ABEM Patient Safety & Ethical Practices 2

Question 1

A patient with a pacemaker is referred for nerve conduction studies. Which precaution is MOST important?

Accepted Answer

Avoid stimulation near the pacemaker generator and leads

Answer

Electrical stimulation should be kept away from the pacemaker generator and lead pathways to prevent inappropriate inhibition or triggering.

Question 2

During EMG, a patient discloses they are currently taking warfarin. Which needle technique modification is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Use smaller gauge needles and minimize needle passes

Answer

Smaller gauge needles and fewer passes reduce bleeding risk in anticoagulated patients while still allowing a diagnostic study.

Question 3

Informed consent for electrodiagnostic studies should include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The interpreter's opinion on the likely diagnosis

Answer

The interpreter's diagnostic opinion is not a required element of informed consent, which focuses on procedure details, risks, and patient rights.

Question 4

A referring physician requests an electrodiagnostic report that emphasizes findings supporting a specific diagnosis he has already given the patient. The most ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Report all findings objectively regardless of the referring physician's preference

Answer

Electrodiagnosticians have an independent professional obligation to report findings accurately and objectively.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the principle of beneficence as applied in electrodiagnostic medicine?

Accepted Answer

Performing only those studies that are likely to benefit the patient clinically

Answer

Beneficence requires the clinician to act in the patient's best interest by performing clinically indicated studies.

(ABEM) American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine Practice Test

(ABEM) American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine Practice Test

ABEM Patient Safety & Ethical Practices 2