AP Ethics & Professional Standards 2

Question 1

A patient discloses they are using herbal supplements purchased online that may interact with their current medications. What is the acupuncture physician's primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Document the supplements and inform the prescribing physician with patient consent

Answer

The acupuncturist must document potential interactions and coordinate care with the prescribing provider, requiring informed patient consent to share information.

Question 2

Which principle of biomedical ethics requires an acupuncture physician to provide truthful information about the expected outcomes of treatment?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Veracity is the ethical duty to tell the truth, including honest disclosure of treatment prognosis and limitations.

Question 3

An acupuncture physician posts before-and-after photos of a patient on social media without written authorization. This violates:

Accepted Answer

HIPAA Privacy Rule and professional ethics standards

Answer

Sharing identifiable patient images without written authorization violates HIPAA's Privacy Rule and breaches the ethical duty of confidentiality.

Question 4

When must an acupuncture physician obtain written informed consent rather than verbal consent?

Accepted Answer

Before any treatment that carries significant risk, or as required by state law and facility policy

Answer

Written informed consent is required for higher-risk procedures and whenever state law or facility policy mandates documentation.

Question 5

A licensed acupuncture physician learns that a colleague is practicing under the influence of alcohol. The most appropriate first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Address the concern with the colleague privately and, if unresolved, report to the appropriate authority

Answer

Professional ethics require addressing impairment concerns first through collegial conversation and escalating to licensing authorities if patient safety remains at risk.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

AP Ethics & Professional Standards 2