MLS Professional Ethics & Communication 2

Question 1

An MLS discovers a critical potassium value of 6.8 mEq/L on a stat specimen. The ordering physician is unavailable. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Contact the charge nurse or covering physician immediately

Answer

Critical values must be communicated immediately to a responsible caregiver; if the ordering provider is unavailable, the next appropriate clinical contact must be notified.

Question 2

Which concept best describes the MLS's obligation to act in the patient's best interest above all other considerations?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence is the ethical principle requiring healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient.

Question 3

A laboratory report contains an error that was released to the patient's chart. The MLS who made the error should:

Accepted Answer

Notify the supervisor and follow the facility's error correction protocol

Answer

Errors must be corrected transparently following facility protocol, with supervisor notification and proper documentation.

Question 4

Under HIPAA, a patient's laboratory results may be shared with:

Accepted Answer

Members of the patient's direct treatment team

Answer

HIPAA permits disclosure of protected health information to those directly involved in the patient's treatment without additional authorization.

Question 5

When an MLS receives a verbal order for an add-on test, the best documentation practice is to:

Accepted Answer

Record the name of the person giving the verbal order, the test ordered, date, and time

Answer

Proper documentation of verbal orders protects both the patient and the laboratory by creating a traceable record.

(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test

(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test

MLS Professional Ethics & Communication 2