Ethical Practices & Evidence-Based Guidelines Flashcards

A CSSD is asked by a supplement company to endorse a product in exchange for payment. What is the most ethically appropriate response?

Answer: Decline unless the product has strong peer-reviewed evidence supporting its claims

CDR's Code of Ethics requires that RDs provide endorsements only for products they can support with credible evidence, and any financial relationships must be disclosed.

Which study design provides the highest level of evidence when evaluating a nutrition intervention for athletic performance?

Answer: Randomized controlled trial

Randomized controlled trials sit at the top of the evidence hierarchy for evaluating causal effects of interventions.

A college athlete discloses disordered eating patterns and asks the CSSD to keep it completely confidential from coaches and parents. The CSSD's ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Maintain confidentiality except when imminent harm risk exists, and discuss mandatory reporting limits upfront

Confidentiality is fundamental but has limits; practitioners should clarify these limits at intake and act when safety is at serious risk.

The GRADE system used in evidence-based nutrition practice categorizes evidence quality primarily based on:

Answer: Study design, risk of bias, consistency, directness, and precision

GRADE evaluates multiple dimensions—not just sample size or funding—to assign evidence quality ratings from very low to high.

A CSSD practicing in a state that does not license dietitians is approached by a client outside their usual scope. The best action is to:

Answer: Consult CDR scope of practice guidelines and refer if outside competency

Even without state licensure requirements, the CSSD must practice within competency boundaries defined by CDR and refer when necessary.

When a CSSD finds a conflict between a client's personal dietary beliefs and best available evidence, the ethical approach is to:

Answer: Respect autonomy while providing accurate evidence-based information to support shared decision-making

Ethical practice balances respect for client autonomy with the obligation to provide accurate, evidence-based guidance.

Which action best demonstrates the principle of 'non-maleficence' in sports nutrition practice?

Answer: Advising against a supplement with documented adverse effects even when a client requests it

Non-maleficence requires actively avoiding harm, including counseling against products with known risks despite client preference.