EMS Professional Ethics & Communication 2

Question 1

A patient refuses to consent to treatment after being fully informed of the risks. What is the EMT's legal and ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Contact medical direction and document the refusal thoroughly

Answer

A competent adult has the right to refuse care, and EMTs must document the refusal, ensure the patient is informed of consequences, and contact medical direction.

Question 2

When transferring care to hospital staff, which communication method is most effective for ensuring patient safety?

Accepted Answer

SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)

Answer

SBAR provides a structured, standardized handoff format that reduces errors and ensures critical patient information is communicated clearly.

Question 3

An EMT witnesses a partner falsifying patient care reports. What is the appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to a supervisor or through the proper chain of command

Answer

Falsifying medical records is illegal and unethical; EMTs have a professional duty to report such conduct through proper channels.

Question 4

Which principle of EMS ethics refers to the duty to act in the patient's best interest?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence is the ethical principle of acting to benefit the patient and promote their well-being.

Question 5

A patient is unconscious and no family is present. Under which doctrine can an EMT provide emergency care without explicit consent?

Accepted Answer

Implied consent

Answer

Implied consent assumes that an unconscious or incapacitated patient would consent to life-saving treatment if they were able to communicate.

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test

EMS Professional Ethics & Communication 2