General Surgery Board Review Professional Standards & Competencies 2

Question 1

A surgical resident repeatedly arrives late to morning rounds but performs technically well in the OR. Which competency domain is most deficient?

Accepted Answer

Professionalism

Answer

Professionalism encompasses reliability, punctuality, and accountability to the team and patients.

Question 2

Under HIPAA, which of the following disclosures of protected health information is permissible WITHOUT patient authorization?

Accepted Answer

Reporting a gunshot wound to law enforcement

Answer

HIPAA permits disclosure without authorization for mandatory public health reporting such as gunshot wounds.

Question 3

A surgeon is asked to perform a procedure outside their current scope of privileges. The best course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline and refer to a credentialed colleague

Answer

Performing procedures outside one's granted privileges violates credentialing standards and risks patient safety.

Question 4

Which principle of the ACS Code of Professional Conduct is best illustrated by a surgeon who discloses a financial conflict of interest before recommending a specific surgical implant?

Accepted Answer

Transparency and honesty

Answer

Disclosing conflicts of interest exemplifies transparency and honesty, a core ACS professional conduct principle.

Question 5

During a morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference, the primary purpose of case review is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify system and process improvements to prevent recurrence

Answer

M&M conferences are protected educational forums aimed at quality improvement and error prevention, not blame assignment.

General Surgery Board Review Practice Test

General Surgery Board Review Practice Test

General Surgery Board Review Professional Standards & Competencies 2