ABA Professional Standards & Ethics 2

Question 1

An anesthesiologist discovers that a colleague is consistently performing nerve blocks outside their documented competency. What is the most ethically appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Document the incidents and report to the department chief

Answer

Documenting incidents and reporting to the department chief initiates a formal peer review process that protects patient safety while following appropriate institutional channels.

Question 2

Which ASA ethical principle is MOST directly violated when an anesthesiologist accepts a gift from a pharmaceutical representative in exchange for preferential drug selection?

Accepted Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Fidelity requires loyalty to the patient's best interests; accepting gifts that influence drug selection creates a conflict of interest that breaches this duty.

Question 3

A patient scheduled for elective surgery is found to have an advance directive refusing blood transfusions. Intraoperatively, the patient develops life-threatening hemorrhage. What should the anesthesiologist do?

Accepted Answer

Honor the advance directive and use only blood-sparing techniques

Answer

A valid advance directive reflecting a competent patient's prior decision must be honored; the emergency does not override a documented refusal from a previously competent patient.

Question 4

Under the ASA Guidelines for the Ethical Practice of Anesthesiology, which of the following best describes the anesthesiologist's obligation regarding informed consent?

Accepted Answer

The anesthesiologist must personally obtain consent for anesthetic care

Answer

The anesthesiologist bears personal responsibility for obtaining informed consent specific to the anesthetic plan, risks, and alternatives.

Question 5

An anesthesiologist is asked to participate in a lethal injection execution. According to ASA guidelines, this is:

Accepted Answer

Ethically prohibited as it violates the physician's healing role

Answer

The ASA and AMA prohibit physician participation in executions because it fundamentally conflicts with the physician's role as a healer.

(ABA) ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) Board Certification Practice Test

(ABA) ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) Board Certification Practice Test

ABA Professional Standards & Ethics 2