CST Ethics & Professionalism 4

Question 1

A surgeon asks the CST to document a procedure as completed when it was only partially performed. The CST should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse and accurately document what was actually performed

Answer

Falsifying medical records is illegal and unethical; the CST must document only what was actually performed.

Question 2

Which concept refers to a surgical technologist's duty to keep promises and honor commitments to patients and colleagues?

Accepted Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Fidelity is the ethical principle of keeping promises and being faithful to professional commitments.

Question 3

A CST is recovering from a substance use issue and is concerned about returning to work. The best resource is:

Accepted Answer

Contacting a Peer Assistance Program for confidential support

Answer

Peer Assistance Programs provide confidential support for healthcare workers dealing with substance use issues.

Question 4

In the OR, 'professional boundary violations' most commonly occur when a CST:

Accepted Answer

Forms a personal romantic relationship with a patient

Answer

Forming personal or romantic relationships with patients violates professional boundaries and exploits the inherent power imbalance.

Question 5

An unconscious patient in the OR cannot provide additional consent. This situation is governed by the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Implied consent for emergency treatment within the original surgical scope

Answer

Implied consent allows the surgical team to act within the agreed surgical scope when an unconscious patient cannot provide additional consent.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test