Professional Ethics Flashcards

A medical assistant discovers a coworker falsifying patient vital signs in the chart. The most appropriate first step is to:

Answer: Report the behavior to a supervisor or compliance officer

Falsifying medical records is fraud and must be reported through proper channels such as a supervisor or compliance officer.

Which ethical principle requires that a healthcare provider act in the best interest of the patient?

Answer: Beneficence

Beneficence is the principle of acting in the patient's best interest and promoting their well-being.

A patient asks a medical assistant not to share their HIV-positive status with their spouse. The medical assistant should:

Answer: Respect confidentiality while consulting the supervising provider about reporting obligations

Confidentiality must be respected, but the provider should be consulted regarding any mandatory public health reporting requirements.

The ethical concept of 'veracity' in healthcare means:

Answer: Being truthful and honest with patients and colleagues

Veracity refers to the obligation to tell the truth and be honest in all professional interactions.

When a patient declines a recommended treatment, the medical assistant should:

Answer: Document the refusal and inform the supervising provider

A competent patient has the right to refuse treatment; refusal must be documented and the provider notified.

Which action best demonstrates the ethical principle of justice in patient care?

Answer: Treating patients consistently regardless of race, gender, or insurance status

Justice requires fair, equitable treatment for all patients without discrimination.

A medical assistant receives a gift from a patient after a procedure. The most ethical response is to:

Answer: Politely decline and explain the facility's gift policy

Most healthcare facilities have policies restricting gift acceptance to prevent conflicts of interest; the ethical action is to politely decline.