Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards
7 cards from real ABFAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Ethics and Standards flashcards as text
A foot and ankle surgeon is approached by a journalist wanting to discuss a high-profile patient's case. The surgeon should:
Answer: Decline to comment and protect patient confidentiality entirely
Patient confidentiality prohibits disclosure of any information that could identify a patient without explicit written consent.
In situations where a patient's cultural or religious beliefs conflict with the recommended surgical treatment, the ethical approach is to:
Answer: Respect the patient's values and explore alternatives that align with their beliefs
Respecting patient autonomy requires honoring cultural and religious values while collaboratively exploring acceptable treatment options.
An ABFAS-certified surgeon who has developed a substance use disorder is ethically required to:
Answer: Seek treatment and limit or cease practice until fitness is restored
Impaired practitioners have an ethical and legal duty to seek treatment and not endanger patient safety.
Which of the following best illustrates a violation of the ethical principle of nonmaleficence in foot and ankle surgery?
Answer: Performing an elective procedure the surgeon knows carries disproportionate risk for that patient
Nonmaleficence requires avoiding harm; proceeding with high-risk elective surgery without clear benefit violates this principle.
A surgeon discovers that a recently hired office manager is altering billing codes to increase reimbursements. The surgeon must:
Answer: Stop the practice immediately, correct submitted claims, and report as required
Fraudulent billing is illegal and unethical; the surgeon bears responsibility to stop it, correct past submissions, and report appropriately.
When a competent adult patient refuses a limb-saving procedure that the surgeon believes is necessary, the surgeon should:
Answer: Respect the refusal, document it, and ensure the patient understands the consequences
Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment; the surgeon must document this and ensure informed refusal.
An ABFAS diplomat publishes research showing that a specific implant they helped design has excellent outcomes. What ethical standard must be followed?
Answer: The financial relationship with the implant manufacturer must be disclosed
Financial conflicts of interest, including relationships with device manufacturers, must be disclosed in all research publications.