BHS Medical Ethics and Law 2

Question 1

A patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite a life-threatening hemorrhage. The legally and ethically correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal and respect the patient's decision

Answer

Competent adults have the legal and ethical right to refuse any medical treatment, including life-saving interventions, based on religious or personal beliefs.

Question 2

Under HIPAA, which of the following does NOT require patient authorization before disclosure?

Accepted Answer

Reporting a gunshot wound to law enforcement

Answer

HIPAA's 'required by law' exception permits disclosure to law enforcement for mandatory reporting obligations such as gunshot wounds without patient authorization.

Question 3

The ethical principle of nonmaleficence is best illustrated by which action?

Accepted Answer

Prescribing only evidence-based treatments to minimize harm

Answer

Nonmaleficence—'do no harm'—is exemplified by choosing treatments proven to minimize risk and avoid unnecessary injury.

Question 4

Which legal document allows a designated person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of an incapacitated patient?

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for healthcare

Answer

A durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a healthcare proxy or agent to make medical decisions when the patient lacks decision-making capacity.

Question 5

A nurse discovers a colleague is diverting narcotics for personal use. The nurse's primary ethical obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the appropriate supervisor or authority

Answer

Patient safety and professional accountability require reporting suspected diversion to supervisors or regulatory bodies, regardless of collegial relationships.

BHS - Bachelor of Health Science Practice Test

BHS - Bachelor of Health Science Practice Test

BHS Medical Ethics and Law 2