Virtual Mentor. December 2003, Volume 5, Number 12.

Test Questions

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Test Questions: Professionalism in Medical Education

December 2003, Volume 5, Number 12

Professionalism in Medical Education

1. A student objects to the playing of rap music in the OR during surgery. Which of the following considerations should rank lowest in her decision about whether to intervene and stop the music?

A. Respect for the patient.
B. Her opportunity to learn about cancer surgery.
C. Her discomfort with rap music.
D. Her fear that the profane music could distract the team.

2. A medical student who refuses to participate in his cell biology small discussion group demonstrates disrespect for which of the following:

A. The faculty facilitator.
B. His classmates.
C. The medical profession.
D. All of the above.

3. Melanie is trying to place an IV line, a clinical procedure she is required perform to complete her current rotation. She does not feel confident performing this procedure. Melanie should be least concerned about which of the following?

A. The urgency of the patient's need for the IV.
B. The resident's schedule.
C. The patient's discomfort.
D. Her opportunity to learn the procedure.

4. Neil, a medical student on an internal medicine clerkship, is asked by his patient, Alan, about the results of a CT scan. Neil has seen the results, which are consistent with a diagnosis of lung cancer. However, he has not discussed them with the attending physician. Neil should:

A. Tell Alan immediately, because he as a right to know, and Neil has more time to spend with Alan than the resident does.
B. Say that this is not the time or place to discuss test results.
C. Say that medical students can't share test results.
D. Say that he has not yet discussed the results with his team.
E. B and C
F. B, C, and D

5. The AAMC 2003 poll of graduating medical students reports that the most common form of medical student maltreatment is:

A. Racial or ethnic remarks.
B. "Scut" work.
C. Public humiliation.
D. Sexual harassment.

6. According to Amanda Howe, who is quoted in Halpern's journal discussion, an effective professionalism curriculum includes the following:

A. A program based on lectures.
B. A program with assessment as an integral aspect.
C. Integration of self-reflection.
D. Use of students' lived experiences.
E. A, B, and C
F. B,C, and D.

7. In Hillary Johnson's Policy Forum article all of the following are expressed as arguments against the institution of the USMLE STEP II CS (clinical skills assessment exam) except:

A. The exam will not allow for remediation of those who fail prior to beginning residency.
B. The exam is cost-prohibitive for medical students.
C. The exam does not test communication skills.
D. It does not adequately accomplish its stated goal of protecting the public from harm.
E. A, C, and D

8. Federal and state statutes protect the privacy of both physicians reviewed by their peers and physicians who sit on peer review boards.

A. True.
B. False.

9. Johnson's article states that the NBME advocates the implementation of the USMLE STEP II CS (clinical skills assessment exam) for the following reason(s):

A. The test will protect patient safety.
B. Medical schools do not adequately ensure the professional competence of their graduates.
C. Poor communication skills are related to the higher incidence of malpractice suits.
D. Treatment compliance by patients is related to physicians' interpersonal skills.
E. A, B, and C
F. A, C, and D

10. According to Jaclyn Halpern's journal discussion, current methods used to assess medical student professionalism include all of the following except:

A. Peer assessment.
B. Self-assessment.
C. Assessment by all members of the health care team and patients.
D. Computer-based exams.

11. Professionalism in medical school includes:

A. Applying ideals to everyday interactions.
B. Demonstrating deference to senior staff without exception.
C. Communicating effectively and respectfully with all members of the health care team.
D. Striving for individual academic excellence regardless of the situation.
E. All of the above.
F. A and C only.