Patient Safety & Ethical Practices Flashcards
7 cards from real ABEM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Safety & Ethical Practices flashcards as text
Which infection control practice is MOST important between patients during needle EMG?
Answer: Disposing of needles in a sharps container and changing gloves between patients
Single-use needle disposal in sharps containers and fresh gloves between patients are standard precautions that prevent cross-contamination.
A patient who does not speak English arrives for electrodiagnostic testing. Which approach to informed consent is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Use a qualified interpreter to explain the procedure before obtaining consent
A qualified interpreter ensures accurate communication of risks, benefits, and alternatives, satisfying the legal and ethical requirements of informed consent.
The principle of nonmaleficence in electrodiagnostic practice is BEST exemplified by:
Answer: Avoiding unnecessary repetitive needle passes that increase patient discomfort without adding diagnostic value
Nonmaleficence (do no harm) requires limiting needle passes to those that are clinically necessary, minimizing unnecessary discomfort.
A needle stick injury occurs during an EMG procedure. The FIRST priority is:
Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and follow institutional exposure protocols
Immediate wound care and following established exposure protocols are the first steps after a needlestick to minimize infection risk.
Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest that must be disclosed in electrodiagnostic medicine?
Answer: Financial ownership in a facility to which the physician refers patients for EMG
Financial relationships with referral facilities create conflicts of interest that must be disclosed and managed per ethical and legal standards.
A patient requests a copy of their electrodiagnostic report. Under HIPAA, the electrodiagnostician should:
Answer: Provide access to the report within the legally required timeframe
HIPAA grants patients the right to access their own medical records, and the provider must fulfill this request within 30 days.
When performing electrodiagnostic studies on a minor, informed consent should be obtained from:
Answer: The parent or legal guardian, with age-appropriate assent from the minor when possible
Parental or guardian consent is legally required for minors, while age-appropriate assent from the child reflects ethical respect for developing autonomy.