Ethical and Legal Responsibilities Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Ethical and Legal Responsibilities flashcards as text
A client's long-term partner (not legally married) requests the client's health information. What should the PCA do?
Answer: Withhold information unless the client has specifically authorized disclosure to this person
Without a signed authorization, health information cannot be shared with anyone, including an unmarried partner.
Which of the following actions violates a client's right to dignity?
Answer: Providing care with the bedroom door open while others are present without the client's consent
Exposing a client to others during personal care without their consent violates their right to privacy and dignity.
What is the legal consequence a PCA may face for performing a task that is outside their scope of practice?
Answer: Termination, loss of certification, and potential civil or criminal liability
Performing tasks outside the PCA scope of practice can result in serious legal consequences including license loss and liability.
A PCA is caring for a client who uses derogatory language and behaves disrespectfully. The PCA's best response is to:
Answer: Remain professional, set calm limits, and report the behavior to the supervisor
Maintaining professionalism while reporting problematic behavior protects both the client and the PCA.
Which of the following best describes the ethical principle of non-maleficence as it applies to PCAs?
Answer: Avoiding actions that could cause harm to the client
Non-maleficence means the PCA must avoid causing harm, whether intentional or through negligence.
A supervisor asks a PCA to falsify documentation to show a service was provided that was actually missed. The PCA should:
Answer: Refuse and report the request to a higher authority or compliance officer
Falsifying health care documentation is fraud and the PCA must refuse and report the supervisor's request.
A client tells a PCA they plan to harm themselves. What is the PCA's immediate obligation?
Answer: Report the disclosure immediately to the supervisor and follow crisis protocols
Disclosure of self-harm intent is a safety emergency requiring immediate supervisor notification and crisis protocol activation.