Professional Ethics & Communication Flashcards
7 cards from real EMS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Ethics & Communication flashcards as text
A pediatric patient is 14 years old and refuses care while a parent is demanding treatment. Who has legal authority to make the medical decision?
Answer: The parent, as the minor's legal guardian
Minors cannot legally consent to or refuse medical care; a parent or legal guardian holds decision-making authority except in emergencies.
Non-malfeasance as an EMS ethical principle means:
Answer: Avoiding actions that cause unnecessary harm to the patient
Non-malfeasance, derived from 'first, do no harm,' obligates EMS providers to avoid interventions that cause unnecessary harm.
When communicating with a patient who speaks limited English, the best approach is to:
Answer: Use an interpreter service or trained medical interpreter
Professional interpreter services ensure accurate translation of medical information and protect against miscommunication that could affect patient care.
An EMT discovers a living will in a patient's home indicating DNR status. The patient is now in cardiac arrest. What should the EMT do?
Answer: Withhold resuscitation if the DNR is valid and properly executed per state law
A properly executed DNR or advance directive must be honored; EMTs should follow state protocols for verifying and honoring such documents.
Which action by an EMT constitutes abandonment?
Answer: Leaving a patient who requires ongoing care without transferring responsibility to an equal or higher level of provider
Abandonment occurs when care is terminated without ensuring continuity through transfer to an appropriate provider.
When documenting a patient care report, which standard must be maintained?
Answer: Accuracy, objectivity, and completeness without personal opinions
PCRs are legal documents and must be accurate, objective, and complete to support quality care and legal protection.
Justice as an EMS ethical principle primarily means:
Answer: Treating all patients fairly and distributing resources equitably
Justice in medical ethics requires fair treatment of all patients and equitable distribution of care resources regardless of personal characteristics.