ASPS Patient Safety, Ethics & Management 2

Question 1

Under ASPS ethics guidelines, which practice constitutes an unacceptable conflict of interest for a plastic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Accepting gifts from device manufacturers in exchange for preferential implant selection

Answer

Accepting gifts from manufacturers in exchange for preferential product selection creates a direct conflict of interest that compromises patient-centered decision-making.

Question 2

A patient scheduled for elective rhinoplasty discloses active cocaine use the morning of surgery. The safest immediate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Cancel the procedure and reschedule after a substance-free period

Answer

Active cocaine use causes unpredictable cardiovascular responses and potentiates vasoconstrictors; elective surgery must be postponed until the patient is substance-free.

Question 3

Which element is MOST critical to document in a surgical timeout before a plastic surgery procedure?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation of correct patient, site, side, and procedure

Answer

The Universal Protocol's surgical timeout must confirm correct patient identity, operative site, laterality, and procedure to prevent wrong-site surgery.

Question 4

A plastic surgeon is asked to provide expert testimony in a malpractice case. According to ASPS ethics standards, the surgeon should:

Accepted Answer

Provide honest, objective testimony based on evidence and accepted standards

Answer

ASPS ethics require that expert witnesses provide truthful, evidence-based testimony rather than advocacy for one side.

Question 5

Which patient factor most significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in elective cosmetic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Prior history of deep vein thrombosis

Answer

A prior history of DVT is one of the strongest independent risk factors for VTE recurrence and mandates aggressive prophylaxis in surgical patients.

(ASPS) American Society of Plastic Surgeons Practice Test

(ASPS) American Society of Plastic Surgeons Practice Test

ASPS Patient Safety, Ethics & Management 2