NBCOT Ethics and Professional Practice 5

Question 1

An OT student observes their clinical supervisor documenting a treatment session that did not occur. What is the student's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Discuss the concern with the supervisor first, then escalate if unresolved

Answer

Students share the obligation to address unethical conduct; starting with a direct conversation and then escalating if needed follows both the AOTA Code of Ethics and appropriate professional process.

Question 2

Which best describes 'scope of practice' in occupational therapy ethics?

Accepted Answer

The boundaries of competent practice defined by education, experience, and regulation

Answer

Scope of practice refers to the domain of competent practice determined by professional preparation, demonstrated competency, and applicable laws and regulations.

Question 3

An OT learns that a client is being financially exploited by a family member. The client asks the OT to keep this secret. What should the OT do?

Accepted Answer

Report to Adult Protective Services as mandated by law, explaining the reporting obligation to the client

Answer

Elder and vulnerable adult financial abuse is a mandatory reporting situation in most U.S. states; the OT must report and should inform the client of this legal obligation.

Question 4

The principle of 'nonmaleficence' in OT ethics most directly requires a practitioner to:

Accepted Answer

Avoid causing harm or imposing unnecessary risk on clients

Answer

Nonmaleficence means 'do no harm' and obligates OTs to avoid actions that could injure, exploit, or place clients at unnecessary risk.

Question 5

An OT is treating a client who mentions plans to harm a specific coworker. What is the OT's obligation under the duty to warn (Tarasoff principle)?

Accepted Answer

Warn the identified potential victim and notify appropriate authorities

Answer

The Tarasoff principle establishes a duty to protect identifiable third parties from credible threats of serious harm, which may require breaching confidentiality.

NBCOT - National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Practice Test

NBCOT - National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Practice Test

NBCOT Ethics and Professional Practice 5