NPTE-PT NPTE-PT Test Professional Responsibilities and Ethics Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A physical therapist receives a subpoena requesting a patient's therapy records for a legal proceeding. The patient has not authorized release. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Consult with legal counsel and notify the patient before responding to the subpoena

Answer

Immediately release all records as legally required by the subpoena

Answer

Refuse to release records under any circumstances

Answer

Release only the records that support the patient's case

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes the ethical concept of distributive justice as it applies to physical therapy practice?

Accepted Answer

Allocating healthcare resources fairly and equitably regardless of patient characteristics

Answer

Providing the highest level of care to patients who can pay the most

Answer

Ensuring that all patients receive identical treatment protocols

Answer

Prioritizing treatment for patients with the most severe conditions

Question 3

A physical therapist's patient reveals during treatment that they are undocumented. The therapist's employer has a policy requiring staff to report undocumented individuals. What should the therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Continue providing care and maintain confidentiality, as healthcare providers are not immigration enforcement agents

Answer

Report the patient to immigration authorities as required by employer policy

Answer

Refuse to treat the patient further

Answer

Discharge the patient and refer to a free clinic

Question 4

A newly licensed physical therapist is asked by their supervisor to perform joint mobilization techniques they learned in school but have never performed on an actual patient. What is the MOST ethical response?

Accepted Answer

Inform the supervisor of their limited experience and request supervision or mentorship before performing the technique independently

Answer

Perform the technique since they learned it in an accredited program

Answer

Refuse to perform the technique entirely and refer the patient elsewhere

Answer

Ask another therapist to perform the technique instead without informing the supervisor

Question 5

During an initial evaluation, a patient tells the physical therapist they do not want a student physical therapist involved in their care. What is the appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Honor the patient's request and ensure the student does not participate in their care

Answer

Inform the patient that student involvement is mandatory at a teaching facility

Answer

Discharge the patient for being uncooperative

Answer

Allow the student to observe only without informing the patient

Question 6

A physical therapist discovers a billing error that resulted in a patient being overcharged for three months of treatment. The error was unintentional. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately disclose the error to the patient, facility administration, and arrange for appropriate reimbursement

Answer

Correct the billing going forward but do not disclose the past error

Answer

Wait to see if the patient or insurance company notices the discrepancy

Answer

Document the error internally but take no further action