Patient Rights Flashcards
7 cards from real PCT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Patient Rights flashcards as text
A patient has a living will that declines artificial nutrition. Their family insists on tube feeding. What governs care decisions?
Answer: The patient's valid living will directives
A valid living will legally reflects the patient's own wishes and takes precedence over family requests.
A PCT overhears two coworkers discussing a patient's HIV status in the break room. What should the PCT do?
Answer: Remind the coworkers this is a privacy violation and report it if it continues
Discussing patients' protected health information in public areas is a HIPAA violation; the PCT should address it and report ongoing violations.
A minor patient (age 16) is being treated without parental consent for substance abuse. Is this permitted?
Answer: Yes, many states allow minors to consent to substance abuse treatment without parental involvement
Many states have laws allowing minors to consent to substance abuse, mental health, and reproductive health services without parental consent.
A patient asks the PCT to explain what medications they are receiving. What is the best response?
Answer: Acknowledge the question and arrange for the nurse or pharmacist to explain
Patients have the right to medication information; while the PCT can acknowledge the question, medication education is within the nurse or pharmacist's scope.
Which action best demonstrates respect for a patient's cultural and spiritual rights?
Answer: Accommodating dietary restrictions based on religious beliefs when possible
Respecting cultural and spiritual rights includes accommodating religious dietary needs and practices within the care plan when feasible.
A patient is cognitively impaired and cannot make decisions independently. Who holds decision-making authority?
Answer: The legally designated surrogate decision-maker or guardian
When a patient lacks decision-making capacity, authority passes to the legally designated surrogate (healthcare proxy, guardian, or next of kin per state law).
A patient expresses fear that complaining will lead to worse care. What should the PCT tell them?
Answer: Patients have the right to file grievances without any retaliation
Federal law and patient rights standards prohibit retaliation against patients who file complaints or grievances.