Medical Knowledge Medical Ethics & Law 3

Question 1

What is the difference between a healthcare power of attorney (HCPOA) and a living will?

Accepted Answer

A HCPOA designates a proxy decision-maker; a living will specifies the patient's own care preferences

Answer

They are the same document with different names

Answer

A HCPOA covers financial decisions; a living will covers all personal decisions

Answer

A HCPOA covers surgical decisions only; a living will covers medications

Question 2

What is the standard of care in medical practice?

Accepted Answer

The level of care a reasonably competent provider would deliver under similar circumstances

Answer

The most advanced treatment currently available

Answer

Care exclusively provided by the leading specialist in the field

Answer

The minimum care covered by the patient's insurance plan

Question 3

What does EMTALA require US hospitals to do?

Accepted Answer

Screen and stabilize any patient presenting to the emergency department regardless of ability to pay

Answer

Treat only patients with verified insurance coverage

Answer

Refer all emergency patients to specialty centers

Answer

Obtain payment or financial commitment before providing emergency treatment

Question 4

What is a reportable disease?

Accepted Answer

A condition that healthcare providers are legally required to report to public health authorities

Answer

Any disease treated in a US hospital

Answer

Any disease that requires patient isolation

Answer

A chronic condition requiring long-term specialist monitoring

Question 5

What does 'scope of practice' mean for a healthcare professional?

Accepted Answer

The activities and procedures a provider is legally permitted to perform based on their license and training

Answer

The geographic area where a provider is licensed to practice

Answer

The maximum number of patients a provider can see daily

Answer

The types of insurance a provider is approved to bill

Question 6

What is the doctrine of respondeat superior in medical liability?

Accepted Answer

Employers are vicariously liable for negligent acts of employees performed within the scope of employment

Answer

Patients bear responsibility for outcomes of their chosen treatments

Answer

Physicians bear no liability for errors made by employed nurses or technicians

Answer

Hospitals are fully exempt from malpractice claims by statute