Chapter 4 – Ethics and Law in Medical Imaging PPT

Question-and-answer flashcards covering ethical principles, patient rights, documentation, consent, incident reporting, and case-based dilemmas in medical imaging.

What does the term “ethics” mean in the context of medical imaging?

The system of moral principles and values that guides professional behavior and decision-making in imaging practice.

Which two ethical principles are attributed to Hippocrates and remain central to health-care ethics today?

Beneficence (doing good) and nonmaleficence (avoiding harm).

During the 1930s, what attitude dominated medicine, often leaving patients with no recognized rights?

A paternalistic attitude in which providers made decisions without patient input.

What specific right does every patient have regarding an imaging examination?

The right to refuse the exam.

As of 9-1-2020, what two parts make up the ARRT Standard of Ethics?

The Code of Ethics (aspirational guidelines) and the Rules of Ethics (enforceable standards).

In Case Study #1, why is it unethical for technologist Donna to tell Mary Ann whether the lung spot is still present?

Because interpreting or disclosing diagnostic findings is outside the technologist’s professional scope and violates patient-provider role boundaries.

What modern document replaced the Patient’s Bill of Rights and outlines what patients should expect during care?

The Patient Care Partnership.

Which federal law protects the privacy and security of a patient’s health information?

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Name two responsibilities patients have under the Patient Care Partnership.

Providing an accurate medical history and keeping scheduled appointments (also: following rules affecting care, understanding consequences of refusing treatment).

Which body investigates ethical violations and can sanction or revoke a radiographer’s credentials?

The ARRT Ethics Committee.

Give one example of an unintentional tort frequently cited in radiology practice.

Negligence resulting in a patient fall (other examples: improper image labeling, omitting gonadal shielding on a pregnant patient, administering the wrong medication).

After any patient injury, what is the technologist’s first documentation responsibility?

Fill out a detailed incident report as soon as possible.

What two key facts must every incident report include?

The exact nature of the incident and the participants or witnesses involved.

List three immediate actions required when a patient experiences a medication reaction in the imaging department.

Report the reaction, complete an incident report, call 911 (if necessary), administer ordered medication, notify the referring physician, explain to the patient, and document in the chart.

Give three purposes of the medical record (chart or e-chart).

Ensuring patient safety, providing data for medical research, and supplying legal evidence in litigation (also: supporting accreditation reviews such as those by The Joint Commission).

What four identifiers must appear on every radiographic image to make it valid legal evidence?

Patient’s name or ID number, name of the facility, ordering physician, and the date of the exam.

When is written, signed consent mandatory before an imaging procedure?

Before any surgical procedure (e.g., biopsies) or any radiology procedure on a pregnant patient.

Whose signature is required for contrast-media consent when the patient is under 18?

A parent or legal guardian.

What must be provided when obtaining consent from a patient who does not understand English?

A qualified translator or interpreter.

In Case Study #2, which ethical and safety issue occurred when a Spanish-speaking patient denied pregnancy and lumbar spine x-rays were taken?

Failure to verify pregnancy status adequately and lack of interpreter use led to unnecessary radiation exposure of a 7-month-pregnant patient.

Under cultural and economic considerations, what guiding ethical maxim addresses treating patients who cannot pay?

Do no harm—care should never be withheld purely for economic reasons.