CET Ethical and Legal Considerations 5

Question 1

Which record is legally required to be maintained when pentobarbital is wasted (i.e., disposed of due to expiration or contamination)?

Accepted Answer

A waste log signed by two witnesses, per DEA requirements

Answer

DEA regulations require that any waste or destruction of Schedule II controlled substances be documented and witnessed to prevent diversion.

Question 2

A technician witnesses a supervisor instructing staff to falsify euthanasia logs to avoid DEA scrutiny. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to falsify records and report the conduct to the facility's compliance officer or the DEA

Answer

Falsifying DEA records is a federal crime; technicians have a professional and legal obligation to refuse participation and report the misconduct.

Question 3

In the context of euthanasia, what does 'informed consent' require of the animal owner?

Accepted Answer

That the owner understands and voluntarily agrees to the procedure after receiving adequate information about it

Answer

Informed consent means the owner has received clear information about the procedure, its irreversibility, and any alternatives, and freely agrees to proceed.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the ethical issue raised by performing euthanasia on an animal solely because the shelter is at maximum capacity?

Accepted Answer

It raises a tension between utilitarian resource management and the intrinsic value of individual animal lives

Answer

Capacity-based euthanasia exemplifies the utilitarian vs. rights-based ethical tension — maximizing welfare for many animals at the cost of individual healthy animals' lives.

Question 5

A pet owner claims they were not told that euthanasia is irreversible and threatens legal action after the procedure. Which pre-procedure practice would best protect the technician and facility?

Accepted Answer

Having the owner sign a written informed consent document that explicitly states the procedure is irreversible

Answer

A written informed consent form that specifically describes the permanent nature of euthanasia provides the strongest legal protection and evidence of the owner's understanding.

(CET) Certified Euthanasia Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Euthanasia Technician Practice Test

CET Ethical and Legal Considerations 5