Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (Vol.1
& Vol.2)
21st Edition Newer Edition
Author(s)Joseph Loscalzo; Anthony S. Fauci;
Dennis L. Kasper; Stephen Hauser; Dan Longo; J.
Larry Jameson
TEST BANK
1) Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Medicine
Question Stem
A 68-year-old man with multiple chronic conditions asks his
internist whether aggressive screening tests are still appropriate
,given his limited life expectancy. Which approach best reflects
the clinician’s professional responsibility?
Options
A. Order all age-appropriate screening tests because guidelines
apply to age cohorts.
B. Defer shared decision-making and decide to stop screening
to reduce costs.
C. Discuss benefits, harms, and patient values, then
individualize the plan.
D. Continue screening only if family requests it, regardless of
risks.
Correct Answer
C
Rationales
• Correct (C): The practice of medicine emphasizes
individualized care and shared decision-making; clinicians
should explain benefits and harms and align
recommendations with the patient’s goals and prognosis.
• Incorrect (A): Blindly applying age-based guidelines
ignores individual comorbidity, life expectancy, and patient
preferences.
• Incorrect (B): Unilateral decisions to stop care without
patient involvement violate professional and ethical
responsibilities.
, • Incorrect (D): Deferring to family wishes without engaging
the patient and discussing risks may not respect autonomy
or clinical appropriateness.
Teaching Point
Individualize screening via shared decision-making considering
benefits, harms, and patient goals.
Citation
Loscalzo et al. (2022). Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
(21st Ed.). Ch. 1.
2) Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Medicine
Question Stem
A resident is asked to disclose a medical error she made that
caused a delayed diagnosis. Which action best demonstrates
professional conduct and supports patient safety?
Options
A. Conceal the error to avoid litigation and inform only the
supervising physician.
B. Acknowledge the error to the patient, apologize, and report
it through the safety system.
C. Blame a team member to reduce personal responsibility but
notify the patient.
D. Wait until investigation concludes before informing the
patient to avoid confusion.
, Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Ethical practice and safety culture require
transparent disclosure, apology when appropriate, and
reporting to enable system learning and prevent
recurrence.
• Incorrect (A): Concealment impedes safety improvement
and breaches ethical duty of candor.
• Incorrect (C): Shifting blame undermines team trust and
fails to address root causes.
• Incorrect (D): Delayed disclosure can harm patient trust;
timely disclosure alongside a plan for investigation is
preferred.
Teaching Point
Transparency + reporting fosters patient trust and system
learning after errors.
Citation
Loscalzo et al. (2022). Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
(21st Ed.). Ch. 1.
3) Reference
Ch. 2 — Promoting Good Health
& Vol.2)
21st Edition Newer Edition
Author(s)Joseph Loscalzo; Anthony S. Fauci;
Dennis L. Kasper; Stephen Hauser; Dan Longo; J.
Larry Jameson
TEST BANK
1) Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Medicine
Question Stem
A 68-year-old man with multiple chronic conditions asks his
internist whether aggressive screening tests are still appropriate
,given his limited life expectancy. Which approach best reflects
the clinician’s professional responsibility?
Options
A. Order all age-appropriate screening tests because guidelines
apply to age cohorts.
B. Defer shared decision-making and decide to stop screening
to reduce costs.
C. Discuss benefits, harms, and patient values, then
individualize the plan.
D. Continue screening only if family requests it, regardless of
risks.
Correct Answer
C
Rationales
• Correct (C): The practice of medicine emphasizes
individualized care and shared decision-making; clinicians
should explain benefits and harms and align
recommendations with the patient’s goals and prognosis.
• Incorrect (A): Blindly applying age-based guidelines
ignores individual comorbidity, life expectancy, and patient
preferences.
• Incorrect (B): Unilateral decisions to stop care without
patient involvement violate professional and ethical
responsibilities.
, • Incorrect (D): Deferring to family wishes without engaging
the patient and discussing risks may not respect autonomy
or clinical appropriateness.
Teaching Point
Individualize screening via shared decision-making considering
benefits, harms, and patient goals.
Citation
Loscalzo et al. (2022). Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
(21st Ed.). Ch. 1.
2) Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Medicine
Question Stem
A resident is asked to disclose a medical error she made that
caused a delayed diagnosis. Which action best demonstrates
professional conduct and supports patient safety?
Options
A. Conceal the error to avoid litigation and inform only the
supervising physician.
B. Acknowledge the error to the patient, apologize, and report
it through the safety system.
C. Blame a team member to reduce personal responsibility but
notify the patient.
D. Wait until investigation concludes before informing the
patient to avoid confusion.
, Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Ethical practice and safety culture require
transparent disclosure, apology when appropriate, and
reporting to enable system learning and prevent
recurrence.
• Incorrect (A): Concealment impedes safety improvement
and breaches ethical duty of candor.
• Incorrect (C): Shifting blame undermines team trust and
fails to address root causes.
• Incorrect (D): Delayed disclosure can harm patient trust;
timely disclosure alongside a plan for investigation is
preferred.
Teaching Point
Transparency + reporting fosters patient trust and system
learning after errors.
Citation
Loscalzo et al. (2022). Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
(21st Ed.). Ch. 1.
3) Reference
Ch. 2 — Promoting Good Health
