CAMRT - Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists Professional Practice and Ethics Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An MRT is performing a chest x-ray on a patient who is anxious and asks, 'Do you see anything wrong on my scan? I'm so worried it's cancer.' According to the CAMRT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, what is the most appropriate response?
- "Everything looks fine to me, I wouldn't worry too much if I were you."
- "I'm not qualified to interpret the images, but I've sent them to the radiologist who will prepare a report for your doctor." (Correct answer)
- "It's against our policy to discuss results with patients. You must wait for your doctor to call you."
- "Let me take a quick look. I can probably give you a good idea of what's going on."
Correct answer: "I'm not qualified to interpret the images, but I've sent them to the radiologist who will prepare a report for your doctor."
The CAMRT Code of Ethics states that an MRT must answer patient questions 'fully and honestly within the limits of MRT knowledge, authority, and responsibility'. Diagnosing or interpreting images is outside the MRT's scope of practice. The correct response is to honestly state their role's limitations and explain the next step in the process, which is review by a radiologist.
Question 2: Which of the following is a core principle of 'Acting with Professional Integrity' as outlined in the CAMRT Member Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?
- Performing only the procedures for which the MRT has acquired competence.
- Ensuring all professional activities are appropriate and not a conflict of interest. (Correct answer)
- Advocating for the most appropriate care for patients.
- Engaging in lifelong learning to maintain competence.
Correct answer: Ensuring all professional activities are appropriate and not a conflict of interest.
While competence, patient advocacy, and lifelong learning are all crucial ethical principles for an MRT, ensuring activities are free from conflict of interest falls directly under the specific CAMRT principle of 'Acting with Professional Integrity'. This principle also includes being accountable, treating persons with respect, and complying with laws.
Question 3: A 17-year-old patient, who is legally able to consent for themselves, agrees to an abdominal CT scan but halfway through the procedure, they state, 'Stop, I don't want to do this anymore.' What is the MRT's ethical obligation?
- Explain that the procedure is almost done and continue to get the necessary images.
- Immediately cease the procedure and ensure the patient is safe and comfortable.
- Tell the patient they already consented and that stopping now would waste resources. (Correct answer)
- Consult with the patient's parents before deciding whether to stop the scan.
Correct answer: Tell the patient they already consented and that stopping now would waste resources.
Informed consent is an ongoing process, and a capable patient has the right to withdraw consent at any time, before or during a procedure. The MRT's primary ethical duty is to respect the patient's autonomy and decision. The CAMRT Code of Ethics supports facilitating and supporting the free and informed choices of patients, including the decision to withdraw from treatment.
Question 4: An MRT in a small town recognizes a patient as their child's teacher. After the appointment, the MRT's spouse asks how the teacher is doing. To maintain patient confidentiality, the MRT should:
- State that they cannot discuss any patient information due to professional privacy obligations. (Correct answer)
- Share general, non-medical information, like 'She seemed fine'.
- Confirm that the teacher was at the clinic but not disclose the reason.
- Tell their spouse it is a small world and change the subject.
Correct answer: State that they cannot discuss any patient information due to professional privacy obligations.
The CAMRT Code of Ethics and provincial privacy legislation require MRTs to ensure the confidentiality of all patient health information and personal information. This includes not acknowledging that an individual is a patient. The only correct response is to firmly and professionally state that you cannot discuss any information related to patients.
Question 5: According to the CAMRT's principle of 'Providing a Safe Environment,' what is a key responsibility of an MRT?
- Ensuring the patient fully understands their diagnosis before the procedure.
- Intervening in circumstances of unsafe, incompetent, or unethical practice. (Correct answer)
- Making sure the patient's family is comfortable in the waiting room.
- Offering the patient the lowest possible radiation dose, even if it compromises image quality.
Correct answer: Intervening in circumstances of unsafe, incompetent, or unethical practice.
The principle of 'Providing a Safe Environment' encompasses more than just technical safety. It includes the professional and ethical responsibility to take action when witnessing unsafe practices by colleagues or others, which could harm the patient. This involves making use of appropriate mechanisms to report and address such issues.
Question 6: An MRT notices a colleague frequently arriving at their shift smelling of alcohol. What is the most appropriate initial action according to professional practice standards?
- Confront the colleague directly and tell them to go home.
- Wait to see if the colleague's work is visibly affected before taking action.
- Ignore the situation to avoid creating conflict in the workplace.
- Report their observations to their immediate supervisor or manager. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report their observations to their immediate supervisor or manager.
Professional standards and the CAMRT Code of Ethics require MRTs to intervene when they witness unsafe practice. Practicing while impaired is a form of professional misconduct that jeopardizes patient safety. The correct procedure is not to confront the individual directly or wait for an error to occur, but to report the concerns to the appropriate authority, such as a supervisor, so the issue can be managed formally and safely.
CAMRT - Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists Professional Practice and Ethics Questions and Answers
An MRT is performing a chest x-ray on a patient who is anxious and asks, 'Do you see anything wrong on my scan? I'm so worried it's cancer.' According to the CAMRT Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, what is the most appropriate response?