CNS Patient Care & Ethical Standards in Neurology 2

Question 1

A patient with early Alzheimer's disease wants to refuse a recommended medication. What should the clinician assess first?

Accepted Answer

Decision-making capacity for this specific decision

Answer

Capacity is decision-specific, and a dementia diagnosis alone does not remove a patient's right to decide.

Question 2

Which four elements are used to assess decision-making capacity?

Accepted Answer

Understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and expressing a choice

Answer

The Appelbaum criteria are understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and communicating a consistent choice.

Question 3

A patient with Broca's aphasia is having trouble giving consent. What is the most appropriate approach?

Accepted Answer

Use yes/no questions, pictures, and written cues to support communication

Answer

Aphasia hurts expression but not necessarily comprehension or capacity, so supported communication should come first.

Question 4

Under HIPAA, which disclosure of a neurology patient's information is allowed without authorization?

Accepted Answer

Sharing records with another provider for treatment

Answer

HIPAA allows disclosures for treatment, payment, and operations without separate authorization.

Question 5

A clinician puts long-term ALS ventilation within reach of all eligible patients regardless of insurance. Which ethical principle does this show?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Justice concerns fair and equitable distribution of care and resources.

CNS - Certified Neuro Specialist Practice Test