Question

After examining a competent adult patient who was bitten by a wild animal, the physician advises the patient to have a series of rabies injections. The patient refuses to undergo the injections and leaves the office. Which of the following actions should be taken by the practice?

A. Notify the local medical society.
B. Notify the physician's malpractice insurance carrier.
C. Send a certified letter to the patient outlining the consequences.
D. Notify the police.
E. Send a certified letter to the patient's family with a copy to the patient.

Answer 1

The practice should send a certified letter to the patient explaining the risks of refusing rabies injections, as rabies is usually fatal once symptoms appear.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a competent adult patient refuses rabies injections following a wild animal bite, the appropriate action for the medical practice would be to send a certified letter to the patient outlining the potential consequences of not receiving treatment. This action is a legal safeguard for the practice and provides documentation that the patient was informed about the risks related to the refusal of care. It's necessary to emphasize the seriousness of rabies, as once symptoms appear, it is usually fatal, and treatments are significantly limited.