Ethical Decision-Making Models for Nurses: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

What is the first step in the ethical decision-making model proposed by Beauchamp and Childress?

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical dilemma

Answer

Generate potential solutions

Answer

Weigh the pros and cons of solutions

Answer

Make the final decision

Question 2

Which ethical principle upholds the right of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions, even if those decisions differ from the healthcare provider's recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

When faced with an ethical dilemma, nurses should:

Accepted Answer

Consult with colleagues, supervisors, or other relevant individuals or resources

Answer

Prioritize their own personal beliefs and values above all else

Answer

Make a decision based solely on the patient's wishes, regardless of other factors

Answer

Ignore the ethical implications of their actions

Question 4

How does virtue ethics differ from other ethical theories?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes developing a virtuous character

Answer

It prioritizes universal moral rules

Answer

It solely considers the consequences of actions

Answer

It focuses on individual intentions regardless of consequences

Question 5

How can the ethical principle of justice be applied in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources

Answer

Respecting cultural diversity

Answer

Advocating for patient rights

Answer

Prioritizing the well-being of the majority

Question 6

Why is cultural sensitivity important in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that ethical decisions align with the values and beliefs of diverse cultures

Answer

To avoid considering cultural differences in decision-making

Answer

To prioritize the ethical values of the majority culture

Answer

To exclude patients from decision-making processes based on cultural differences

Question 7

Which ethical decision-making model focuses on the experiences and viewpoints of the individuals involved in a situation?

Accepted Answer

Narrative ethics

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 8

Which of the following is a distinctive feature of casuistry?

Accepted Answer

Focus on precedent

Answer

Reliance on abstract rules

Answer

Emphasis on patient preferences

Answer

Use of logical reasoning

Question 9

Which ethical decision-making model focuses on weighing the potential benefits and risks to all parties involved?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Casuistry

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 10

From a deontological perspective, lying to a patient may be morally justified if:

Accepted Answer

Lying is the only way to prevent harm to others

Answer

The lie will benefit the patient

Answer

The patient has requested the lie

Answer

Lying is necessary to protect the patient's privacy

Question 11

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 12

A patient requests to leave the hospital against medical advice, invoking their right to autonomy. Which ethical decision-making model is most suitable for this situation?

Accepted Answer

Beauchamp & Childress's Four Principles Approach

Answer

The Nuremberg Code

Answer

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics

Answer

The Palliative Care Decision-Making Model

Question 13

Which ethical decision-making model prioritizes patient autonomy and informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Four Principles Approach

Answer

Utilitarian Approach

Answer

Casuistry Approach

Answer

Virtue Ethics Approach

Question 14

The ethical decision-making model that emphasizes maximizing the positive outcomes for the greatest number of people is:

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Principlism

Question 15

In the 5-step ethical decision-making model, the initial step involves gathering relevant information and data. This step is known as:

Accepted Answer

Assessment

Answer

Analysis

Answer

Action

Answer

Evaluation

Question 16

The ethical principle of fidelity obligates nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain promises and commitments made to patients

Answer

Respect patient autonomy and self-determination

Answer

Promote justice and fairness

Answer

Avoid causing harm or injury

Question 17

Which ethical guideline emphasizes the importance of considering and respecting the cultural backgrounds and values of patients?

Accepted Answer

Cultural sensitivity

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 18

The primary ethical responsibility of a nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

The patient

Answer

The medical team

Answer

The hospital administration

Answer

The patient's family

Question 19

The ethical principle of beneficence requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Promote the well-being and benefit of patients

Answer

Respect patient autonomy and choices

Answer

Avoid causing harm or injury

Answer

Ensure fair and just treatment

Question 20

Which ethical decision-making model is based on the idea that the most ethical action is the one that aligns with societal rules and norms?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Casuistry

Question 21

The ethical concept of autonomy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The right of patients to make decisions about their own healthcare

Answer

The duty of nurses to act in the best interests of patients

Answer

The importance of maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality

Answer

The need to obtain informed consent prior to any medical intervention

Question 22

In the Beauchamp and Childress ethical decision-making model, which principle is considered fundamental?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 23

Which principle from the Belmont Report emphasizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Persons

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 24

The ethical decision-making model that involves four steps of assessment, analysis, reflection, and action is:

Accepted Answer

Identification, Analysis, Reflection, Action

Answer

Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation

Answer

Assessment, Analysis, Intervention, Evaluation

Answer

Gathering data, Weighing options, Making a decision, Implementing the decision

Question 25

The concept of double effect suggests that:

Accepted Answer

An act with both a good and a bad consequence may be justified if the good consequence outweighs the bad.

Answer

An act with a good and a bad consequence is never justified.

Answer

An act with a bad consequence is justified if the intention was good.

Answer

An act with a good consequence is never justified if there is also a bad consequence.

Question 26

The systematic process of making ethical decisions in nursing involves:

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical issues, considering alternative actions, evaluating consequences, and making a reasoned decision.

Answer

Following established protocols and guidelines without question.

Answer

Consulting with a supervisor for every ethical dilemma encountered.

Answer

Ignoring ethical implications and focusing solely on patient care.

Question 27

The Nuremberg Code, Declaration of Helsinki, and Belmont Report are examples of:

Accepted Answer

Ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects

Answer

Legal statutes governing nursing practice

Answer

Ethical theories used to justify ethical decisions

Answer

Nursing professional standards of care

Question 28

The principle of non-maleficence in nursing ethics means:

Accepted Answer

Do no harm and prevent harm from occurring

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Answer

Promoting justice and equality

Answer

Acting in accordance with professional standards

Question 29

Which of the following is not a benefit of using ethical decision-making models in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Guarantees the perfect decision in every situation

Answer

Provides a structured approach to analyze ethical dilemmas

Answer

Helps to identify and clarify ethical issues

Answer

Encourages collaboration and discussion among healthcare professionals

Question 30

The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics is valuable for nurses because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides guidelines for ethical decision-making in nursing practice

Answer

Outlines the legal responsibilities of nurses

Answer

Mandates specific actions in all ethical situations

Answer

Is applicable only to nurses in the United States

Question 31

Which element is NOT a component of the beneficence principle in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy

Answer

Acting in the best interests of the patient

Answer

Avoiding harm to the patient

Question 32

In the United States, which organization's code of ethics guides nurses in making ethical decisions?

Accepted Answer

American Nurses Association

Answer

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Answer

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Question 33

What is a primary benefit of interdisciplinary collaboration in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Access to diverse perspectives

Answer

Reduced workload for each professional

Answer

Elimination of ethical dilemmas

Answer

Guarantee of ethically correct decisions

Question 34

In the Ethical Principles and Core Values for Nursing Practice, which value places the highest priority on upholding an individual's right to make decisions regarding their own health?

Accepted Answer

Respect for human dignity

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Justice

Answer

Advocacy

Question 35

In ethical decision-making, the concept of 'casuistry' involves:

Accepted Answer

Examining specific case studies to derive ethical principles

Answer

Applying general ethical principles to specific situations

Answer

Resolving ethical dilemmas by considering the potential consequences of actions

Answer

Balancing the rights and interests of different individuals involved in an ethical situation

Question 36

Which ethical decision-making model emphasizes the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice?

Accepted Answer

The Beauchamp and Childress Model

Answer

The Guttman and Swearingen Model

Answer

The Casuistry Model

Answer

The Narrative Ethics Model

Question 37

A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a blood transfusion due to their religious beliefs. Which decision-making model would be most appropriate to use in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The Respect for Autonomy Model

Answer

The Utilitarian Model

Answer

The Beneficence Model

Answer

The Casuistry Model

Question 38

Which of the following is a key step in the Guttman and Swearingen Model?

Accepted Answer

Identifying values in conflict

Answer

Creating a list of options

Answer

Weighing the consequences

Answer

Reaching a consensus

Question 39

The Casuistry Model encourages nurses to rely on:

Accepted Answer

Case-specific reasoning

Answer

Written ethical codes

Answer

Personal experiences

Answer

Religious beliefs

Question 40

The Narrative Ethics Model emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Personal stories and experiences

Answer

Objective data and evidence

Answer

Established ethical principles

Answer

Cultural norms and values

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a component of the Utilitarian Model?

Accepted Answer

Respect for individual rights

Answer

Maximization of happiness

Answer

Minimization of harm

Answer

Careful consideration of consequences

Question 42

The Virtue Ethics Model focuses on the development of:

Accepted Answer

Moral character

Answer

Analytical reasoning

Answer

Ethical principles

Answer

Personal experience

Question 43

In the context of ethical decision-making, the term 'moral distress' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The experience of discomfort when one's actions conflict with their values

Answer

The inability to make a decision due to conflicting ethical principles

Answer

The feeling of guilt or shame after making an unethical choice

Answer

The fear of being punished for an ethical violation

Question 44

The ________ approach to ethical decision-making emphasizes the cultivation of personal virtues and the development of moral character.

Accepted Answer

Virtue-based

Answer

Utilitarian

Answer

Deontological

Answer

Casuistry

Question 45

The ________ technique in ethical decision-making involves drawing parallels to similar cases that have been analyzed previously.

Accepted Answer

Casuistry

Answer

Virtue-based ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 46

The ________ principle in ethical decision-making requires nurses to adhere to established rules and professional standards.

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 47

Which ethical decision-making model places emphasis on cultural sensitivity and respect?

Accepted Answer

Leininger's Theory of Cultural Care Diversity and Universality

Answer

Roy's Adaptation Model

Answer

Benner's Novice to Expert Model

Answer

Watson's Theory of Caring

Question 48

According to the principle of beneficence, nurses are obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of their patients

Answer

Provide only treatments with proven efficacy

Answer

Avoid causing harm to patients

Answer

Follow orders from all healthcare providers

Question 49

Which ethical principle is compromised when a nurse discloses confidential patient information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 50

In the Respect for Persons model, the nurse should primarily value:

Accepted Answer

The patient's right to make autonomous decisions

Answer

The patient's physical well-being

Answer

The patient's emotional well-being

Answer

The patient's cultural and religious beliefs

Question 51

Which is NOT a recommended strategy for fostering ethical decision-making in nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Relying exclusively on personal judgment

Answer

Consulting with colleagues or ethics committees

Answer

Continuously seeking education and training in ethics

Answer

Documenting ethical considerations in patient records

Question 52

A patient's refusal of a medically indicated treatment due to personal beliefs exemplifies an ethical issue involving which core value?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Question 53

Which of the following is not a step in the Six-Step Ethical Decision-Making Model?

Accepted Answer

Consult with legal experts

Answer

Identify the ethical dilemma

Answer

Gather relevant information

Answer

Consider possible solutions

Question 54

The ethical principle that requires healthcare professionals to protect and maintain the privacy of patient information is known as:

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 55

An ethical dilemma arises when two or more fundamental ethical values:

Accepted Answer

Are in conflict

Answer

Are in harmony

Answer

Are irrelevant

Answer

Are equally important

Question 56

Which ethical decision-making model emphasizes the individual nurse's moral character and personal values?

Accepted Answer

Virtue Ethics Model

Answer

Autonomy-Based Model

Answer

Beneficence Model

Answer

Principle-Based Model

Question 57

Which ethical decision-making model places the utmost importance on the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Casuistry

Question 58

In the Beauchamp and Childress ethical decision-making model, the concept of 'prima facie' duties refers to:

Accepted Answer

Obligations that apply in most situations but may be overridden in certain circumstances

Answer

Obligations that must be universally adhered to

Answer

Obligations that are only relevant in specific contexts

Answer

Obligations that can be willingly waived

Question 59

In the utilitarian ethical theory, the right action is the one that produces the:

Accepted Answer

Greatest benefit for the greatest number of people

Answer

Least harm to the fewest people

Answer

Most pleasure for the individual

Answer

Least suffering for the individual

Question 60

A defining characteristic of virtue ethics is its emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Cultivating virtuous character traits

Answer

Adhering to moral rules and principles

Answer

Evaluating the consequences of actions

Answer

Focusing solely on individual actions

Question 61

Which of the following should NOT be considered when resolving ethical dilemmas in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Personal feelings and biases

Answer

Patient values and preferences

Answer

Professional guidelines and standards of care

Answer

Legal and regulatory requirements

Question 62

According to the ANA Code of Ethics, the initial stage of the ethical decision-making process involves:

Accepted Answer

Assessment

Answer

Diagnosis

Answer

Planning

Answer

Intervention

Question 63

The ethical principle of beneficence primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

Acting in the patient's best interest

Answer

Avoiding harm

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Answer

Balancing risks and benefits

Question 64

The ethical principle of justice emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Fair distribution of resources and opportunities

Answer

Protecting individual rights

Answer

Improving patient outcomes

Answer

Avoiding conflicts of interest