Exam Preview for 40548: Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making, in pa

Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making, in partnership with the American Academy of Audiology

Please note: exam questions are subject to change.

1. Case Scenario: A 65-year-old patient with progressive hearing loss and bothersome tinnitus refuses to consider hearing aids, despite evidence suggesting they could improve their quality of life. The patient insists that they do not want any devices in their ears and prefer to "just live with it." As their audiologist, you recognize that untreated hearing loss may lead to cognitive decline and social isolation. Question: Which of the following is the MOST ethical approach based on the four pillars of medical ethics? Respect the patient's autonomy and refrain from further discussion about hearing aids. Encourage the patient to try hearing aids, emphasizing beneficence, and override their decision if necessary. Educate the patient about the risks of untreated hearing loss while respecting their autonomy and exploring alternative management strategies. Dismiss the patient from care since they are not following professional recommendations.
2. Case Scenario: During a follow-up appointment, you notice that your patient has their phone placed face down on the table, with the recording app open and actively recording the conversation. They did not ask for permission to record the session. You are concerned about privacy and the ethical implications of being recorded without your consent. Question: What is the MOST ethical response based on the four pillars of medical ethics? Ignore the recording and continue the appointment, as the patient has the right to document their healthcare interactions. Stop the appointment immediately and refuse to continue unless the patient deletes the recording. Address the situation by calmly discussing your concerns with the patient, explaining confidentiality and consent issues, and determining why they felt the need to record the session. Report the patient to legal authorities for secretly recording the conversation without permission.
3. Case Scenario: A hospital is considering postponing a cochlear implant surgery for a 2-year-old child with bilateral profound hearing loss due to resource limitations during a pandemic. The parents are concerned about their child's language development and potential delays if the surgery does not proceed. The surgical team must decide how to proceed while adhering to the AAA Code of Ethics. Question: Which ethical principle is MOST at risk if the hospital delays the surgery without substantial justification? Principle 2 – Maintaining the Highest Standards of Professional Competence Principle 4 – Providing Services in the Best Interest of Those Served Principle 5 – Providing Accurate Information Principle 8 – Upholding the Dignity of the Profession
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the steps in the Three-Step Ethical Decision-Making Model? Is it legal? Is it balanced? How does it make me feel? Will it benefit me financially?
5. Which of the following is the MOST APPROPRIATE first step when faced with an ethical dilemma in audiology? Make a decision based on personal intuition and move forward. Identify the dilemma by clearly defining the ethical issue and considering the perspectives of all stakeholders. Consult a legal professional before taking any action. Choose a course of action that minimizes professional liability, regardless of ethical implications.