CSC Medical Ethics & Patient Rights 5

Question 1

A patient who recently underwent a mastectomy asks the collector not to use the arm on the affected side. The collector should:

Accepted Answer

Honor the request and use the opposite arm unless clinically contraindicated

Answer

Explain that both arms must be assessed before deciding

Answer

Proceed on the preferred arm to save time

Answer

Require a physician order before changing the collection site

Question 2

When a patient asks what will happen to their leftover specimen after testing, the ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain the facility's specimen retention and disposal policy

Answer

Tell them it is proprietary information

Answer

Assure them it will be destroyed immediately after the test

Answer

Redirect them to the ordering physician for that information

Question 3

Which scenario represents a conflict of interest for a specimen collector?

Accepted Answer

Processing a specimen from a close family member when other collectors are available

Answer

Collecting a specimen from a patient who is a stranger

Answer

Wearing gloves during every venipuncture

Answer

Documenting the collection time accurately

Question 4

A patient discloses during collection that they are being abused at home. The collector's ethical and legal obligation is to:

Accepted Answer

Listen empathetically and refer the patient to appropriate resources or mandatory reporting channels

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and take no action

Answer

Tell the patient's family about the disclosure

Answer

Document it in the specimen log only

Question 5

The ethical concept of 'do no harm' (non-maleficence) in specimen collection most directly applies to:

Accepted Answer

Using proper technique to minimize pain and risk of injury during venipuncture

Answer

Ensuring correct test codes are entered on the requisition

Answer

Documenting collection time and site accurately

Answer

Verifying the patient's insurance before collection

Question 6

A collector who refuses to perform a legal medical procedure on a patient due to personal moral objections should:

Accepted Answer

Explain the objection to the patient and arrange for another qualified collector to assist

Answer

Proceed despite objections to maintain professionalism

Answer

Document the refusal and send the patient away

Answer

Contact the patient's physician and let them handle it

Question 7

Which of the following represents the most serious ethical breach a specimen collector could commit?

Accepted Answer

Intentionally substituting a known-negative specimen to help a donor pass a drug test

Answer

Forgetting to initial the chain of custody form

Answer

Collecting a specimen in the wrong order of draw

Answer

Using a smaller gauge needle than preferred