ECC Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework 3

Question 1

When a patient with a valid DNR order goes into cardiac arrest in an emergency department, the legal obligation of the treating team is to:

Accepted Answer

Honor the DNR and provide comfort-focused care

Answer

A valid DNR order in the ED must be honored, and care should shift to comfort measures consistent with the patient's documented wishes.

Question 2

Which federal law requires hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid to inform adult patients of their rights regarding advance directives?

Accepted Answer

The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA)

Answer

The Patient Self-Determination Act requires healthcare organizations receiving federal funds to inform patients of their right to create advance directives.

Question 3

A paramedic administers epinephrine to a patient per off-line medical control protocols. If an adverse outcome occurs, which party bears primary legal responsibility?

Accepted Answer

The medical director who authorized the protocol

Answer

The medical director bears primary legal responsibility for off-line protocols because paramedics act as extensions of the physician's license when following standing orders.

Question 4

Which accreditation body requires hospitals to have documented policies for managing do-not-resuscitate orders in the perioperative setting?

Accepted Answer

The Joint Commission

Answer

The Joint Commission requires accredited hospitals to have clear policies addressing DNR orders when patients undergo surgical procedures.

Question 5

In most US states, an out-of-hospital DNR order is legally binding on EMS providers when it:

Accepted Answer

Is a written, signed order in the correct state-approved format

Answer

EMS providers are typically required to honor written, state-approved DNR forms that bear the required signatures, not verbal or informal communications.

(ECC) Emergency Cardiovascular Care Certification Practice Test

(ECC) Emergency Cardiovascular Care Certification Practice Test

ECC Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework 3