Ethical Decision Making in Healthcare: A Case Study Approach, Exams of Nursing

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PHI 3200

Ethics in Healthcare

Final Exam Guide

Q & A

1. A nurse is caring for a patient who decides not to undergo life-saving surgery due to personal beliefs. Which ethical principle is most directly at play in respecting the patient's decision? A. Beneficence B. Nonmaleficence C. Autonomy D. Justice Correct Answer: C. Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy respects the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare.
2. In a case where resources are limited, how should a nurse prioritize care? A. First-come, first-served basis B. Severity of the condition C. Potential for the best outcome D. Age of the patient Correct Answer: B. Severity of the condition Rationale: Ethical distribution of scarce resources often prioritizes based on the severity of conditions to maximize benefits.

3. When a nurse encounters a cultural practice that conflicts with medical advice, what is the best course of action? A. Insist on the medical advice B. Seek to understand the cultural practice C. Dismiss the cultural practice D. Report the practice to a supervisor Correct Answer: B. Seek to understand the cultural practice Rationale: Understanding cultural practices is essential for providing culturally competent and respectful care.
4. A patient's family requests that the patient not be told about a terminal diagnosis. What should the nurse consider first? A. The family's wishes B. The patient's right to know C. Hospital policies D. The potential harm of telling the patient Correct Answer: B. The patient's right to know Rationale: The principle of autonomy and informed consent typically prioritize the patient's right to be informed about their condition.
5. Which action best demonstrates a nurse's commitment to advocacy? A. Following a physician's orders without question B. Reporting unethical behavior of a colleague

C. Prioritizing tasks based on the nurse's convenience D. Providing care that aligns with the nurse's personal beliefs Correct Answer: B. Reporting unethical behavior of a colleague Rationale: Advocacy involves acting on behalf of the patient's welfare and reporting unethical behavior is a part of this duty.

6. How should a nurse act when faced with an ethical dilemma where two principles conflict? A. Consult the hospital's ethics committee B. Make a decision based on personal values C. Follow the most legally defensible option D. Choose the option that is easiest to implement Correct Answer: A. Consult the hospital's ethics committee Rationale: Ethics committees are designed to address complex ethical issues and provide guidance.
7. When obtaining informed consent, what is the most important information a nurse must ensure the patient understands? A. The cost of the procedure B. The nurse's qualifications C. The risks and benefits of the procedure D. The time the procedure will take Correct Answer: C. The risks and benefits of the procedure

Rationale: Informed consent requires that patients are aware of the potential risks and benefits to make an educated decision.

8. A nurse witnesses a colleague acting in a way that compromises patient safety. What is the nurse's ethical obligation? A. Ignore it unless it becomes a recurring issue B. Confront the colleague directly C. Report the incident to a supervisor D. Document the incident and nothing more Correct Answer: C. Report the incident to a supervisor Rationale: The nurse has a duty to ensure patient safety, which includes reporting unsafe practices.
9. In end-of-life care, a patient expresses a desire to stop treatment. What should the nurse prioritize? A. The healthcare team's treatment plan B. The patient's expressed wishes C. The family's desires for the patient's care D. The likelihood of recovery Correct Answer: B. The patient's expressed wishes Rationale: Respecting the patient's autonomy and end-of-life wishes is a fundamental ethical responsibility.

10. A nurse is allocated two patients but only has time to fully attend to one. What ethical concept should guide the nurse's decision? A. Justice B. Fidelity C. Beneficence D. Nonmaleficence Correct Answer: A. Justice Rationale: Justice involves fairness and equality in distributing care and attention to patients.
11. A patient refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs, but the medical team believes it is necessary for survival. What should the nurse respect? A. The medical team's decision B. The patient's religious beliefs C. The hospital's policy on transfusions D. The potential outcomes of each choice Correct Answer: B. The patient's religious beliefs Rationale: The nurse must respect the patient's beliefs and autonomy, even when they conflict with medical advice.
12. A nurse is caring for a patient who is unconscious and has no advance directives. Who should the nurse consult for decisions about the patient's care?

A. The patient's closest relative B. The attending physician C. The hospital's legal department D. The ethics committee Correct Answer: A. The patient's closest relative Rationale: In the absence of advance directives, the closest relative is often consulted for decisions about the patient's care.

13. A patient with a non-life-threatening condition requests an expensive medication that is in short supply. What should the nurse consider? A. The patient's ability to pay B. The needs of other patients C. The patient's insistence on the medication D. The hospital's stock levels Correct Answer: B. The needs of other patients Rationale: Ethical distribution of limited resources requires consideration of the needs of all patients, not just one.
14. A nurse is asked to provide care that conflicts with their personal ethical beliefs. What is the appropriate action? A. Refuse to provide care B. Provide care despite personal beliefs C. Request reassignment

D. Discuss the conflict with a supervisor Correct Answer: C. Request reassignment Rationale: If personal beliefs conflict with professional duties, seeking reassignment is an appropriate step to ensure patient care is not compromised. What ethical principle emphasizes the duty to do good and promote the well-being of patients? A. Autonomy B. Non-maleficence C. Justice D. Beneficence Correct Answer: D. Beneficence Rationale: Beneficence requires healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being and overall health outcomes. Which of the following best describes the ethical concept of veracity? A. Respecting patients' autonomy B. Upholding truthfulness and honesty in communication C. Distributing resources fairly D. Balancing risks and benefits in decision-making

Correct Answer: B. Upholding truthfulness and honesty in communication Rationale: Veracity involves being truthful and honest in all interactions with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. In the context of healthcare ethics, what does the term "fidelity" refer to? A. Maintaining confidentiality of patient information B. Acting in accordance with professional responsibilities and obligations C. Respecting patients' right to make decisions about their own care D. Avoiding harm and preventing injury to patients Correct Answer: B. Acting in accordance with professional responsibilities and obligations Rationale: Fidelity pertains to healthcare professionals' commitment to fulfilling their duties and obligations to patients, colleagues, and the profession. When faced with a conflict between respecting a patient's autonomy and beneficence, which ethical principle should take precedence? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Non-maleficence D. Justice

Correct Answer: B. Beneficence Rationale: In cases of conflict, the principle of beneficence, which focuses on doing good for the patient, should take precedence over autonomy. What ethical theory emphasizes the importance of consequences in determining the morality of an action? A. Deontological ethics B. Virtue ethics C. Consequentialist ethics D. Relational ethics Correct Answer: C. Consequentialist ethics Rationale: Consequentialist ethics evaluates the rightness or wrongness of an action based on its outcomes or consequences. Which of the following ethical principles is associated with the concept of "doing no harm"? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Non-maleficence D. Justice Correct Answer: C. Non-maleficence

Rationale: Non-maleficence requires healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm or injury to patients. In a situation where a patient lacks decision-making capacity, which ethical principle guides decision-making on their behalf? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Non-maleficence D. Paternalism Correct Answer: D. Paternalism Rationale: Paternalism involves making decisions in the best interest of the patient when they are unable to do so themselves. What ethical principle focuses on the fair distribution of healthcare resources and services? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Non-maleficence D. Justice Correct Answer: D. Justice Rationale: Justice in healthcare ethics pertains to the equitable distribution of resources, treatments, and opportunities, ensuring fairness for all patients.

Which ethical concept emphasizes the importance of respecting patients' rights to make decisions about their own care? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Non-maleficence D. Justice Correct Answer: A. Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy upholds the principle of self-determination, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their treatment and care. When considering the ethical principle of autonomy, which of the following is essential for informed consent? A. Disclosure of relevant information B. Coercion to comply with treatment C. Ignoring patient preferences D. Making decisions on behalf of the patient Correct Answer: A. Disclosure of relevant information Rationale: Informed consent requires healthcare professionals to provide patients with all relevant information to make autonomous decisions.

Which ethical theory focuses on the inherent moral character of individuals and the development of virtues? A. Deontological ethics B. Virtue ethics C. Consequentialist ethics D. Relational ethics Correct Answer: B. Virtue ethics Rationale: Virtue ethics emphasizes cultivating moral virtues and character traits to guide ethical decision-making. In situations where there is a conflict between respecting patient confidentiality and the duty to protect others from harm, which ethical principle should be prioritized? A. Autonomy B. Confidentiality C. Non-maleficence D. Justice Correct Answer: C. Non-maleficence Rationale: Non-maleficence takes precedence when there is a conflict between patient confidentiality and preventing harm to others. How does the ethical principle of beneficence differ from non- maleficence?

A. Beneficence focuses on avoiding harm, while non-maleficence emphasizes doing good. B. Beneficence focuses on promoting well-being, while non- maleficence focuses on avoiding harm. C. Beneficence is concerned with fairness, while non-maleficence is concerned with autonomy. D. Beneficence prioritizes justice, while non-maleficence prioritizes autonomy. Correct Answer: B. Beneficence focuses on promoting well-being, while non-maleficence focuses on avoiding harm. Rationale: Beneficence emphasizes the promotion of positive outcomes, while non-maleficence emphasizes the prevention of harm. Which ethical principle guides healthcare professionals to maintain confidentiality and respect patients' privacy? A. Autonomy B. Fidelity C. Confidentiality D. Non-maleficence Correct Answer: C. Confidentiality Rationale: Confidentiality is a fundamental ethical principle that requires healthcare professionals to protect patients' privacy and maintain the confidentiality of their information.

When faced with a moral dilemma in healthcare, which ethical framework encourages individuals to consider the impact of their decisions on relationships and social contexts? A. Deontological ethics B. Virtue ethics C. Consequentialist ethics D. Relational ethics Correct Answer: D. Relational ethics Rationale: Relational ethics focuses on the importance of relationships, empathy, and interconnectedness in ethical decision-making. What ethical principle emphasizes the fair treatment of all individuals and the avoidance of discrimination in healthcare? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Non-maleficence D. Justice Correct Answer: D. Justice Rationale: Justice in healthcare ethics involves ensuring equity, fairness, and non-discrimination in the delivery of care and allocation of resources.

In situations where cultural beliefs and values clash with Western medical practices, which ethical concept requires healthcare professionals to respect diverse perspectives? A. Cultural relativism B. Ethical relativism C. Ethical absolutism D. Cultural imperialism Correct Answer: A. Cultural relativism Rationale: Cultural relativism emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in ethical decision- making. Which ethical principle guides healthcare professionals to uphold honesty and integrity in their relationships with patients and colleagues? A. Autonomy B. Fidelity C. Veracity D. Non-maleficence Correct Answer: C. Veracity Rationale: Veracity requires healthcare professionals to be truthful, honest, and transparent in their communication and interactions. When considering the ethical principle of justice, what aspect is essential for ensuring fair and equitable healthcare delivery?

A. Equal treatment for all patients B. Prioritizing patients' autonomy C. Maximizing benefits for the majority D. Avoiding conflicts of interest Correct Answer: A. Equal treatment for all patients Rationale: Justice in healthcare ethics involves providing equal access and treatment to all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances.

1. Sarah, a nurse, is faced with a situation where she discovers that a medication error was made by a colleague that could potentially harm a patient. What should Sarah do according to ethical principles? A) Ignore the error to maintain harmony in the team B) Report the error to the supervisor or the relevant authority C) Confront the colleague in private about the error D) Report the error only if the patient shows adverse effects Correct Answer: B) Report the error to the supervisor or the relevant authority Rationale: Reporting medication errors is vital to ensure patient safety and uphold ethical principles of transparency and accountability in healthcare.

2. Which ethical principle mandates healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients, even in situations where patients may not be able to make decisions for themselves? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Justice Correct Answer: B) Beneficence Rationale: Beneficence is the ethical principle that requires healthcare providers to do good and act in the best interest of their patients.
3. What is the role of an ethics committee in a healthcare setting? A) Enforce hospital policies and procedures B) Educate patients about their rights C) Assist in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts D) Provide financial assistance to patients in need Correct Answer: C) Assist in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts Rationale: Ethics committees are formed to provide guidance and support in resolving ethical dilemmas and conflicts that may arise in healthcare settings.

4. A patient refuses a life-saving treatment due to religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is most relevant in this situation? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Justice Correct Answer: A) Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make decisions about their own healthcare, even if it goes against medical recommendations.
5. What is the term used to describe the ethical principle of providing care that is free from harm or risk of harm to the patient? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Justice Correct Answer: C) Non-maleficence Rationale: Non-maleficence requires healthcare providers to avoid causing harm to patients and prioritize their safety and well-being.

6. In the context of healthcare ethics, what does the principle of veracity entail? A) Respecting patient confidentiality B) Communicating truthfully with patients C) Providing information to patients in a culturally sensitive manner D) Upholding patient autonomy at all times Correct Answer: B) Communicating truthfully with patients Rationale: Veracity in healthcare ethics refers to the duty of healthcare providers to communicate truthfully with patients, ensuring informed decision-making.
7. A nurse has personal beliefs that conflict with a patient's treatment plan. What is the most ethical course of action for the nurse to take? A) Refuse to participate in the patient's care B) Follow the treatment plan despite personal beliefs C) Discuss concerns with the healthcare team and seek guidance D) Confront the patient about the conflicting beliefs Correct Answer: C) Discuss concerns with the healthcare team and seek guidance Rationale: In such situations, it is important for healthcare providers to communicate their concerns with the team and seek guidance to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively.

8. Which ethical principle focuses on the fair distribution of healthcare resources and services? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Justice Correct Answer: D) Justice Rationale: Justice in healthcare ethics pertains to the fair and equitable distribution of resources and services, ensuring equal access to healthcare for all individuals.
9. When faced with an ethical dilemma in healthcare, what is the first step healthcare providers should take? A) Consult the patient's family for advice B) Seek guidance from a healthcare ethics committee C) Consider the relevant ethical principles and values D) Make a decision based on personal beliefs Correct Answer: C) Consider the relevant ethical principles and values

Rationale: The initial step in addressing an ethical dilemma in healthcare is to consider the relevant ethical principles and values that guide decision-making in patient care.

10. Which ethical principle is linked to the concept of truth-telling and transparency in healthcare communication? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Veracity Correct Answer: D) Veracity Rationale: Veracity in healthcare ethics emphasizes the importance of truth-telling and transparency in communication with patients, fostering trust and informed decision-making.
11. A patient with a terminal illness expresses a desire to discontinue treatment and opt for palliative care. Which ethical principle supports the patient's right to make this decision? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Justice

Correct Answer: A) Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy grants patients the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including the choice to refuse treatment and opt for palliative care in cases of terminal illness.

12. What ethical consideration should healthcare providers prioritize when delivering care to culturally diverse patient populations? A) Ensuring confidentiality of patient information B) Respecting patient autonomy and preferences C) Following evidence-based practice guidelines D) Minimizing healthcare costs for patients Correct Answer: B) Respecting patient autonomy and preferences Rationale: Respecting patient autonomy and preferences is essential when caring for culturally diverse populations, as it upholds the principles of patient-centered care and respect for individual values.

13. A nurse encounters a situation where a patient's family members request to withhold information about the patient's diagnosis from the patient. What ethical principle should guide the nurse's response? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Veracity

Correct Answer: D) Veracity Rationale: In this situation, the principle of veracity, which emphasizes truth-telling and transparency in communication, should guide the nurse to address the importance of informing the patient about their diagnosis.

14. In the context of healthcare ethics, what does the term "fidelity" refer to? A) Upholding patient confidentiality B) Maintaining trust and loyalty in patient-provider relationships C) Providing care that prioritizes patient safety D) Ensuring equal access to healthcare services for all individuals Correct Answer: B) Maintaining trust and loyalty in patient-provider relationships Rationale: Fidelity in healthcare ethics pertains to the importance of maintaining trust, honesty, and loyalty in patient-provider relationships, fostering a strong therapeutic alliance.
15. A nurse is faced with a situation where a patient's decision conflicts with the nurse's ethical beliefs. What should the nurse do in this situation according to ethical principles? A) Disregard the patient's decision and follow personal beliefs B) Respect the patient's autonomy and preferences

C) Seek guidance from the healthcare team to navigate the conflict D) Confront the patient about the conflicting beliefs Correct Answer: B) Respect the patient's autonomy and preferences Rationale: Upholding the principle of patient autonomy and respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their healthcare is essential, even in situations where personal beliefs may conflict.

16. What ethical principle highlights the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy in healthcare settings? A) Autonomy B) Beneficence C) Non-maleficence D) Confidentiality Correct Answer: D) Confidentiality Rationale: Confidentiality is an essential ethical principle in healthcare that emphasizes the duty to maintain patient privacy and safeguard sensitive information, promoting trust and respect in patient-provider relationships.
17. A nurse encounters a situation where a patient expresses concerns about a medication prescribed by the physician. What ethical principle should guide the nurse's response to the patient's concerns?