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

When receiving a subpoena, the therapist should consult legal counsel and notify the patient, as a subpoena alone may not override HIPAA protections without a valid court order or patient authorization.

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

Distributive justice in healthcare requires fair and equitable allocation of resources without discrimination based on socioeconomic status, race, or other patient characteristics.

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

Physical therapists have an ethical obligation to provide care regardless of immigration status, and patient disclosures during treatment are protected health information under HIPAA.

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

Ethical practice requires therapists to practice within their competence level and to seek appropriate supervision when transitioning from academic training to independent clinical practice.

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

Patients have the right to refuse care from students, and this preference must be honored as part of respecting patient autonomy and informed consent.

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

NPTE-PT Test Practice Test

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