ABA Professional Ethics and Standards 2

Question 1

An anesthesiologist discovers intraoperatively that a surgeon is performing a procedure outside the consented scope. What is the most appropriate ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Inform the surgeon of the concern and advocate for the patient

Answer

The anesthesiologist has an independent duty to advocate for the patient and must communicate concerns to the surgeon about scope of consent.

Question 2

Which principle underpins the ABA requirement that diplomates report impairment in a colleague?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence toward patients who may be harmed

Answer

Non-maleficence—preventing harm to patients—is the primary ethical basis for mandatory reporting of an impaired colleague.

Question 3

A patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite a life-threatening hemorrhage. The anesthesiologist should:

Accepted Answer

Honor the refusal if the patient is competent and properly informed

Answer

A competent adult's informed refusal of treatment must be respected regardless of the anesthesiologist's personal or religious views.

Question 4

Which action best demonstrates adherence to the ABA's commitment to professionalism regarding social media use?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding any online commentary that could breach patient confidentiality

Answer

Avoiding disclosures that could breach confidentiality upholds professionalism and HIPAA compliance on all digital platforms.

Question 5

An anesthesiologist is asked to provide a medical opinion in a legal case involving a colleague's alleged malpractice. Ethical standards require that the expert:

Accepted Answer

Provide an honest, objective opinion regardless of the outcome for the colleague

Answer

Expert witnesses are ethically obligated to provide truthful, objective testimony and must not shade opinion to favor a colleague.

(ABA) American Board of Anesthesiology Practice Test

(ABA) American Board of Anesthesiology Practice Test

ABA Professional Ethics and Standards 2