Deck 14: Legal Issues and the Dental Radiographer

Question 1

Informed consent:

A) Must be in language that the patient can readily understand.
B) Does not require that patients have their questions answered before x-ray exposure.
C) Is waived if the patient is a minor.
D) Does not require that patients receive enough information to make informed choices.

Answer 1

Must be in language that the patient can readily understand.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is true of radiographs and the patient's dental record?

A) Radiographs may be discarded when outdated.
B) It is advised to keep patient radiographs in a file separate from patient charts.
C) The dental record must include documentation of the number and type of radiographs exposed.
D) Dental radiographs are an optional rather than integral part of the dental record.

Answer 2

The dental record must include documentation of the number and type of radiographs exposed.

Question 3

If the patient is a minor, informed consent:

A) Is waived.
B) May still be obtained from the patient.
C) Must be obtained from the parent.
D) Must be obtained from a legal guardian.

Answer 3

Must be obtained from a legal guardian.

Question 4

The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act is a ____ law.

A) Federal
B) State
C) County
D) City

Question 5

When radiographs are forwarded to a subsequent dentist:

A) The original films should be forwarded.
B) Duplicate films should be forwarded unless the patient signs a release for original films.
C) The original films should be copied and then forwarded; retain the duplicate.
D) The original films should not be forwarded.

Question 6

The process of informing the patient about the particulars of exposing dental radiographs is termed:

A) A treatment alternative.
B) Disclosure.
C) Self-determination.
D) Behavior modification.

Question 7

The trend in dental negligence or malpractice actions has historically been to sue the supervising dentist alone. However, cases exist in which the dentist and the dental auxiliary have both been sued for the actions of the dental auxiliary.

A) Both statements are true.
B) Both statements are false.
C) The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
D) The first statement is false; the second statement is true.

Question 8

Generally, there are ____ elements to informed consent.

A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Six

Question 9

Erroneous entries in the dental record should:

A) Be erased.
B) Be blocked out.
C) Be covered with white-out.
D) Never be erased or blocked out.

Question 10

Radiographs are the property of the dentist:

A) Unless they were paid for by the patient.
B) Unless they were paid for by the insurance company.
C) Only if the patient has signed a waiver.
D) Period.

Question 11

Which of the following statements is true of the statute of limitations?
1) It often begins when the patient discovers or should have discovered that an injury has occurred as a result of dental negligence.
2) It is the time period during which a patient may bring a malpractice action.
3) It may not begin until years after the dental negligence occurred.

A)1, 2, 3
B)1, 3
C)1, 2
D)2, 3

Question 12

The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act: 1. Outlines requirements for the safe use of dental x-ray equipment.
2) Establishes guidelines for the proper maintenance of x-ray equipment.
3) Requires persons who take dental radiographs to be properly trained and certified.

A)1, 2, 3
B)1, 2
C)2, 3
D)1, 3

Question 13

If informed consent is not obtained from a patient before the exposure of dental radiographs, a patient may legally claim:

A) Negligence.
B) Malpractice.
C) Malpractice or negligence.
D) Disclosure.

Question 14

It is appropriate for any dental professional to discuss a patient's care with:
1) Another patient.
2) Office staff members who are not involved in the treatment of the patient.
3) Another dentist involved in the patient's care.
4) A physician with whom care is shared.

A)1, 2, 3, 4
B)1, 2, 3
C)1, 2
D)3, 4

Question 15

The standard of care can be defined as the quality of care that is provided by dental practitioners in ____ locality under ____ conditions.

A) any; similar or very different
B) a similar; the same or similar
C) any; the same or similar
D) a similar; similar or very different

Question 16

Lack of informed consent may be shown by the following:

A) Consent from an individual under the influence of drugs or alcohol
B) Consent from an individual with legal right to give it
C) Consent from an individual under duress
D) Both a and c