CMT - Certified Medical Technician Medical Law and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A resident has a signed advance directive that clearly states they do not wish to receive life-sustaining treatment.
The resident's family is insisting that the Certified Medical Technician (CMT) administer a medication that is considered life-sustaining.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action for the CMT to take?

Accepted Answer

Refuse to administer the medication and notify the supervising nurse of the conflict.

Answer

Follow the family's wishes to avoid conflict.

Answer

Administer the medication as it is ordered in the MAR.

Answer

Ask the resident directly if they have changed their mind.

Question 2

A CMT is preparing to administer medications and notices a fellow CMT discussing a resident's recent diagnosis in a loud voice in the hallway, within earshot of other residents and visitors. This action is a potential violation of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

The Controlled Substances Act

Answer

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA)

Answer

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios best describes medical negligence by a Certified Medical Technician (CMT)?

Accepted Answer

The CMT administers a medication from a container with a torn, illegible label, resulting in the resident receiving the wrong dose.

Answer

A resident experiences a known, common side effect after the CMT administers a new medication as ordered.

Answer

A resident refuses a medication, and the CMT documents the refusal according to facility policy.

Answer

The CMT administers a medication 30 minutes late due to an emergency with another resident.

Question 4

A resident who is alert and oriented refuses to take their prescribed blood pressure medication. What is the CMT's primary ethical and legal responsibility?

Accepted Answer

To inform the resident of the potential risks of not taking the medication and document the refusal.

Answer

To crush the medication and mix it in their food to ensure they receive it.

Answer

To tell the resident they cannot have their dinner until they take the medication.

Answer

To ask the resident's family to convince them to take the medication.

Question 5

The legal principle of 'scope of practice' is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

The range of duties and procedures a healthcare professional is allowed to perform under their professional license or certification.

Answer

A legal document that outlines a patient's wishes for end-of-life care.

Answer

The requirement to keep all patient health information private and secure.

Answer

A law that protects individuals who provide emergency assistance from liability.

Question 6

A CMT makes a medication error by giving a resident the wrong medication. After ensuring the resident is safe and reporting the error to the supervising nurse, what is the next critical ethical and legal step?

Accepted Answer

Completing a detailed and factual incident report according to facility policy.

Answer

Asking the resident not to tell their family about the mistake.

Answer

Waiting to see if the resident has an adverse reaction before documenting.

Answer

Altering the Medication Administration Record (MAR) to hide the error.