CFA Professionalism, Ethics & Legal Considerations 2

Question 1

A surgeon asks the first assistant to perform a task outside their credentialed scope of practice. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain the scope limitation to the surgeon

Answer

First assistants must decline tasks outside their scope of practice regardless of who requests them, as each practitioner is accountable for their own actions.

Question 2

Which federal law primarily governs the protection of individually identifiable patient health information in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA

Answer

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) sets national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information from disclosure without the patient's consent.

Question 3

A patient has a signed DNR order on file. During a procedure, the patient experiences cardiac arrest. The first assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Defer to the DNR and refrain from resuscitation unless the surgeon overrides it

Answer

A valid DNR order is a legal document that must be honored in the OR; the first assistant supports the attending surgeon in respecting the patient's documented wishes.

Question 4

Which ethical principle requires the first assistant to act in the patient's best interest even when the patient cannot speak for themselves?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence obligates healthcare providers to take positive actions that promote the well-being and best interests of the patient.

Question 5

The primary purpose of malpractice insurance for a first assistant is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide financial protection against claims of negligent patient care

Answer

Malpractice (professional liability) insurance protects practitioners against financial losses resulting from claims of negligent care that caused patient harm.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Professionalism, Ethics & Legal Considerations 2