Ethical Theories and Frameworks: A Guide for Nursing Students

Question 1

Which ethical theory asserts that actions are inherently good or bad based on their adherence to fundamental moral principles?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Pragmatism

Question 2

According to the utilitarian ethical perspective, the morally right action is the one that maximizes overall:

Accepted Answer

Well-being

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Freedom

Question 3

Which ethical framework emphasizes the importance of developing and exercising virtuous character traits in healthcare professionals?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontological ethics

Answer

Utilitarian ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 4

As per the ethical principle of non-maleficence, nurses have an obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent harm to patients

Answer

Promote patient well-being

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Ensure justice in healthcare

Question 5

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of respecting individual rights and choices, even if they conflict with societal norms?

Accepted Answer

Libertarianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 6

In palliative care, the ethical principle of beneficence requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Relieve patient suffering and promote comfort

Answer

Respect patient autonomy in decision-making

Answer

Ensure equitable distribution of healthcare resources

Answer

Uphold the principle of non-maleficence

Question 7

Which ethical dilemma could arise when a patient's family insists on life-sustaining treatment despite the patient's wishes to withdraw care?

Accepted Answer

Balancing patient autonomy and family preferences

Answer

Resolving conflicting values between healthcare providers

Answer

Ensuring fair allocation of healthcare resources

Answer

Protecting the patient from potential harm

Question 8

Which ethical theory emphasizes the fulfillment of duties and obligations?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Casuistry

Question 9

Which ethical framework places central importance on promoting human well-being, flourishing, and the development of human potential?

Accepted Answer

Eudaimonism

Answer

Existentialism

Answer

Social contract theory

Answer

Egoism

Question 10

Virtue ethics, an ethical approach that emphasizes the development of virtuous character traits, does NOT include which of the following concepts?

Accepted Answer

Self-interest

Answer

Courage

Answer

Wisdom

Answer

Justice

Question 11

Which ethical theory holds that all individuals possess inherent worth and rights, regardless of their circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Natural law theory

Answer

Contract theory

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Question 12

The process of applying ethical theories and frameworks to guide decision-making and resolve ethical dilemmas is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ethical reasoning

Answer

Moral deliberation

Answer

Value clarification

Answer

Ethical analysis

Question 13

Which ethical theory emphasizes the principle of individual autonomy, granting individuals the right to make decisions about their own lives and bodies?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy-based ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Care ethics

Question 14

Which ethical theory emphasizes prioritizing the greater good for the larger number of individuals?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 15

In the ethical framework of Beauchamp and Childress, which principle highlights the importance of respecting individual autonomy and decision-making capacity?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 16

Which ethical principle supports the patient's right to make informed decisions about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Privacy

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 17

When faced with ethical dilemmas, which initial step in the ethical decision-making process involves recognizing the relevant ethical concerns at hand?

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical issues

Answer

Gathering relevant data

Answer

Considering alternative actions

Answer

Making and supporting a decision

Question 18

Which ethical theory focuses on developing and living in accordance with virtues that contribute to personal excellence and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Care ethics

Question 19

Within the ethical framework of beneficence, which principle is given priority?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing potential benefits

Answer

Minimizing potential harm

Answer

Respecting individual autonomy

Answer

Ensuring justice and fairness

Question 20

Which ethical principle prohibits nurses from using patient information for personal gain or outside of its intended purpose?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Privacy

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Justice

Question 21

In the context of nursing practice, which ethical principle guides nurses to provide fair and impartial treatment to all patients?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 22

According to which ethical theory is the most ethical action the one that brings about the greatest good for the greatest number?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Answer

Care Ethics

Question 23

What is the core principle of Deontology?

Accepted Answer

The rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its adherence to moral rules.

Answer

Actions are solely judged by their outcomes.

Answer

The ends justify the means.

Question 24

Which ethical theory emphasizes the outcomes of actions and aims to produce the greatest overall benefit?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 25

In utilitarianism, what is the primary factor used to determine the ethical or unethical nature of an action?

Accepted Answer

The amount of happiness it generates

Answer

Its compliance with universal moral principles

Answer

The intentions of the individual performing the action

Answer

Its alignment with personal values

Question 26

Which ethical principle emphasizes that individuals have the right to make choices about their own bodies and healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 27

Which ethical theory focuses on maximizing happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 28

When faced with an ethical dilemma, the first step in the ethical decision-making process should be to:

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical issues involved

Answer

Consult with an ethics committee

Answer

Make a decision based on personal beliefs

Answer

Seek legal advice

Question 29

A nurse who consistently acts in an ethical manner is likely to demonstrate the characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Integrity

Answer

Compassion

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Empathy

Question 30

In a situation where a patient requests medical assistance in dying, the ethical principle that should be prioritized by the nurse is:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 31

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses is an example of a:

Accepted Answer

Professional guideline

Answer

Legal document

Answer

Religious doctrine

Answer

Nursing research protocol

Question 32

Which ethical theory emphasizes the maximization of happiness and the minimization of suffering for the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Rights-based ethics

Question 33

In ethical decision-making, which framework emphasizes the obligation to follow moral rules and duties?

Accepted Answer

Deontological framework

Answer

Utilitarian framework

Answer

Rights-based framework

Answer

Virtue-based framework

Question 34

In ethical decision-making, which step involves analyzing the ethical implications of a situation?

Accepted Answer

Ethical analysis

Answer

Ethical evaluation

Answer

Ethical formulation

Answer

Ethical implementation

Question 35

In ethical decision-making, which approach involves considering the consequences and outcomes of different actions?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarian approach

Answer

Deontological approach

Answer

Virtue-based approach

Answer

Rights-based approach

Question 36

Which ethical framework provides a systematic approach to ethical decision-making in healthcare, emphasizing the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice?

Accepted Answer

Beauchamp and Childress's framework

Answer

Kant's categorical imperative

Answer

Aristotle's virtue ethics

Answer

Mill's utilitarianism

Question 37

In ethical decision-making, which principle emphasizes respecting a patient's right to choose their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Question 38

Which ethical principle emphasizes the fair and equal distribution of healthcare resources in society?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 39

Which ethical principle prioritizes preventing or reducing harm?

Accepted Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 40

The Belmont Report identified which three ethical principles as fundamental to ethical research involving human subjects?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy, beneficence, justice

Answer

Confidentiality, non-maleficence, respect for privacy

Answer

Justice, beneficence, informed consent

Answer

Respect for persons, do no harm, fairness

Question 41

Which ethical framework asserts that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined solely by its inherent nature, regardless of its consequences?

Accepted Answer

Deontological ethics

Answer

Teleological ethics

Answer

Consequentialist ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 42

What is the primary focus of virtue ethics?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and developing virtuous character traits that guide ethical behavior

Answer

Evaluating the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their consequences

Answer

Analyzing the duties and obligations in a given situation

Answer

Determining the greatest good for the greatest number

Question 43

Which ethical principle requires healthcare professionals to act in the best interests of their patients and prioritize their well-being?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 44

Which ethical theory emphasizes prioritizing actions that produce the most happiness for the greatest number of people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Care ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 45

According to deontology, which of the following should guide ethical actions?

Accepted Answer

Moral rules

Answer

Intentions

Answer

Personal preferences

Answer

Consequences

Question 46

Virtue ethics primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Cultivating virtuous character traits

Answer

Maximizing overall happiness

Answer

Adhering to universal moral rules

Question 47

Care ethics emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Relationships and interdependence

Answer

Economic efficiency

Answer

Universal principles

Answer

Individual autonomy

Question 48

Which report outlines ethical principles for research involving human participants?

Accepted Answer

Belmont Report

Answer

Helsinki Declaration

Answer

Declaration of Geneva

Answer

Nuremberg Code

Question 49

One of the primary benefits of using ethical frameworks in nursing practice is:

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance for navigating complex ethical dilemmas

Answer

Eliminating the need for personal judgment

Answer

Guaranteeing ethically sound decisions

Answer

Applicable in all situations without modification

Question 50

The ethical decision-making process in nursing typically involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical issues, gathering relevant information, considering ethical frameworks, and evaluating potential consequences

Answer

Blindly adhering to institutional policies

Answer

Relying solely on personal beliefs

Question 51

In nursing practice, a key ethical concern related to informed consent is:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring patients have a clear understanding of their treatment options and potential risks

Answer

Expediting the consent process to save time

Answer

Obtaining consent from family members instead of patients

Question 52

When faced with ethical dilemmas, nurses should:

Accepted Answer

Consult ethical frameworks, engage with colleagues, and consider the patient's perspectives

Answer

Act solely on their own personal beliefs

Question 53

A fundamental principle of ethical nursing practice is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting patient autonomy and self-determination

Answer

Following social consensus

Answer

Prioritizing institutional loyalty

Answer

Maximizing economic efficiency