ACC Legal and Ethical Considerations 3

Question 1

A newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patient refuses to stop driving despite safety concerns. What is the most appropriate first ethical and legal step?

Accepted Answer

Consult with the physician who may report to the DMV and have a direct conversation with the patient

Answer

The physician can report unsafe drivers to the DMV in many states, and an honest conversation with the patient about safety risks respects dignity while addressing the legal and public safety concern.

Question 2

Guardianship differs from power of attorney for an Alzheimer's patient primarily because:

Accepted Answer

Guardianship is court-ordered and revokes the individual's legal rights, while POA is voluntarily granted

Answer

Guardianship is a court process that legally removes decision-making rights from the individual, whereas power of attorney is a voluntary legal document the person grants while still competent.

Question 3

A caregiver who is also a mandatory reporter suspects an Alzheimer's patient is being physically abused by another family member. What is the required action?

Accepted Answer

Report the suspicion to Adult Protective Services even without confirmed proof

Answer

Mandatory reporters are legally required to report reasonable suspicion of abuse to APS; they do not need to confirm or investigate the abuse themselves before reporting.

Question 4

Which ethical principle is MOST at stake when a caregiver withholds an Alzheimer's diagnosis from the patient at the family's request?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy and truth-telling

Answer

Withholding a diagnosis from a patient undermines their autonomy and the ethical obligation of truth-telling, as patients generally have the right to know their own diagnosis.

Question 5

A POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form differs from an advance directive in that it:

Accepted Answer

Is a medical order immediately actionable by first responders

Answer

A POLST is a physician-signed medical order that is immediately actionable by first responders and care staff, unlike an advance directive which is a legal document expressing patient preferences.

(ACC) Alzheimers Caregiver Certification Practice Test

(ACC) Alzheimers Caregiver Certification Practice Test

ACC Legal and Ethical Considerations 3