Ethical and Legal Principles Flashcards

A community paramedic visits a patient who has a valid DNR order but whose family members are demanding resuscitation be attempted. What is the legally and ethically correct action?

Answer: Honor the DNR order and explain its legal validity to the family

A valid DNR order is a legally binding document that must be honored regardless of family wishes.

Which legal doctrine holds that a community paramedic may be held liable for the negligent acts of unlicensed personnel they supervise?

Answer: Respondeat superior

Respondeat superior ('let the master answer') holds supervisors liable for the negligent acts of those they supervise.

A community paramedic discovers during a home visit that a patient's medication was stolen by a family member. What is the primary ethical obligation?

Answer: Ensure patient safety and report suspected elder or vulnerable adult abuse per mandatory reporting laws

Suspected theft of medications from a vulnerable patient triggers mandatory reporting obligations and patient safety responsibilities.

The ethical principle of justice in community paramedicine most directly relates to which of the following?

Answer: Equitable distribution of healthcare resources and services across populations

Justice refers to fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources and treatment without discrimination.

A patient with schizophrenia refuses a recommended intervention. Under what condition may a community paramedic override this refusal?

Answer: When the patient is determined to lack decision-making capacity at that time

A psychiatric diagnosis alone does not remove capacity; a formal determination of lacking decision-making capacity is required before overriding refusal.

Which of the following best describes the legal concept of 'duty to act' for a community paramedic?

Answer: A legal obligation to provide care once a provider-patient relationship is established

Duty to act is a legal obligation that arises once a provider-patient relationship has been established.

A community paramedic receives a gift of significant monetary value from a grateful patient. What is the most ethically appropriate response?

Answer: Decline the gift and explain that accepting it could compromise professional objectivity

Accepting significant gifts can create conflicts of interest and compromise professional integrity; declining maintains clear boundaries.