Question 1

A team of researchers recognizes that the line of scientific inquiry they are pursuing has the potential for both public benefits and the risk of harm to the public. What decision will the team make if they are guided by the principle of public beneficence?

Accepted Answer

The principle of public beneficence involves seeking to maximize public benefits while minimizing the risk of public harm, balancing both aspects responsibly.

Question 2

Two patients of the same healthcare provider need the same complex surgery. The provider refers one patient with comprehensive insurance benefits and adequate financial resources to a surgeon who specializes in the latest robotic-assisted surgery techniques. The provider refers the other patient, who has limited resources and insurance benefits, to a surgeon who provides the existing standard of care. Which ethical principle is most directly violated?

Accepted Answer

Justice is the ethical principle that requires that people be treated fairly and equitably. In this case, the provider is not treating the two patients fairly because the patient with comprehensive insurance benefits and adequate financial resources is being referred to a surgeon who specializes in the latest robotic-assisted surgery techniques, while the patient with limited resources and insurance benefits is being referred to a surgeon who provides the existing standard of care. This is a violation of justice because the patient with limited resources and insurance benefits is not being given the same opportunity to receive the best possible care.

Question 3

A hospital administrator recognizes that robotic-assisted abdominal surgery offers improved outcomes for patients and improved working conditions for surgeons and other surgical staff members, but hesitates to invest in the necessary technology due to limited budget and concerns about the feasibility of passing the costs of the equipment on to the patient base in a low-income area. Which correctly describes the ethical dilemma of the administrator?

Accepted Answer

The ethical dilemma involves both the potential harm of not providing the best possible care (A) and the risk of creating inequalities if only wealthier patients can afford the new technology (B).

Question 4

A hospital administrative board decides to invest heavily in 3T MRI machines, replacing all of its existing 1.5T machines. Which line of reasoning used by the administrative board raises ethical questions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A hospital administrative board decides to invest...

Question 5

Which emerging innovation directly calls into question the role and usefulness of individual medical providers?

Accepted Answer

IBM Watson, with its advanced AI capabilities, can analyze vast amounts of medical data and provide diagnostic and treatment recommendations, potentially reducing the reliance on individual medical providers for decision-making.

Question 6

Which statement by a healthcare provider demonstrates commitment to ethical principles?

Accepted Answer

This statement shows a commitment to ethical principles by acknowledging the benefits of EHRs while also addressing the importance of protecting patient privacy through proper training in data security.

Question 7

Which correctly describes the relationship between EHR use and the principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which correctly describes the relationship between EHR...

Question 8

EHR software is an example of health information technology.

Accepted Answer

EHR (Electronic Health Record) software is a digital version of a patient's paper chart and is a key component of health information technology, used to store and manage patient health information electronically.

Question 9

Because the participants in the Tuskegee study agreed to participate and were compensated for their participation, the standard of patient autonomy was maintained.

Accepted Answer

The Tuskegee Study violated patient autonomy because participants were not fully informed about the nature of the study or the fact that they were not receiving proper treatment for syphilis.

Question 10

In cases where informed decision makers such as trained medical staff or governmental officials agree that a research study has the potential to benefit a large number of people, written informed consent from participants is not needed.

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement in research involving human participants, regardless of the potential benefits, to ensure participants' autonomy and understanding of the study.

Question 11

The use of a 3T MRI machine to produce 1.5T MRI exams does not pose any ethical concerns as long as the referring provider, the patient, and the patient's insurance company are aware of the image quality that will be produced.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The use of a 3T MRI machine...

Question 12

Under MACRA, a medical provider who prescribes a treatment that does not adhere to traditional best-practice protocols may be evaluated negatively in comparison with other providers, even if the treatment is effective.

Accepted Answer

Under MACRA, providers are evaluated based on adherence to best-practice protocols, and deviations, even if effective, can impact their performance scores.

Question 13

If a medical provider has successfully practiced for many years using paper medical records and has limited experience with computer technology which could result in user error, there is no ethical reason why the medical provider should switch to an EHR.

Accepted Answer

Switching to an EHR can improve patient safety, care coordination, and data accuracy, which are ethical considerations in providing the best possible care.

Quiz 9: Ethics and Safe Patient Handling and Mobility