SHS Medical Ethics & Patient Rights 2

Question 1

A patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite a life-threatening condition. What is the healthcare provider's ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal if the patient is competent and informed

Answer

A competent, informed adult has the right to refuse any treatment, including life-saving ones, based on personal or religious beliefs.

Question 2

Which principle of biomedical ethics requires healthcare workers to 'do no harm'?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence is the principle that obligates providers to avoid causing unnecessary harm or injury to patients.

Question 3

Under HIPAA, which of the following is considered a permissible disclosure of protected health information without patient authorization?

Accepted Answer

Reporting a communicable disease to the public health department

Answer

Public health reporting for communicable diseases is a legally recognized permissible disclosure under HIPAA's public interest exceptions.

Question 4

A patient's surrogate decision-maker should base decisions on which standard?

Accepted Answer

The patient's previously expressed wishes or best interests

Answer

Surrogates must apply the substituted judgment standard — honoring what the patient would have wanted — or the best interest standard when preferences are unknown.

Question 5

Which document allows a patient to designate another person to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if incapacitated?

Accepted Answer

Durable power of attorney for healthcare

Answer

A durable power of attorney for healthcare (healthcare proxy) legally designates a specific individual to make medical decisions when the patient cannot.

(SHS) Safety and Health Specialist Certificate Practice Test

(SHS) Safety and Health Specialist Certificate Practice Test

SHS Medical Ethics & Patient Rights 2