Professional Ethics & Communication Flashcards

A CBS is providing support via telehealth to a client in a different state. Which ethical consideration is UNIQUE to this situation?

Answer: Compliance with state-specific regulations and licensure requirements for telehealth practice

Telehealth practice across state lines introduces unique legal and regulatory requirements, including state-specific telehealth laws and jurisdiction-specific practice standards.

Which scenario BEST illustrates the ethical principle of veracity in CBS practice?

Answer: Honestly informing a client that her situation may require supplementation even if the news is difficult to hear

Veracity means being truthful with clients even when the truth is difficult, as honest communication is foundational to a trustworthy professional relationship.

A CBS is involved in a research study and is asked to include clients in the study without their knowledge. The CBS should:

Answer: Refuse, as research participation requires informed consent from all participants

Informed consent is a non-negotiable ethical requirement for research participation; clients must be fully informed and voluntarily agree to participate.

A CBS who is also a registered nurse is asked by a client to prescribe domperidone to increase milk supply. The CBS should:

Answer: Explain that prescribing medications is outside the CBS scope of practice and refer to the client's physician

Prescribing medications is outside the CBS scope of practice regardless of other credentials held; the client must be referred to an appropriate prescribing provider.

A CBS overhears a coworker making demeaning remarks about a breastfeeding mother's weight and appearance. This behavior MOST directly violates which ethical standard?

Answer: The professional obligation to treat all clients with dignity and respect

All healthcare professionals, including CBS practitioners, are obligated to treat clients with dignity and respect, and discriminatory or demeaning behavior is a serious ethical violation.

When a CBS disagrees with a pediatrician's recommendation to discontinue breastfeeding, the MOST appropriate approach is to:

Answer: Communicate concerns professionally and directly with the pediatrician and support the mother in having an informed discussion with her care team

Professional disagreements should be addressed through direct, respectful communication with the relevant provider while empowering the client to engage in informed discussions with her team.

A CBS working in a WIC setting is encouraged to promote formula products distributed by the program. This situation creates a potential conflict with:

Answer: The WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and CBS ethical obligations to promote breastfeeding

Promoting formula products conflicts with the WHO Code and the CBS's ethical obligation to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding as the recommended infant feeding method.