Professionalism and Ethics Flashcards

A patient requests that their medical records not be shared with their spouse. What is the appropriate response?

Answer: Honor the patient's request and keep records confidential

Patients have the right to control who accesses their health information under HIPAA.

Which behavior best demonstrates professional boundaries in a medical setting?

Answer: Maintaining a therapeutic relationship without personal involvement

Professional boundaries require keeping relationships therapeutic rather than personal.

A medical assistant overhears a colleague making a derogatory comment about a patient's weight. The best action is to:

Answer: Address the colleague privately or report to a supervisor

Addressing unprofessional behavior through appropriate channels upholds patient dignity and workplace standards.

What does the ethical principle of 'justice' require in healthcare?

Answer: Distributing healthcare resources fairly and equitably

Justice in healthcare ethics refers to fair distribution of resources and equitable treatment.

A patient who does not speak English arrives for an appointment. The ethical approach is to:

Answer: Use a qualified medical interpreter to facilitate communication

Using a qualified interpreter ensures accurate communication and respects patient rights.

Which action constitutes a violation of patient confidentiality?

Answer: Mentioning a patient's name in a public area while others can overhear

Discussing identifiable patient information in public areas violates HIPAA confidentiality standards.

A medical assistant is asked to perform a task outside their scope of practice. They should:

Answer: Refuse and explain they are not trained or authorized to perform that task

Performing tasks outside one's scope of practice is unsafe and may constitute unauthorized practice.