TSS TSS Trauma Documentation & Legal Considerations Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which document legally designates a person to make healthcare decisions for a trauma patient who is incapacitated?

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for healthcare

Answer

A living will only

Answer

A DNR order

Answer

A physician's order form

Question 2

In trauma documentation, the term 'chain of custody' most directly refers to:

Accepted Answer

The documented transfer of physical evidence from collection to analysis

Answer

The sequence of treatment providers caring for a patient

Answer

The order in which trauma interventions are performed

Answer

The documentation trail for medication administration

Question 3

A trauma specialist is subpoenaed to testify about a patient's care. They should first:

Accepted Answer

Consult with legal counsel and review the patient's medical records

Answer

Refuse to testify to protect patient confidentiality

Answer

Testify from memory without reviewing records

Answer

Share all patient records publicly before the hearing

Question 4

The statute of limitations in a malpractice case involving trauma care refers to:

Accepted Answer

The time period within which a lawsuit must be filed after the alleged injury

Answer

The maximum financial penalty for a malpractice verdict

Answer

The number of witnesses allowed in a malpractice trial

Answer

The duration of a specialist's professional license

Question 5

When a trauma patient lacks capacity and no surrogate is available, the ethical and legal standard for decision-making is:

Accepted Answer

The best interest standard, determining what a reasonable person would want

Answer

The clinician's personal judgment about optimal treatment

Answer

Delaying all treatment until a surrogate is located

Answer

Applying the most aggressive treatment available

Question 6

An electronic health record (EHR) audit trail is important in trauma care because it:

Accepted Answer

Records every access and modification to patient records, supporting accountability

Answer

Automatically corrects documentation errors

Answer

Replaces the need for written consent forms

Answer

Prevents unauthorized treatment decisions