Chapter 2 Professional Issues

Question 1

List the 8 criteria of a profession, and explain how radiologic technology meets these criteria

Answer 1

1. A vital human service is provided to society by profession.
2. Professions possess a special body of knowledge that is continuously enlarged through research.
3. Practitioners are expected to be accountable and responsible.
4. The education of professionals take place in institutions for higher education.
5. Practitioners have an independent function and control their own practice.
6. Professionals are committed to their work and are motivated by doing well.
7. A code of ethics guides professional decisions and conduct.
8. A professional organization oversees and supports standards of practice.

Question 2

Name 2 major professional organizations in radiologic technology

Answer 2

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

- American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT)

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Practice Standards in Radiography?

Answer 3

It is a guide for appropriate practice, assists in developing job descriptions, and promotes role definition for practitioners. It defines the practice and establish general criteria to determine compliance.

Question 4

The Practice Standards are divided into four sections. Name and define sections.

Answer 4

• Radiographer Scope of Practice
• Radiography Clinical Performance Standards
• Quality Performance Standards
• Radiography Professional Performance Standards

Question 5

What document represents the application of moral principles and moral values for radiologic technology?

Answer 5

American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Standards of Ethics

Question 6

Nonmaleficence

Answer 6

Duty to refrain from inflicting harm

Question 7

Autonomy

Answer 7

The right to make decisions concerning one’s own life

Question 8

Truthfulness

Answer 8

Honesty to patients

Question 9

Justice

Answer 9

Equal treatment and equal benefits

Question 10

Double Effect

Answer 10

The intent is good although a bad result may be foreseen

Question 11

The radiographer who mistakenly administers an incorrect drug to a patient may be guilty of:

Answer 11

Tort

Question 12

As a radiographer, you refuse to work with a patient because you do not care for persons of the patient’s religion. You are guilty of violating:

Answer 12

The ethics of your profession and law

Question 13

Explain the documentation for which you as a radiographer will be accountable in your department when you participate in a procedure.

Answer 13

• Pertinent medical history of his or her patient (any radiographic images taken)
• Exposure factors
• Radiographic room/equipment
• Amount of fluoroscopic time used during a procedure
• Any patient preparation for procedures
• Medications he or she administers
• Any adverse reactions to medications or treatments received by the patient.

Question 14

Professional ethics may defined as:

Answer 14

A set of principles that govern a course of action

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of privileged (confidential) information?

Answer 15

You assist with a diagnostic study and a large adherent mass is discovered in the colon.

Question 16

After completing a radiologic technology program, you are employed at the local community hospital in the diagnostic imaging department. You are approached by a colleague who asks you to become a member for the local chapter of your professional organization. You know that you will be expected to pay yearly dues. Which would be your best response to your colleague?

Answer 16

You join at once because you feel that it is an obligation to be a member of your professional organization.

Question 17

Information about a patient’s condition or prognosis:

Answer 17

must always remain confidential

Question 18

If you are unable to solve a professional ethical dilemma, you must present the problem to:

Answer 18

The ethics committee of the institution for which you work

Question 19

As a radiographer, you are assigned to a diagnostic imaging procedure for which you have had no education. Your best course of action when this occurs would be:

Answer 19

To explain to your superior that you have never worked with this procedure and do not feel competent to perform the procedure without education

Question 20

If you offer your services at the scene of an accident, you are protected from litigation by the Good Samaritan Law.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

If a patient requests to take his or her radiographic images to another institution for consultation, you must remember:

Answer 21

That the patient must present a signed request before the records can be released.

Question 22

An unconscious child is brought to the emergency suite in your hospital for a diagnostic radiograph. There is no parent or legal guardian with the child. You will proceed with the procedure and will be functioning under the rule of implied consent.

Answer 22

True

Question 23

Explain the value of personal malpractice insurance for the radiographer.

Answer 23

The value of a personal malpractice insurance policy is that it offers the radiographer legal protection if he or she is named in a lawsuit in which legal expenses for defense are not completely covered by his or her employer. It also provides protection against claims of malpractice because the insurance company assumes the risk in accordance with the policy contract.

Question 24

List three areas in which the radiographer may infringe upon patient rights.

Answer 24

1. Violating the rules of confidentiality
2. Ignoring the patient’s right to informed consent for a procedure
3. Violating the right to physical privacy

Question 25

List three responsibilities of the patient.

Answer 25

1. To provide an accurate and complete health history
2. To keep appointments
3. To fulfill financial obligations related to medical care

Question 26

DRGs

Answer 26

Groups for payment dependent upon medical diagnosis

Question 27

Point of Service Plans

Answer 27

Has primary care physicians who act as gatekeepers for patient care

Question 28

Medicare

Answer 28

Covers the acute hospital care and home health care of persons who are 65 of age and older

Question 29

HMOs

Answer 29

Attempts to decrease medical cost by means of preventative medical care

Question 30

Medicaid

Answer 30

Provides medical care for children and disabled persons