Ethics & Law · patient case question

A dentist presents an implant as the only possible treatment, telling the patient there are no other options when reasonable alternatives exist. Which principle is violated?

Patient case: Case: two ethical scenarios

Scenario: Two situations in professional conduct.

  1. Nonmaleficence
  2. Veracity
  3. Beneficence
  4. Justice
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Veracity

  • A. Nonmaleficence concerns avoiding harm. No direct harm has yet been done.
  • B. Correct per the options offered. Telling the patient no alternatives exist when they do is a false statement, and veracity is the breach among the choices given.
  • C. Beneficence is not the primary issue — the implant may well be a good treatment; the problem is how the choice was presented.
  • D. Justice concerns fair allocation and is not engaged by this scenario.

Note: ⚑ The principle most directly violated here is actually autonomy — valid informed consent requires disclosure of all reasonable alternatives, including no treatment. The recall notes that autonomy was not among the options, which is why veracity is keyed. If autonomy appears on your exam, choose it.

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