Ethics and Legal Considerations Flashcards
6 cards from real PCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Ethics and Legal Considerations flashcards as text
A patient's family member asks the PCT for details about the patient's diagnosis. What is the correct response?
Answer: Refer the family member to the nurse or physician
Patient health information is protected by HIPAA, and the PCT should direct inquiries about diagnosis and treatment to licensed providers who can verify authorization.
What does the term 'informed consent' mean?
Answer: The patient receives adequate information about a procedure and voluntarily agrees to it
Informed consent requires that the patient receive clear information about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before voluntarily agreeing.
A PCT discovers a coworker posting patient photos on social media. What action should be taken?
Answer: Report the violation to a supervisor immediately
Posting patient photos on social media is a serious HIPAA violation that must be reported to a supervisor for proper handling.
An advance directive is a legal document that:
Answer: Specifies the patient's wishes for medical treatment if they become unable to communicate
An advance directive documents a patient's treatment preferences and designates a healthcare proxy for situations where the patient cannot speak for themselves.
Which action by a PCT would be considered a breach of patient confidentiality?
Answer: Discussing a patient's condition in the elevator with a colleague
Discussing patient information in public areas where unauthorized individuals may overhear is a breach of confidentiality.
A competent adult patient refuses a recommended treatment. The PCT should:
Answer: Respect the patient's right to refuse and document the refusal
Competent adults have the legal right to refuse any treatment, and healthcare workers must respect that decision while ensuring proper documentation.