HUC Professional Ethics & Legal Standards 4

Question 1

The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to:

Accepted Answer

Inform patients on admission of their right to make advance directives

Answer

The PSDA requires facilities to give patients written information about their rights to make advance directives.

Question 2

A document in which a patient names another person to make health care decisions if the patient becomes unable to is a:

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for health care

Answer

A durable power of attorney for health care appoints an agent (health care proxy) to make decisions.

Question 3

Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining a patient's informed consent for a surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

The physician or provider performing the procedure

Answer

The provider performing the procedure must explain risks, benefits, and alternatives to obtain informed consent.

Question 4

When a health care worker signs as a witness on a surgical consent form, the signature confirms that:

Accepted Answer

The patient signed the form voluntarily and is the person who signed

Answer

A witness verifies the signer's identity and voluntary signature, not the patient's understanding of the procedure.

Question 5

A patient insists on leaving the hospital against medical advice. What is the appropriate action for the health unit coordinator?

Accepted Answer

Notify the nurse and physician and prepare the AMA release form per policy

Answer

The care team must be notified and the AMA form offered so the patient acknowledges the risks of leaving.

HUC - Health Unit Coordinator Practice Test