenting patient medical history steadily, and monitoring post-surgery recovery closely represent practices that uphold patient safety and care. These actions indicate that proper protocols are being followed, which supports effective treatment and reduces the risk of malpractice.