CST Ethics & Professionalism 3

Question 1

A patient expresses wishes in a living will that differ from the surgeon's planned procedure. The surgical team should:

Accepted Answer

Alert the surgeon and delay the procedure until the conflict is resolved

Answer

A living will is a legal advance directive that must be respected; conflicts must be resolved before proceeding with elective surgery.

Question 2

Which term describes the ethical obligation to treat all patients equally regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Justice requires equitable treatment and fair distribution of care to all patients without discrimination.

Question 3

A CST accidentally contaminates the sterile field and says nothing to avoid slowing down the surgery. This violates which principle?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Veracity requires honesty; failing to report a sterile field contamination deceives the team and endangers the patient.

Question 4

A surgical technologist who witnesses suspected abuse of a pediatric patient is ethically and legally obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Report suspicions to the charge nurse or social worker

Answer

Surgical technologists are mandated reporters in most states and must report suspected child abuse to the appropriate party.

Question 5

When a CST disagrees with a surgeon's clinical decision, the most professionally appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Voice concerns privately through proper communication channels

Answer

Concerns should be communicated respectfully and through proper channels to maintain professionalism and patient safety.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test