Which of the following is a duty of healthcare providers in abandonment situations?

• A. Complete all treatment started
• B. Have 'on call' substitutes during absences
• C. Be available for emergency care
• D. Provide follow up

Answer: (C)

In abandonment situations, the key obligation is to protect the patient by ensuring access to urgent care. Being available for emergency care reflects the professional duty to prevent harm when care is abruptly changed or ends, so a patient needing urgent treatment can receive help without delay.

That’s why the best answer is being available for emergency care. It directly addresses the risk to the patient in an abandonment scenario, prioritizing immediate protection and continuity of safety.

Other options miss the core duty. Completing all treatment started isn’t required when ending a patient relationship; professionals should arrange for a proper transfer of care rather than continuing indefinitely. Having on‑call substitutes during absences is good practice to reduce gaps in access, but it’s not the central obligation in an abandonment scenario. Providing follow-up care is important for ongoing management, but the immediate responsibility during abandonment is to ensure urgent care remains accessible.