What is one exception to a physician's duty to disclose risks associated with surgery?

The correct answer pertains to the principle that if a risk is considered a well-known fact, a physician may not have a duty to disclose that specific risk to the patient. In medical practice, physicians are generally required to inform patients of substantial risks associated with any procedure, allowing patients to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. However, if a risk is universally acknowledged and commonly understood within the medical community and by the general public—for example, that there are risks of infection with virtually all surgeries—then disclosing such a risk may not be necessary.

This concept recognizes that patients may already be aware of certain risks, particularly those that are frequently discussed or known to the public. As such, physicians can focus their discussion on more specific or less commonly known risks that might be relevant to the patient’s individual situation.

The other choices would not provide proper exceptions to the duty to disclose. The fact that a surgery is elective doesn't inherently reduce the duty to inform the patient about associated risks. Likewise, the age of the patient or previous consent does not negate the requirement for comprehensive risk disclosure; even adults must be adequately informed about the implications of their medical choices.