HLHS 105 / MEDL 101 Exam 2 V3 | HLHS
105 / MEDL 101 Medical Law & Ethics |
Actual Q&A with Rationale
(HLHS105/MEDL101 Exam 2) | Ivy Tech
Community College
1. Which legal doctrine translates to ‘let the master answer’ and holds the physician liable for
the actions of their employees?
A. Res ipsa loquitur
B. Respondeat superior
C. Stare decisis
D. Quid pro quo
Answer: B
Rationale: The doctrine of respondeat superior is a foundational principle in medical law.
It dictates that an employer or physician is legally responsible for the wrongful acts of an
employee if those acts occur within the scope of employment. This encourages employers
to properly train and supervise their clinical staff to avoid negligence.
2. In a negligence case, what term describes the failure to perform a legal duty that resulted
in injury to another?
A. Direct cause
,B. Dereliction of duty
C. Damages
D. Duty of care
Answer: B
Rationale: Dereliction of duty is one of the four ‘Ds’ required to prove negligence in a court
of law. It occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care expected
in their specific role. Without proving dereliction, a plaintiff cannot successfully pursue a
claim for medical malpractice.
3. Which of the following is an example of an intentional tort?
A. Medical negligence
B. Battery
C. Misfeasance
D. Nonfeasance
Answer: B
Rationale: Battery is defined as the intentional and unauthorized touching of another
person. In a medical context, performing a procedure without any consent from the patient
can be classified as battery. Unlike negligence, intentional torts involve a deliberate act
rather than an accidental omission or mistake.
, 4. What legal document allows an individual to name a specific person to make medical
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
A. Living Will
B. Patient’s Bill of Rights
C. Subpoena duces tecum
D. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Answer: D
Rationale: A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a type of advance directive that
designates a healthcare proxy. This individual is authorized to make clinical decisions
when the patient is no longer able to communicate their wishes. It is more flexible than a
living will because it covers unforeseen medical situations through the proxy’s judgment.
5. Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, what does the acronym ‘PHI’ stand for?
A. Private Health Information
B. Personal Health Identifier
C. Public Health Initiative
D. Protected Health Information
Answer: D
Rationale: Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any individually identifiable health
information held or transmitted by a covered entity. This includes clinical records, billing
105 / MEDL 101 Medical Law & Ethics |
Actual Q&A with Rationale
(HLHS105/MEDL101 Exam 2) | Ivy Tech
Community College
1. Which legal doctrine translates to ‘let the master answer’ and holds the physician liable for
the actions of their employees?
A. Res ipsa loquitur
B. Respondeat superior
C. Stare decisis
D. Quid pro quo
Answer: B
Rationale: The doctrine of respondeat superior is a foundational principle in medical law.
It dictates that an employer or physician is legally responsible for the wrongful acts of an
employee if those acts occur within the scope of employment. This encourages employers
to properly train and supervise their clinical staff to avoid negligence.
2. In a negligence case, what term describes the failure to perform a legal duty that resulted
in injury to another?
A. Direct cause
,B. Dereliction of duty
C. Damages
D. Duty of care
Answer: B
Rationale: Dereliction of duty is one of the four ‘Ds’ required to prove negligence in a court
of law. It occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care expected
in their specific role. Without proving dereliction, a plaintiff cannot successfully pursue a
claim for medical malpractice.
3. Which of the following is an example of an intentional tort?
A. Medical negligence
B. Battery
C. Misfeasance
D. Nonfeasance
Answer: B
Rationale: Battery is defined as the intentional and unauthorized touching of another
person. In a medical context, performing a procedure without any consent from the patient
can be classified as battery. Unlike negligence, intentional torts involve a deliberate act
rather than an accidental omission or mistake.
, 4. What legal document allows an individual to name a specific person to make medical
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated?
A. Living Will
B. Patient’s Bill of Rights
C. Subpoena duces tecum
D. Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Answer: D
Rationale: A Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is a type of advance directive that
designates a healthcare proxy. This individual is authorized to make clinical decisions
when the patient is no longer able to communicate their wishes. It is more flexible than a
living will because it covers unforeseen medical situations through the proxy’s judgment.
5. Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, what does the acronym ‘PHI’ stand for?
A. Private Health Information
B. Personal Health Identifier
C. Public Health Initiative
D. Protected Health Information
Answer: D
Rationale: Protected Health Information (PHI) refers to any individually identifiable health
information held or transmitted by a covered entity. This includes clinical records, billing
