MIDTERMS: Reviewer Flashcards
Q: What is an ethical dilemma?
A: A situation in which two or more moral principles conflict, making it unclear what the best course of action is.
Q: Why is moral sensitivity important in ethical decision-making?
A: It allows a person to recognize how their actions affect others and identify ethical issues in a given situation.
Q: What are the four components of Rest’s Multi-Dimensional Model of Moral Behavior?
A: Moral Sensitivity, Moral Judgment, Moral Motivation, and Moral Courage.
Q: What is the purpose of a professional code of ethics?
A: It provides moral guidelines that professionals must follow and helps resolve ethical conflicts.
Q: Name three of Kidder’s checkpoints in ethical decision-making.
A: Recognize there is a moral issue, gather relevant facts, and test for right-versus-wrong issues.
Q: Mark, a physical therapist, witnesses his close friend and colleague, Harry, making an inappropriate sexual advance toward another co-worker. Mark is torn between reporting the incident and protecting his friend. What ethical principles are involved, and what should Mark do?
A: Principles of justice, integrity, and beneficence apply. Mark should report the incident to uphold professional and ethical standards.
Q: A patient reveals personal health information to a physical therapist but asks them not to document it in the medical records. Should the therapist comply? Why or why not?
A: No. The therapist must follow legal and ethical obligations to document relevant health information while maintaining patient confidentiality within appropriate boundaries.
Q: A PT is offered a commission for referring patients to a particular orthopedic clinic. What ethical dilemma does this present?
A: This presents a conflict of interest, as it may prioritize financial gain over patient well-being. The PT should avoid accepting incentives that could compromise professional judgment.
Q: A patient with severe osteoarthritis refuses treatment despite the PT’s recommendation. Should the therapist respect the decision, or continue persuading them?
A: The principle of autonomy dictates respecting the patient’s decision, but the PT should ensure the patient fully understands the consequences before making an informed choice.
Q: What does the principle of beneficence require from a physical therapist?
A: To act in the best interest of the patient by promoting their well-being and preventing harm.
Q: What does justice mean in physical therapy ethics?
A: Fair and equal treatment of all patients, regardless of socioeconomic status, background, or condition.
Q: How does veracity affect the patient-therapist relationship?
A: It ensures honesty in communication, including informed consent and realistic treatment expectations.
Q: A PT in a public hospital has limited treatment slots and must choose between two patients who both need urgent care. How should they decide?
A: The PT should apply ethical reasoning, considering principles of justice (fair distribution of resources) and patient need to make the most ethical decision.
Q: How does the Theory of Cultural Relativism impact ethical decision-making?
A: It states that no culture is inherently superior or inferior to another, and cultural practices should be understood from the perspective of that culture.
Q: How does non-maleficence apply in physical therapy?
A: A PT must ensure treatments do not cause unnecessary harm or suffering to the patient.
Q: What does the Theory of Cultural Determinism state?
A: It suggests that human nature is shaped by the culture in which we are raised, influencing emotions and behaviors.
Q: What are the three realms considered in the RIPS model?
A: Individual, Organizational/Institutional, and social realm
Q: What is cultural competency?
A: It is the ability of professionals to work effectively in cross-cultural situations by understanding values, norms, and traditions that shape individuals’ perceptions and behaviors.
Q: What is ethnocentrism, and why is it a challenge in healthcare?
A: It is the belief that one’s own culture is superior to others, which can lead to biases and miscommunication in patient care.
Q: What is cultural diffusion?
A: It is the spread of cultural beliefs and practices from one group to another, often through interaction and globalization.
Q: What is cultural competency in healthcare?
A: The ability to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors while tailoring delivery to meet their social, cultural, and linguistic needs.
Q: A physical therapist is treating a patient who speaks limited English. The patient nods in agreement during instructions but does not follow them correctly. How should the PT address this issue?
A: Use an interpreter, visual demonstrations, and culturally appropriate communication strategies to ensure understanding.
Q: A PT notices that a patient avoids direct eye contact and remains silent during sessions. The PT interprets this as disinterest. What cultural competency principle applies here?
A: Understanding that in some cultures, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect, not disinterest. The PT should adapt their communication approach accordingly.
Q: What is acculturation?
A: The process of adapting to a new culture while maintaining aspects of one’s original culture.
