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

Patients with lymph node removal risk lymphedema, and their request to avoid venipuncture on the affected arm should be honored as both an ethical and clinical matter.

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

Patients have a right to understand what happens to their biological samples, and the collector should explain the facility's documented policy.

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 from a close family member creates a conflict of interest and potential bias; when alternatives exist, another collector should be used.

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

Disclosures of abuse may trigger mandatory reporting obligations, and collectors must connect the patient with appropriate resources while following facility protocols.

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

Non-maleficence requires collectors to use correct technique to prevent unnecessary pain, nerve injury, or infection during the procedure.

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

(CSC) Certified Specimen Collector Practice Test

CSC Medical Ethics & Patient Rights 5