PCE Ethics and Professionalism 3

Question 1

A physiotherapist is treating a minor patient. Who provides informed consent for treatment?

Accepted Answer

The parent or legal guardian, with the minor's assent when appropriate

Answer

The minor patient alone if over age 12

Answer

The referring physician

Answer

The school or institution if the minor is enrolled there

Question 2

Which behavior represents a violation of professional boundaries in physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Borrowing money from a patient

Answer

Using a patient's first name with their permission

Answer

Accepting a small token of appreciation such as homemade cookies

Answer

Discussing treatment goals with a patient's caregiver

Question 3

The concept of 'veracity' in healthcare ethics requires physiotherapists to:

Accepted Answer

Be truthful with patients about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options

Answer

Provide care consistent with the best available evidence

Answer

Verify all patient-reported information before proceeding

Answer

Document accurately in the medical record

Question 4

A physiotherapist receives a request from a lawyer for a patient's medical records related to a lawsuit. The correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Release records only with a valid patient authorization or court order

Answer

Release the records immediately as requested

Answer

Refuse all legal requests to protect confidentiality

Answer

Contact the patient's physician before responding

Question 5

A physiotherapist disagrees with a physician's referral order that they believe is medically unnecessary. The best action is to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct an independent assessment and communicate clinical findings to the physician

Answer

Follow the order without question to avoid conflict

Answer

Refuse treatment and discharge the patient

Answer

Perform the treatment while noting disagreement in a personal log

Question 6

Which of the following BEST describes the ethical concept of 'non-maleficence' in physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Acting in a way that does not intentionally cause harm to the patient

Answer

Providing the greatest benefit to the greatest number of patients

Answer

Respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions

Answer

Distributing healthcare resources fairly

Question 7

A physiotherapist working in a sports setting is pressured by a coach to return an athlete to play before full recovery. The therapist should:

Accepted Answer

Base the return-to-play decision on objective clinical criteria and patient safety

Answer

Return the athlete to maintain the professional relationship with the coaching staff

Answer

Defer entirely to the athlete's own preference

Answer

Request the team physician make the decision to avoid conflict