Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing: A Comprehensive Guide for Nurses

Question 1

A patient with a terminal illness has the ability to make decisions and refuses life-sustaining treatment. Which ethical principle is most relevant in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

As per the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, the primary duty of a nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

Champion patients' rights and well-being

Answer

Unquestioningly obey doctors' orders

Answer

Keep patient information confidential

Answer

Put the hospital's financial well-being first

Question 3

In healthcare settings with limited resources, how can we ensure fair and ethical allocation of these resources?

Accepted Answer

Use ethical principles and frameworks to guide decision-making, considering factors like need, urgency, and fairness.

Answer

Prioritize those who can pay the most.

Answer

Distribute resources equally to all.

Answer

Prioritize those deemed most valuable to society.

Question 4

How does moral distress affect nurses' ability to make ethical decisions?

Accepted Answer

Moral distress can hinder nurses' ability to advocate for patients' best interests.

Answer

Moral distress simplifies ethical decision-making by providing clear guidelines.

Answer

Moral distress empowers nurses to make decisions based solely on personal values.

Answer

Moral distress has no significant impact on ethical decision-making in nursing.

Question 5

What's the first step in making an ethical decision as a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical issue

Answer

Talk to other nurses

Answer

Use an ethical framework

Question 6

In the ethical decision-making process for nurses, what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical issue or dilemma.

Answer

Analyze the ethical issue or dilemma.

Answer

Make an ethical decision.

Answer

Evaluate the outcome of the ethical decision.

Question 7

Which principle is **not** a foundational ethical principle in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Which ethical principle places the highest value on respecting patients' choices and their right to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 9

Which principle is NOT a cornerstone of ethical decision-making in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 10

Which of the following is **not** an essential step in the ethical decision-making process for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Seeking consultation with colleagues, experts, or other healthcare professionals

Answer

Identifying ethical issues

Answer

Analyzing relevant facts, values, and ethical principles

Question 11

In nursing, which principle emphasizes acting in the patient's best interests?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 12

Which of the following is **not** a fundamental ethical principle that guides nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle that guides nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle that guides nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Paternalism

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle guiding nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 17

Which step is NOT part of the ethical decision-making process in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Making a decision based on personal values

Answer

Identifying the ethical dilemma

Answer

Gathering relevant information

Answer

Considering ethical principles and frameworks

Question 18

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting a patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 19

Which ethical principle upholds the patient's right to make choices about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 20

Which step is NOT part of the ethical decision-making process in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Relying on personal preferences to make the decision

Answer

Identifying the ethical dilemma

Answer

Analyzing the ethical principles involved

Answer

Evaluating the consequences of the decision

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a primary ethical principle in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Social justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 22

In ethical decision-making, why is it crucial for nurses to consider cultural factors?

Accepted Answer

Cultural values and beliefs influence patients' views on health, illness, and treatment options.

Answer

Cultural factors are not relevant to ethical decision-making in nursing.

Answer

Cultural factors should only be considered when interacting with patients from non-Western cultures.

Answer

Cultural factors can be disregarded if they conflict with professional ethical guidelines.

Question 23

A patient declines life-saving treatment based on their religious beliefs. Which ethical principle should primarily guide the nurse's response?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy (respect patient's wishes)

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoid harm)

Answer

Beneficence (promote good)

Answer

Justice (ensure fairness)

Question 24

Which fundamental principle of ethical decision-making in nursing grants individuals the right to make choices about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 25

Which ethical framework emphasizes maximizing overall well-being and benefits, while minimizing potential harms?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Casuistry

Question 26

In the ethical decision-making process, what is the initial and essential step?

Accepted Answer

Identifying the ethical issue

Answer

Analyzing the ethical dilemma

Answer

Developing a course of action

Answer

Seeking consultation from colleagues

Question 27

In the context of ethical decision-making, what is the significance of devising a course of action?

Accepted Answer

To guide nursing interventions

Answer

To prevent potential future ethical dilemmas

Answer

To provide justification for the decision made

Answer

To minimize potential risks

Question 28

Which type of ethical reasoning approach involves examining the unique circumstances of a specific situation?

Accepted Answer

Casuistry

Answer

Deductive reasoning

Answer

Inductive reasoning

Answer

Teleological reasoning

Question 29

Which ethical principle is most closely associated with respecting an individual's right to make their own healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 30

In situations where a patient has decision-making capacity, which ethical principle should primarily guide the nurse's actions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 31

Which ethical framework emphasizes maximizing overall benefit?

Accepted Answer

Teleology

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 32

In ethical decision-making for nurses, what's the initial stage?

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical concerns

Answer

Analyzing ethical dilemmas

Answer

Reaching ethical conclusions

Answer

Examining outcomes

Question 33

What's the role of a nurse in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Identify ethical concerns and consult with others

Answer

Make the final ethical decisions

Answer

Execute the ethical decisions

Answer

Evaluate the outcomes of ethical decisions

Question 34

Which ethical framework emphasizes equality and considers the interests of all individuals?

Accepted Answer

Communitarianism

Answer

Autonomy-based ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Beneficence-based ethics

Question 35

In the ethical decision-making process, which step involves recognizing the potential impact of personal biases and values on the decision?

Accepted Answer

Reflecting on and discussing ethical implications

Answer

Identifying the ethical dilemma

Answer

Considering relevant ethical guidelines

Answer

Implementing the ethical decision

Question 36

A patient's right to refuse medical treatment, even if it is considered necessary, is based on the ethical principle of:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a recommended step in the process of resolving ethical dilemmas?

Accepted Answer

Making a decision without considering alternative options

Answer

Identifying the ethical issue

Answer

Gathering relevant information

Answer

Evaluating and implementing the decision

Question 38

A patient has declined life-sustaining treatment. Which ethical principle is most applicable in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 39

Which ethical framework emphasizes the principle of maximizing overall good?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Kantianism

Question 40

What is the primary goal of ethical reasoning in nursing?

Accepted Answer

To determine the action that is morally right

Answer

To justify ethical decisions

Answer

To manage ethical conflicts

Answer

To promote patient autonomy

Question 41

What is the nurse's primary ethical obligation in patient care?

Accepted Answer

To advocate for the patient's rights

Answer

To follow the physician's orders without question

Answer

To protect the interests of the healthcare institution

Answer

To prioritize the nurse's own values

Question 42

Which step should NOT be included in the ethical decision-making process in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Making a decision solely based on personal beliefs

Answer

Identifying the ethical issue

Answer

Consulting with colleagues or an ethics committee

Answer

Documenting the decision-making process

Question 43

The ethical principle of autonomy emphasizes the patient's right to:

Accepted Answer

Make informed decisions about their healthcare

Answer

Receive treatment regardless of their consent

Answer

Be treated with dignity and respect

Answer

Have access to all available medical information

Question 44

The utilitarian approach in ethics prioritizes:

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall well-being

Answer

Individual rights and autonomy

Answer

Promoting justice and fairness

Answer

Acting in accordance with religious beliefs

Question 45

Which ethical dilemma resolution strategy involves seeking guidance from an impartial expert?

Accepted Answer

Consultative ethics

Answer

Ethical journaling

Answer

Moral case deliberation

Answer

Reflective practice

Question 46

The ultimate goal of ethical decision-making in nursing is to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize benefits and minimize potential harms for all involved parties

Answer

Protect the nurse from legal liability

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy at all times

Answer

Uphold the profession's ethical guidelines

Question 47

The principle of beneficence in nursing ethics emphasizes the ethical obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Do good and prevent harm

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Ensure justice and fairness

Answer

Promote truthfulness and honesty

Question 48

When a patient refuses medical treatment due to religious beliefs, the nurse should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's decision and providing alternative care options

Answer

Arguing with the patient to persuade them to accept treatment

Answer

Contacting the patient's family for support

Answer

Reporting the patient to the hospital administration

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for resolving ethical dilemmas?

Accepted Answer

Relying solely on personal intuition and feelings

Answer

Consulting with colleagues and experts

Answer

Considering ethical frameworks and principles

Answer

Documenting the ethical decision-making process

Question 50

Which ethical framework emphasizes the importance of relationships, empathy, and caring in decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Ethics of care

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Teleology

Answer

Feminist ethics

Question 51

A situation in which two or more ethical principles conflict, making it difficult to make a clear decision, is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Ethical dilemma

Answer

Moral conflict

Answer

Ethical quandary

Answer

Ethical impasse

Question 52

The ethical principle that obligates nurses to actively promote the well-being of their patients is known as:

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 53

In ethical decision-making, the primary consideration should be:

Accepted Answer

Patient's best interests

Answer

Legal implications

Answer

Nurse's personal beliefs

Answer

Institutional policies

Question 54

The complex process of weighing the pros and cons of different ethical principles and considering a range of possible actions to make a well-reasoned ethical decision is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ethical deliberation

Answer

Moral reasoning

Answer

Casuistry

Answer

Normative ethics

Question 55

In the ethical decision-making process, which step involves assessing the various perspectives and values of the individuals involved?

Accepted Answer

Analyze the ethical dilemma

Answer

Identify the ethical issue

Answer

Make a decision

Answer

Evaluate the decision

Question 56

According to the principle of autonomy, patients possess the fundamental right to:

Accepted Answer

Make informed decisions about their medical care

Answer

Receive comprehensive knowledge about their health condition

Answer

Experience relief from pain and suffering

Answer

Maintain the confidentiality of their medical information

Question 57

Which ethical framework places primary emphasis on promoting the greatest overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Principulism

Question 58

In a situation where a patient declines a potentially life-saving medical treatment due to their religious beliefs, which response from the nurse demonstrates the highest level of ethical conduct?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's wishes and explore alternative treatment options

Answer

Attempt to persuade the patient to reconsider their decision

Answer

Inform the patient's physician without their consent

Answer

Override the patient's decision and administer the treatment

Question 59

In nursing ethics, which principle emphasizes the patient's right to make choices about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 60

The first step in the ethical decision-making process involves:

Accepted Answer

Assessment

Answer

Planning

Answer

Implementation

Answer

Evaluation

Question 61

Which strategy for resolving ethical dilemmas involves seeking advice from individuals with expertise in ethics or law?

Accepted Answer

Consultation

Answer

Casuistry

Answer

Appeals to higher authority

Answer

Legal analysis

Question 62

In a situation where a patient has the capacity to make decisions and refuses life-sustaining treatment, which ethical principle is most relevant to consider?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 63

Which nursing intervention demonstrates respect for a patient's right to make autonomous decisions?

Accepted Answer

Providing clear information about treatment options and supporting the patient's decision-making process

Answer

Following the physician's orders without question

Answer

Overriding the patient's refusal of treatment

Answer

Coercing the patient into accepting treatment

Question 64

Which ethical dilemma involves a conflict between the nurse's duty to protect patient confidentiality and the need to protect others from harm?

Accepted Answer

Patient privacy vs. public safety

Answer

Autonomy vs. beneficence

Answer

Justice vs. equality

Answer

Non-maleficence vs. utility