Professional Ethics Flashcards

A patient asks a healthcare professional to keep a serious diagnosis secret from their family. What is the most ethical course of action?

Answer: Honor the patient's request and maintain confidentiality

Adult patients have the right to decide who receives their health information, and healthcare professionals must respect this autonomy.

Which of the following best defines 'nonmaleficence' in healthcare ethics?

Answer: Avoiding harm to the patient

Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of avoiding actions that cause harm to patients.

A coworker asks you to clock them in because they are running late. What should you do?

Answer: Refuse, as this constitutes time fraud

Clocking in for another employee is falsification of records and violates professional ethical standards.

When a healthcare worker encounters a situation outside their scope of practice, they should:

Answer: Refer the task to an appropriately qualified professional

Referring tasks outside one's scope of practice protects patient safety and upholds professional standards.

A patient offers a healthcare professional an expensive gift after receiving excellent care. The ethical response is to:

Answer: Decline politely in accordance with facility policy

Most healthcare facilities have gift policies prohibiting or limiting acceptance of gifts to avoid conflicts of interest.

Which ethical principle requires healthcare professionals to tell patients the truth about their diagnosis and treatment?

Answer: Veracity

Veracity is the ethical duty to be honest and truthful with patients in all communications.

A healthcare professional discovers a colleague is stealing medication from the facility. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Report it to the appropriate supervisor or authority

Reporting suspected medication theft protects patients and upholds the professional obligation to report unethical conduct.