CLT Medical Ethics & Patient Rights 5

Question 1

A laboratory technologist receives a subpoena requesting patient records. The correct first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the institution's legal counsel before releasing any records

Answer

Subpoenas must be reviewed by legal counsel to determine their validity and whether a court order or patient authorization is required before release.

Question 2

A patient asks a laboratory technologist to explain what a 'critical value' means for their test result. The technologist should:

Accepted Answer

Direct the patient to speak with their ordering provider for interpretation

Answer

Interpreting clinical significance of results is within the physician's scope; the laboratory technologist should refer the patient to their provider.

Question 3

Which of the following represents a breach of patient confidentiality in the clinical laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Sharing a patient's positive drug screen with a coworker not involved in care

Answer

Sharing patient results with staff not involved in the patient's care is an unauthorized disclosure and a HIPAA violation.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a chain-of-custody procedure in forensic laboratory specimens?

Accepted Answer

To document the unbroken sequence of possession and handling to preserve legal integrity

Answer

Chain-of-custody documents every person who handles a forensic specimen, preserving the legal admissibility of test results in court.

Question 5

An unconscious patient arrives in the emergency department without identification. Under which ethical principle is it permissible to collect laboratory specimens without explicit consent?

Accepted Answer

Implied consent in an emergency

Answer

Implied consent applies in emergencies when a patient is incapacitated and immediate testing is needed to preserve life, as a reasonable person would consent to necessary care.

(CLT) Clinical Laboratory Technologist Certification Practice Test

(CLT) Clinical Laboratory Technologist Certification Practice Test

CLT Medical Ethics & Patient Rights 5