Ethics Flashcards

Question

An OTR® is working with a client in an area of practice for which the OTR has not demonstrated competence. The client requires a seating and positioning evaluation for a wheelchair. This is not an area for which the OTR has any experience. The OTR refers the client to an OTR with experience in this area. Which ethical principle is the OTR following? Justice Nonmaleficence Beneficence Fidelity

Answer 1

Solution: The correct answer is C. Beneficence includes actions intended to benefit others. This principle relates to taking action to benefit others, including providing services that are within a practitioner’s level of competence. A: The principle of Justice addresses fairness amongst all who receive services B: The principle of Nonmaleficence addresses not causing harm to others. It is less applicable in this case because the OTR refers the client to a different practitioner. D: The principle of Fidelity addresses treating others with respect and integrity.

Answer 2

Solution: The correct answer is C. The ethical principle of Autonomy relates to the participant’s right to end any participation in a research study for any reason. Informed consent in research allows a person to stop participating in a research study. Because the OTR is not the PI, the principle of Fidelity would require her to communicate respectfully regarding the request with the PI. Fidelity acknowledges that “professional relationships are greatly influenced by the complexity of the environment in which occupational therapy personnel work. Practitioners, educators, and researchers alike must consistently balance their duties to service recipients, students, research participants, and other professionals as well as to organizations that may influence decision making and professional practice.” The OTR must involve the PI to effectively balance these obligations. A, B, D: These options do not refer to ethical standards that reflect a participant’s right to stop participating in a research study. The principle of Veracity refers to representation of the profession and utilizing objectivity when doing so. The principle of Justice refers to provision of services in a fair manner. Although these principles relate in some aspects to the ethical issue in the scenario, the principles of Autonomy and Fidelity are more directly relevant.

Answer 3

Solution: The correct answer is A. In the AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, Principle 4, Justice, states, “Occupational therapy personnel shall promote equity, inclusion, and objectivity in the provision of occupational therapy services.” The OTR is demonstrating this principle by stating that the client deserves equitable treatment despite the client’s behavior. B: In the AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, Principle 6, Fidelity, states, “Occupational therapy personnel shall treat clients, colleagues, and other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion, and integrity.” C: In the AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, Principle 2, Nonmaleficence, states, “Occupational therapy personnel shall refrain from actions that cause harm.” D: In the AOTA 2020 Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, Principle 5, Veracity, states, “Occupational therapy personnel shall provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information when representing the profession.”

Answer 4

Solution: The correct answer is D. Standard 5C (Beneficence) states that practitioners shall “take steps (e.g., professional development, research, supervision, training) to ensure proficiency, use careful judgment, and weigh potential for harm when generally recognized standards do not exist in emerging technology or areas of practice.” Standard 2B (Nonmaleficence) states, “do not inflict harm or injury to recipients of occupational therapy services, students, research participants, or employees.” Use of evidence from empirical research and clinical expertise to inform occupational therapy practice provides the greatest likelihood that practitioners will provide best possible care and reduce the threat of doing harm. A: Although institutions may encourage evidence-based practice, the Code encourages it because evidence-based practice increases the likelihood that clients will receive the best possible care. B: Self-determination, part of Principle 3, Autonomy, is an important issue but is not related to use of evidence-based practice. C: Although malpractice may occur when occupational therapy practitioners do not use evidence to support practice, the Code encourages evidence-based practice not because it considers use of practice that is not evidence based to be malpractice but because evidence-based practice increases the likelihood that clients will receive the best possible care.

Ethics Flashcards

source: AOTA (28 cards)