Ethics & Professionalism Flashcards
7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethics & Professionalism flashcards as text
A patient expresses wishes in a living will that differ from the surgeon's planned procedure. The surgical team should:
Answer: Alert the surgeon and delay the procedure until the conflict is resolved
A living will is a legal advance directive that must be respected; conflicts must be resolved before proceeding with elective surgery.
Which term describes the ethical obligation to treat all patients equally regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status?
Answer: Justice
Justice requires equitable treatment and fair distribution of care to all patients without discrimination.
A CST accidentally contaminates the sterile field and says nothing to avoid slowing down the surgery. This violates which principle?
Answer: Veracity
Veracity requires honesty; failing to report a sterile field contamination deceives the team and endangers the patient.
A surgical technologist who witnesses suspected abuse of a pediatric patient is ethically and legally obligated to:
Answer: Report suspicions to the charge nurse or social worker
Surgical technologists are mandated reporters in most states and must report suspected child abuse to the appropriate party.
When a CST disagrees with a surgeon's clinical decision, the most professionally appropriate action is to:
Answer: Voice concerns privately through proper communication channels
Concerns should be communicated respectfully and through proper channels to maintain professionalism and patient safety.
Which of the following best describes 'informed consent' in the surgical setting?
Answer: The patient understands risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to surgery
Informed consent requires the patient to receive and understand information about risks, benefits, and alternatives prior to agreeing to surgery.
A CST who accepts a gift from a pharmaceutical representative for recommending their products is exhibiting:
Answer: A conflict of interest that violates ethical standards
Accepting gifts in exchange for product recommendations creates a conflict of interest and compromises professional integrity.