Introduction to Ethics in Nursing: Essential Concepts and Applications

Question 1

In ethical nursing decision-making, which action prioritizes personal benefit over patient well-being?

Accepted Answer

Exploiting a patient's information for financial gain

Answer

Providing pain relief to a patient in discomfort

Answer

Honoring a patient's refusal of life-saving treatment

Answer

Distributing scarce resources equitably based on patient needs

Question 2

In ethical decision-making, which principle prioritizes using evidence and minimizing personal biases?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 3

In deontological ethical theories, which principle is central?

Accepted Answer

Moral rules or duties determine an action's ethical value.

Answer

Consequences solely define an action's morality.

Answer

The ethical choice maximizes overall happiness.

Answer

Virtues of a good person guide ethical actions.

Question 4

According to deontology, which action is considered morally correct?

Accepted Answer

Following universal moral rules regardless of outcomes

Answer

Prioritizing the benefit of the majority

Answer

Acting with altruistic intentions

Answer

Complying with legal regulations

Question 5

In nursing ethics, which principle upholds patients' right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 6

Which ethical principle in nursing practice prioritizes respecting a patient's right to make decisions about their own care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Paternalism

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 7

When making ethical decisions, which action should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Making decisions based solely on personal feelings or preferences

Answer

Seeking advice from colleagues or other healthcare professionals

Answer

Identifying the relevant ethical principles

Answer

Considering the potential consequences of different actions

Question 8

In ethical nursing practice, which principle is essential?

Accepted Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Answer

Following hospital rules

Answer

Putting the nurse's needs first

Question 9

Which ethical theory places the highest value on following moral rules and duties, even if the outcome is not favorable?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 10

In utilitarianism, which principle is central to ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Maximizing happiness for the majority

Answer

Prioritizing fairness over individual well-being

Answer

Following religious teachings

Question 11

In ethical decision-making for nurses, which factor is most important?

Accepted Answer

Respecting patient choices

Answer

Following protocols without question

Answer

Relying only on personal beliefs

Question 12

Which ethical principle emphasizes the patient's right to make choices regarding their medical care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 13

What is the fundamental principle that forms the basis of deontological ethics?

Accepted Answer

Actions have inherent rightness or wrongness, regardless of their consequences.

Answer

The morality of an action is determined by its outcomes.

Answer

The potential benefits of an action can justify unethical methods.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 15

Which ethical principle prioritizes respecting patients' right to make their own healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 16

Which ethical theory prioritizes actions that maximize overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Ethical relativism

Question 17

In healthcare, which ethical consideration is crucial when developing and implementing AI systems?

Accepted Answer

Respecting human dignity and autonomy in AI design and use

Accepted Answer

Minimizing the risk of AI systems worsening existing social and health disparities

Accepted Answer

Ensuring transparency and explainability in AI decision-making

Answer

Prioritizing economic gains over patient safety and well-being in AI implementation

Question 18

What is the key difference between deontological and consequentialist ethics?

Accepted Answer

Deontological ethics focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action, while consequentialist ethics focuses on the outcome.

Answer

Deontological ethics emphasizes individual rights, while consequentialist ethics emphasizes the welfare of the majority.

Answer

Deontological ethics is based on universal moral principles, while consequentialist ethics is based on personal values.

Answer

Deontological ethics is concerned with justice, while consequentialist ethics is concerned with happiness.

Question 19

In healthcare, which ethical concern is raised by the use of surveillance technologies that collect and monitor personal data?

Accepted Answer

Potential violation of patient privacy and confidentiality

Answer

Increased efficiency in healthcare delivery

Answer

Improved patient outcomes through enhanced monitoring

Answer

Reduced healthcare costs through optimized resource allocation

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a key element of ethical decision-making in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Following personal biases

Answer

Identifying the ethical issue

Answer

Considering ethical principles

Answer

Including various viewpoints

Question 21

In ethical decision-making for nursing practice, which action should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Relying solely on personal beliefs and emotions

Answer

Consulting with colleagues and seeking expert advice

Answer

Considering the relevant ethical principles

Answer

Identifying the ethical issue at hand

Question 22

Which ethical principle forms the foundation of nursing practice, acknowledging and honoring patients' rights to make choices regarding their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 23

Which ethical principle prioritizes fairness and equity?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 24

In nursing, a key element of ethical decision-making is:

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy and privacy

Answer

Following the physician's orders without question

Answer

Ignoring the patient's cultural background and values

Answer

Making decisions based solely on personal beliefs and preferences

Question 25

In nursing practice, respecting patient autonomy is crucial. Which action demonstrates this principle most effectively?

Accepted Answer

Involving the patient in treatment planning and decision-making

Answer

Following the doctor's orders without patient consent

Answer

Making decisions for the patient if they cannot communicate

Answer

Ignoring the patient's cultural and religious beliefs in treatment decisions

Question 26

Which ethical principles are fundamental to nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence

Answer

Justice, beneficence, and fidelity

Answer

Beneficence, non-maleficence, and confidentiality

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 28

In nursing ethics, which theory emphasizes fulfilling one's duty, even if it may result in unfavorable outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 29

Which ethical principle in nursing practice emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make informed choices about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 30

Within healthcare teams, which ethical principle prioritizes the patient's well-being above all else, irrespective of personal or professional interests?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 31

In virtue ethics, what's the primary objective of ethical conduct?

Accepted Answer

Cultivating and embodying virtues

Answer

Maximizing pleasure or happiness

Answer

Fulfilling responsibilities

Question 32

What feature distinguishes ethical theories from other types of theories?

Accepted Answer

Offering principles and values for ethical decision-making

Answer

Providing a thorough explanation of all moral issues

Answer

Universal acceptance and adherence across all societies

Answer

Applicability to any situation, regardless of context

Question 33

Which action is not appropriate in ethical decision-making for nursing?

Accepted Answer

Making decisions based solely on personal feelings

Answer

Identifying relevant ethical principles

Answer

Considering the viewpoints of all parties involved

Question 34

In ethical decision-making for nursing, which of these is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the consequences of actions on the patient, team, and society

Answer

Prioritizing personal values over the patient's perspective

Answer

Solely following legal guidelines without considering ethical principles

Answer

Making decisions based on popular opinion without considering individual circumstances

Question 35

Which of the following is NOT a primary area of focus within the field of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Emotions

Answer

Values

Answer

Morals

Answer

Virtues

Question 36

What is a primary responsibility of an AI ethics institute?

Accepted Answer

Preserving and advancing ethical standards in AI research and development

Answer

Offering legal guidance on ethical concerns in AI development

Answer

Creating and producing AI systems for commercial purposes

Question 37

In utilitarianism, the most ethical action is the one that:

Accepted Answer

Produces the greatest happiness

Answer

Promotes self-interest

Answer

Fulfills one's duty

Answer

Develops virtue

Question 38

Which ethical theory holds that the morality of an action is solely determined by its outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Question 39

What is cultural competence in nursing, and how does it impact ethical decision-making and patient care?

Accepted Answer

Cultural competence in nursing is the ability to provide care that respects patients' cultural beliefs and values.

Answer

Cultural factors do not influence ethical decision-making or patient care in nursing.

Answer

Nurses do not need to consider cultural differences when providing care.

Question 40

In end-of-life care, which ethical principles and challenges are crucial for healthcare professionals to consider?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence, non-maleficence, patient autonomy, and justice are the key ethical principles guiding end-of-life care decisions.

Answer

Patient preferences should always be the primary consideration in end-of-life care decision-making.

Answer

Ethical decision-making in end-of-life care is straightforward and rarely involves conflicting ethical principles.

Question 41

Which of the following is **NOT** a typical characteristic of ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in their practice?

Accepted Answer

Have clear-cut solutions with a single correct answer

Answer

Involve conflicting values or principles

Answer

Require nurses to make difficult decisions

Question 42

In nurse-patient relationships, trust is essential. Which of the following best explains its importance?

Accepted Answer

Trust fosters open communication and aids patient recovery.

Answer

Trust grants nurses the authority to make decisions for patients without their consent.

Answer

Trust makes informed consent unnecessary in patient care.

Answer

Trust is only significant in long-term nurse-patient relationships.

Question 43

Which ethical theory places primary emphasis on the consequences of actions?

Accepted Answer

Teleology

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Natural law theory

Question 44

What is the primary role of ethics committees in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance on complex ethical issues

Answer

To make binding decisions about patient care

Answer

To enforce ethical standards on healthcare professionals

Answer

To educate healthcare professionals about ethics

Question 45

How do ethical principles differ from ethical rules?

Accepted Answer

Principles are more general, while rules are more specific

Answer

Rules are more general, while principles are more specific

Answer

Principles and rules are essentially the same

Answer

There is no meaningful difference between principles and rules

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of using ethical frameworks in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Guarantees the ethically optimal decision will be made

Answer

Provides a structured approach to ethical decision-making

Answer

Helps identify potential ethical issues

Answer

Promotes consistency in ethical decision-making

Question 47

Palliative care poses distinct ethical dilemmas. Identify the core ethical principles that guide nurses in providing care to patients receiving palliative care.

Accepted Answer

Respecting patient autonomy and informed consent

Accepted Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality while considering family involvement

Accepted Answer

Balancing beneficence and non-maleficence in pain management

Answer

Prioritizing patient comfort over prolonging life

Question 48

Which action upholds patient autonomy, a core principle in nursing ethics?

Accepted Answer

Providing patients with clear and thorough information about their health and treatment options.

Answer

Ignoring a patient's decision to decline recommended treatment.

Answer

Making healthcare choices for patients who cannot express their preferences.

Answer

Withholding potentially upsetting information from patients to shield them.

Question 49

Which ethical theory emphasizes maximizing happiness and the collective well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 50

Which of the following is not a step in the ethical decision-making process in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Make a hasty decision

Answer

Identify the ethical issue

Answer

Gather relevant information

Answer

Apply ethical principles

Question 51

A patient's right to make decisions about their own medical care, even if it conflicts with medical advice, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Justice

Question 52

Which organization is primarily responsible for setting ethical standards for nursing practice in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The American Nurses Association (ANA)

Answer

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Answer

The Joint Commission

Answer

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Question 53

Which ethical theory emphasizes developing virtuous character traits and habits?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Care ethics

Question 54

How do ethics and morality differ?

Accepted Answer

Ethics is the study of morality, while morality refers to the actual behavior of individuals

Answer

Morality is the study of ethics, while ethics refers to the actual behavior of individuals

Answer

Ethics and morality are fundamentally the same concept

Answer

Ethics is more subjective than morality

Question 55

Which fundamental ethical principle in nursing practice emphasizes respect for patient autonomy and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Fidelity

Question 56

The theory of utilitarianism prioritizes which ethical outcome?

Accepted Answer

The greatest benefit for the majority

Answer

The protection of individual rights

Answer

The development of moral character

Answer

The compliance with universal moral laws

Question 57

Which step is NOT included in the ethical decision-making process for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Taking immediate action without evaluation

Answer

Identifying the ethical dilemma

Answer

Gathering relevant information

Answer

Making a choice based on values

Question 58

Nurses are ethically obligated to maintain patient confidentiality by:

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding the privacy of patient information

Answer

Disclosing patient information to family members

Answer

Reporting suspected cases of child abuse to authorities

Answer

Obtaining consent from patients before discussing their medical history

Question 59

The ethical principle of beneficence primarily requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of patients

Answer

Protect patients from harm

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Ensure a fair distribution of resources

Question 60

The ethical principle of nonmaleficence primarily requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Protect patients from harm

Answer

Act in the best interests of patients

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Ensure a fair distribution of resources

Question 61

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

Accepted Answer

Paternalism

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 62

According to Utilitarianism, the right action is the one that produces the:

Accepted Answer

Greatest benefit for the greatest number of people

Answer

Greatest happiness for the individual

Answer

Greatest protection of individual rights

Answer

Least amount of harm

Question 63

The Declaration of Helsinki provides ethical guidelines for:

Accepted Answer

Human subject research

Answer

Animal welfare

Answer

Environmental protection

Answer

Workplace safety

Question 64

The concept of beneficence refers to the ethical obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Do good and prevent harm

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Ensure justice and equality

Answer

Maintain confidentiality