Dental Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Multiple Choice Questions and Answers, Exams of Nursing

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Chapter 13 - Professional responsibility

A: licensure. - correct answer ✔Enforcing practice codes, establishing standards, and enforcing sanctions against incompetent practitioners, to protect the health and safety of the public, are the purposes of A: licensure. B: malpractice. C: credentialing. D: statute of limitations. C: A verbal accusation was voiced by the patient that a wrongful act had been committed. - correct answer ✔All of the following aspects of malpractice must be proven for the patient to initiate a lawsuit EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: The patient has incurred an injury. B: The dental professional has a contractual relationship with the patient. C: A verbal accusation was voiced by the patient that a wrongful act had been committed. D: Harm inflicted on the patient was a result of actions committed by the dental professional. A: Statute - correct answer ✔Which is the BEST description of a Dental Practice Act? A: Statute B: Licensure C: Certification D: Accreditation

A: Both the statement and the reason are correct and related. - correct answer ✔Good communication with the patient is the best defense against malpractice claims because patients are less likely to initiate a lawsuit when they have a clear understanding of proposed treatment plans and any potential treatment complications. A: Both the statement and the reason are correct and related. B: Both the statement and the reason are correct but NOT related. C: The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT. D: The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct. E: NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct. B: An action that places someone in fear of bodily harm - correct answer ✔Which of the following BEST represents an assault? A: The use of another's name for purposes of financial gain B: An action that places someone in fear of bodily harm C: Communicating an untrue statement about another person D: Intentional infliction of offensive or harmful bodily contact C: Veracity answers all of the patient's questions HONESTLY - correct answer ✔The dentist proposes a full mouth series of radiographs as part of a patient's treatment plan. The patient questions the dental hygienist about the need for and the safety of radiography. The hygienist educates the patient about dental radiography and answers all of the patient's questions honestly. Which ethical principle is the hygienist upholding? A: Justice B: Fidelity C: Veracity

D: Accountability E: Responsibility C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. - correct answer ✔Dental records are the ongoing documentation of all occurrences and encounters with the dental patient. It is not necessary for each entry to be signed as long as a date is included. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. B: Veracity - correct answer ✔Which term is also known as the principle of truthfulness? A: Justice B: Veracity C: Beneficence D: Nonmaleficence B: Veracity - correct answer ✔Which of the following ethical values should a hygienist uphold if he or she finds a suspicious lesion during the intraoral examination? A: Justice B: Veracity C: Autonomy D: Nonmaleficence

C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false (Informed consent is considered part of the standard of care for health care and is not mandated by the HIPAA). - correct answer ✔Patients must be informed of proposed treatment, risks, options, and nature of the disease or problem before the health care professional can proceed with treatment. Informed consent is mandated by the HIPAA. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. D: Obtaining permission before touching the patient during extraoral and intraoral examinations - correct answer ✔Which gesture or expression demonstrates respect for a patient's cultural background in the dental hygiene process of care? A: Acknowledging good oral hygiene with a thumbs-up gesture B: Using head movement signs for "yes" and "no" rather than speaking C: Greeting the patient with a handshake at the beginning of the appointment D: Obtaining permission before touching the patient during extraoral and intraoral examinations A: Notifying the patient verbally - correct answer ✔To avoid charges of patient abandonment, a dental office is required to do all of the following actions EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: Notifying the patient verbally B: Suggesting that the patient seek other providers C: Using objective language in written notification D: Providing written notification of termination and the reasons E: Stating that the patient's records will be forwarded to new provider

C: Standard of care - correct answer ✔Which of the following terms is applied to providing a level of care that a reasonably prudent practitioner would exercise practicing under the rules and regulations of the state practice act? A: Universality B: Access to care C: Standard of care D: Health care disparity D: The first statement is false (Direct supervision requires that the dentist be on the premises of the dental treatment, not within the treatment room, AND dentist approval of the work performed prior to patient dismissal), and the second statement is true. - correct answer ✔Direct supervision requires that the dentist remain in the treatment room while the hygienist is performing procedures. General supervision allows the dental hygienist to perform procedures that have been authorized by the dentist, but the dentist need not be present in the facility. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. B: Attendance at the required number of continuing education courses per year - correct answer ✔Which of the following is the BEST example of a dental professional practicing nonmaleficence? A: Providing dental services regardless of age, race, and economic status B: Attendance at the required number of continuing education courses per year C: Diagnosing the correct classification of carious lesions found during an examination

D: Explaining the treatment plan thoroughly and allowing the patient to ask questions B: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - correct answer ✔Which agency or group should a dental hygienist contact regarding a sexual harassment complaint? A: American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) B: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) C: Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB) D: Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) B: Both statements are false. Universal Precautions are a set of infection control and safety procedures intended to protect against bloodborne disease transmission with the concept of treating blood and blood-contaminated body fluids as if they are infectious. Standard Precautions expanded the concept by treating all body fluids except sweat as infectious. Engineering controls are devices or equipment that reduce or eliminate a hazard. - correct answer ✔Universal precautions is the term for procedures developed to avoid contact with blood and blood-contaminated, potentially infectious body fluids. Engineering controls is the expanded concept that all bodily fluids except sweat are potentially infectious. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true.

A: Autonomy - refers to the patient's right to participate in treatment decisions

• correct answer ✔Advising the patient of the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of their proposed treatment plan, prior to obtaining the informed consent, promotes which of the following ethical principles? A: Autonomy B: Nonmaleficence C: Beneficence D: Confidentiality D: Discrimination - correct answer ✔A dental hygienist tries to reschedule a patient's appointment with another hygienist because she does not like to treat "old people." What is the hygienist guilty of? A: Paternalism B: Harassment C: Malpractice D: Discrimination A: Civil Rights Act. - correct answer ✔The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is an amendment to the A: Civil Rights Act. B: Family Medical Leave Act. C: Americans with Disabilities Act. D: Equal Employment Opportunity Act. B: Both statements are false. - correct answer ✔The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the government agency charged with creating the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health. OSHA objectives include health promotion,

prevention of disease, injury and disability, and preparedness for new health threats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the government agency charged with assurance of safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. A: ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. - correct answer ✔The OSHA protects the dental professional by A: ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. B: allowing unpaid leave for medical reasons. C: mandating licensure for dentists and dental hygienists. D: protecting health care workers from age discrimination. B: Both statements are false. - correct answer ✔An act of omission is a form of malpractice in which the practitioner commits an act that causes harm or injury to the patient. An act of commission is a form of malpractice in which the practitioner fails to act properly to prevent harm. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second is true. E: nonmaleficence. - correct answer ✔The founding principle of all health care professions is A: veracity.

B: autonomy. C: beneficence. D: confidentiality. E: nonmaleficence. A: It is the study or science of the law. - correct answer ✔Which of the following BEST defines jurisprudence? A: It is the study or science of the law. B: It is a written law passed by a legislative body. C: It addresses the ethics of medical and biologic research. D: It is the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles. A: To provide payment C: For provision of treatment D: To allow facility operations E: To governmental agencies - correct answer ✔Under which of the following circumstances is the release of protected health information allowed without violation of the HIPAA? (Select all that apply.) A: To provide payment B: For family convenience C: For provision of treatment D: To allow facility operations E: To governmental agencies B: The dentist dismisses one hygienist and hires another hygienist from a different ethnicity to maintain diversity. - correct answer ✔Which of the following is NOT a permissible reason to terminate a dental hygienist's employment under the at-will employment relationship?

A: The hygienist consistently has cancellations and cannot maintain a full schedule. B: The dentist dismisses one hygienist and hires another hygienist from a different ethnicity to maintain diversity. C: The hygienist calls in sick more than 2 to 3 days per month because of a child's illness. D: The dental practice does not have enough dentists to allow the current number of hygienists to practice. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. - correct answer ✔If the husband of a patient contacts the dental office to request information regarding his wife's health history so that he can accurately fill out insurance forms, it is permissible to share that information with the husband because the couple is married. Sharing patient information with family is a violation of confidentiality. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. C: breach of contract. - correct answer ✔Promising patients treatment outcomes that might not be achievable is known as A: defamation. B: standard of care. C: breach of contract. D: contributory negligence. C: Gathering information from a peer-reviewed journal and using clinical judgment - correct answer ✔Which of the following BEST represents the most valid way to make evidence-based treatment decisions?

A: Reading a magazine and trying a new procedure suggested in an article B: Applying information the previous patient told you during his or her appointment C: Gathering information from a peer-reviewed journal and using clinical judgment D: Asking a fellow dental hygienist for his or her opinion concerning a treatment option C: Negligence - correct answer ✔Failure to refer a patient who has aggressive periodontal disease and severe bone loss represents which concept? A: Veracity B: Autonomy C: Negligence D: Informed consent B: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - correct answer ✔Which federal act protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs? A: Ryan White Care Act B: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) C: HIPAA A: Prevention of harm to the public - correct answer ✔Which of the following statements BEST represents the purpose of a dental practice act? A: Prevention of harm to the public B: Protection for the dental hygienist C: Control of fee schedules for dental services D: Maintenance of dental records for patients

D: Conforming to a system of moral principles and standards Licensed professionals are legally bound to adhere to state rules and regulations, but following the law does not guarantee ethical behavior. - correct answer ✔Which of the following BEST defines professional ethics? A: Adhering to state rules and regulations B: Complying with insurance carrier's policies C: Following office guidelines for treating patients D: Conforming to a system of moral principles and standards B: State Board of Dental Examiners - correct answer ✔Which regulatory body grants a dental hygiene license after successful completion of board examinations? A: American Dental Association B: State Board of Dental Examiners C: American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) D: Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. - correct answer ✔Compensatory damages are damages which are added when gross carelessness or negligence causes injury. Compensatory damages are usually covered by liability insurance. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true.

A: Risk management C: Following the standard of care D: Comprehensive dental treatment record E: Clear communication with the patient regarding care and treatment - correct answer ✔Select the factors that minimize the risk of litigation for a dental care provider. (Select all that apply.) A: Risk management B: Using experimental materials C: Following the standard of care D: Comprehensive dental treatment record E: Clear communication with the patient regarding care and treatment D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. - correct answer ✔A noncompliant patient may be dismissed before the treatment already started has been completed. If the office dismisses a patient in active treatment without proper notification, the office may be charged with abandonment. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. D: Legislative - correct answer ✔If a state's dental practice act prohibits a dental hygienist from using local anesthesia on patients, which branch of the government will enforce that statute against the hygienist if he or she decides to provide anesthetic services illegally to a patient? A: Judicial B: Executive C: Municipal

D: Legislative D: nonmaleficence. Justice is the ethical and legal principle of providing individuals or groups with what is owed, due, or deserved as a duty (A). Veracity is the ethical principle of being honest and telling the truth (B). Beneficence is the ethical principle of "doing good" or benefiting the patient by removing harm (C). - correct answer ✔The concept "Do No Harm" is known as A: justice. B: veracity. C: beneficence. D: nonmaleficence. A: Both statements are true. - correct answer ✔A 12-month employment contract is an example of term employment. A hygienist hired as a term employee cannot be terminated without just cause. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. B: Indirect Direct supervision generally requires prior diagnosis of the patient's condition, authorization of a procedure by a dentist, the presence of a supervising dentist on the premises, AND dentist approval of the work performed prior to patient dismissal.

General supervision requires that the dentist authorize the services being delivered; however, the presence of the supervising dentist in the treatment facility is not required. - correct answer ✔Which type of supervision requires prior diagnosis of the patient's condition, authorization of a procedure by a dentist, and the presence of a supervising dentist on the premises? A: Direct B: Indirect C: General C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. - correct answer ✔The dental hygienist may legally perform the duties or functions allowed in that particular state. If the individual is trained and licensed in another state where the practice act is more expansive, it is also permissible to perform those expanded functions in both states. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. A: Civil offense D: Unintentional tort - correct answer ✔The dental hygienist accidentally uses latex gloves on a patient with a latex allergy, and the patient has a severe allergic reaction. Which action has the dental hygienist committed? (Select all that apply.) A: Civil offense B: Intentional tort C: Criminal offense D: Unintentional tort

C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. - correct answer ✔Patient autonomy allows the patient to make decisions about the treatment received. If a patient chooses a treatment option that is consistent with standards of care, but not what the dental professional recommends, the professional does not have to provide the treatment. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. C: The first statement is true, and the second is false. - correct answer ✔Reciprocity is when a state grants licensure, usually without further testing, to an individual who is already licensed in another state. Individuals must apply for reciprocity in another state within the first 10 years after becoming first licensed. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second is false. D: The second statement is true, and the first is false. D: The dental hygienist submits to a dentist's sexual advances to receive a salary increase. - correct answer ✔Which of the following scenarios represents the BEST example of "quid pro quo" sexual harassment? A: The dental hygienist sends inappropriate emails to all employees. B: The dentist makes derogatory sexual remarks to all employees throughout the day. C: The dentist orders that female employees dress provocatively on Fridays. D: The dental hygienist submits to a dentist's sexual advances to receive a salary increase.

C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false (Libel is written defamation and slander is verbal defamation). - correct answer ✔Defamation is a false communication that harms a person's reputation. It may be either slander (written communication) or libel (verbal communication). A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. B: Draw single line through the error; enter correct information in black ink. - correct answer ✔Which of the following would be appropriate for correction of an error recorded in the treatment notes by the dental hygienist? A: Draw single line through the error; enter correct information in red ink. B: Draw single line through the error; enter correct information in black ink. C: Cover error with correction fluid; write correct information over the original entry. D: Completely cross out error; enter correct information in black ink. C: Others interviewing for the position are required to complete a medical screening. - correct answer ✔Which of the following statements represents an example of when it is legal to require a pregnant applicant to undergo medical evaluation? A: The applicant has been identified as having a high-risk pregnancy. B: There are childcare concerns with the applicant's current children. C: Others interviewing for the position are required to complete a medical screening. D: An employer wishes to prove that pregnant applicant is able to perform duties efficiently.

C: Dentist - correct answer ✔Who owns a patient's chart and radiographs? A: State B: Patient C: Dentist D: Insurance carrier D: Verbally telling patients about credentials obtained - correct answer ✔All of the following are examples of individual risk management within a dental practice EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: Compliance with all statutes B: Maintaining dental licenses and certifications C: Being knowledgeable about the state's dental practice act D: Verbally telling patients about credentials obtained B: Both statements are false. an expressed contract is created through oral or written communication an implied contract is created through signs such as allowing the lead apron to be put in place, inaction, or silence - correct answer ✔When a patient allows the lead apron to be put in place before radiographic examination, it is considered an expressed contract. When the patient signs the paperwork presented during a sedation consultation, it is considered an implied contract. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true.

C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. - correct answer ✔A patient can request copies of the dental records at any time. If the account balance is not paid in full, the dental office is not obligated to provide the dental records to the patient. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. B: ethical dilemma. - correct answer ✔The patient refuses to take the prescribed prophylactic premedication required before dental hygienist treatment. The dental hygienist's decision not to treat the patient exemplifies A: abandonment. B: ethical dilemma. C: injury causation. D: professional obligation. E: contributory negligence. B: Completing procedures in the predetermined amount of time - correct answer ✔All of the following examples represent contractual duties of dental professionals to their patients EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: Using standard techniques, medications, and products B: Completing procedures in the predetermined amount of time C: Providing adequate postoperative instructions following a dental extraction D: Providing referral for conditions that exceed the scope of the general dentist's practice E: Nonmaleficence - correct answer ✔The dental hygienist who participates in life-long learning, attends continuing education courses, and stays current

with advances in the field of dentistry and dental hygiene is upholding which ethical principle? A: Fidelity B: Autonomy C: Beneficence D: Societal trust E: Nonmaleficence A: Both statements are true. - correct answer ✔The dental treatment record is a comprehensive, ongoing file of assessment findings, treatment services rendered, outcomes, notations, and patient contacts. Entries in the dental record should be signed and dated. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. A: Both statements are true. - correct answer ✔The dental hygienist may perform an action that is unethical yet is still legal. However, it is not possible to perform an action that is illegal and is still ethical. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second is true. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. - correct answer ✔Scopes of practice for care vary by state. Licensed dental hygienists are not permitted to perform any procedure that can be legally delegated to a nonlicensed provider such as a dental assistant.

A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. D: Nonmaleficence - correct answer ✔A dental hygienist finds an area on the lateral border of the tongue that is suspicious for oral cancer. The hygienist tells the patient about it and suggests a treatment which she is not qualified to perform and which could potentially cause harm to the patient. This violates which ethical principle? A: Justice B: Fidelity C: Autonomy D: Nonmaleficence C: The right to be responsible for associated fees for proposed services - correct answer ✔All of the following are addressed in the Patient's Bill of Rights EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: The right to immediate care in the event of an emergency B: The right of privacy with regard to consultation and treatment C: The right to be responsible for associated fees for proposed services D: The right to receive information concerning any aspect of treatment or condition A: Both statements are true. - correct answer ✔Providing written evaluation of the extent of achievement of patient-centered goals is considered a legal risk management strategy. Failure to evaluate the outcome of care may be grounds for negligence. A: Both statements are true.

B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. - correct answer ✔The primary purpose of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) Code of Ethics is to guide decision making and encourage professional growth. The standards within this code are also defined by law. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. B: Prosecuting excessive fees for dental services - correct answer ✔All of the following are functions of a state dental board EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: Promotion of professional ethical standards B: Prosecuting excessive fees for dental services C: Protection of the public from incompetent and fraudulent practitioners D: Administration of dental and dental hygiene practice acts and regulating the dental profession E: Investigation of complaints about professional misconduct and taking appropriate disciplinary action A: Both statements are true - correct answer ✔When a dental hygiene malpractice suit is a civil action, the level of proof required is called a preponderance of evidence. A preponderance of evidence requires that the jury or judge must be 51% certain of guilt or innocence. A: Both statements are true.

B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. D: Statute of limitations - correct answer ✔Which of the following terms refers to time restrictions during which legal proceedings may be initiated? A: Standard of care B: State practice act C: Informed consent D: Statute of limitations A: Both the statement and the reason are correct and related. - correct answer ✔The dental state practice act regulates the practice of dentistry and specifies the legal requirements for licensure because its primary purpose is to protect the public from incompetent health care providers. A: Both the statement and the reason are correct and related. B: Both the statement and the reason are correct but NOT related. C: The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT. D: The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct. E: NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct. C: Expressed - correct answer ✔Which type of contract is created when a patient signs a consent form? A: Implied B: Apparent C: Expressed

D: The first statement is false (misdemeanors and felonies are examples of criminal law and involve crimes against society), and the second is true. - correct answer ✔Misdemeanors and felonies are examples of civil law and involve crimes against persons or property. Civil offenses only result in monetary damages or compensation. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second is true. C: The noncustodial parent of a minor child - correct answer ✔All of the following scenarios allow the dental professional to release confidential patient information EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: Suspected child abuse B: Subpoena in criminal prosecution C: The noncustodial parent of a minor child D: Infection with reportable public health disease D: an unintentional tort. - correct answer ✔A dental hygienist accidently mounts a radiograph backward, and the dentist does not notice this error. The dentist extracts tooth #30 instead of tooth #19. This is an example of A: a statute. B: technical battery. C: an intentional tort. D: an unintentional tort. A: Both statements are true. - correct answer ✔The dental hygienist may refuse to provide a service requested by the patient if that service is in conflict with the standards of patient care. Although this decision conflicts with

patient's autonomy, it is within the dental hygienist's autonomy and ethical responsibility. A: Both statements are true. B: Both statements are false. C: The first statement is true, and the second statement is false. D: The first statement is false, and the second statement is true. D: Garnishment of wages - correct answer ✔During an employment interview, an applicant can be asked about all of the following EXCEPT one. What one is the EXCEPTION? A: Employment history B: Criminal convictions C: Authorization to work D: Garnishment of wages B: A dental license cannot be suspended without proper notice. - correct answer ✔Which of the following statements BEST represents an example of due process? A: Dental health care providers can only be charged with civil suits. B: A dental license cannot be suspended without proper notice. C: Ability to initiate a lawsuit is lost after a state-specified amount of time. D: Laws may not be enforced against a hygienist solely on the basis of race. B: Every 6 months - correct answer ✔OSHA bloodborne pathogen training and education on the hazards of body fluid and protective measures used to minimize occupation exposures is required at all of the following times EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? A: Annually B: Every 6 months