Case Studies in Nursing Ethics: Interactive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which ethical principle mandates nurses to safeguard patient privacy?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Expediency

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

When a patient can make informed decisions about their healthcare, which ethical principle should a nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

In nursing ethics, which principle is paramount when a terminally ill patient wishes to end life-sustaining treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy: Respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare, even if it goes against medical advice.

Answer

Beneficence: Acting in the patient's best interest, even if it conflicts with their wishes.

Answer

Nonmaleficence: Preventing harm to the patient.

Answer

Justice: Ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all patients.

Question 5

In nursing ethics, which principle requires healthcare professionals to prioritize avoiding harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 6

Which ethical principle is NOT fundamental to nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Honesty

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 7

Which ethical principle prioritizes the patient's well-being and best interests in nursing care?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 8

Which ethical principle requires nurses to prioritize the well-being of their patients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 9

In nursing practice, which ethical principle is considered the most important?

Accepted Answer

Respecting patient autonomy and involving them in decisions about their care

Answer

Focusing on actions that benefit the patient, even if they disagree

Answer

Avoiding actions that could harm the patient

Answer

Ensuring equal access to healthcare resources for all patients

Question 10

In nursing practice, the ethical principle of beneficence requires nurses to prioritize which action?

Accepted Answer

Preventing patient harm

Answer

Offering all possible treatment options

Answer

Always following patient wishes

Answer

Consulting with other healthcare professionals

Question 11

In nursing ethics, autonomy primarily refers to the patient's right to:

Accepted Answer

Make decisions about their own healthcare

Answer

Receive confidential care

Answer

Be treated with respect and dignity

Question 12

A patient with a terminal illness has the right to decline life-sustaining treatment. Which ethical principle underpins this right?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 13

According to neonatal resuscitation guidelines, which approach should be taken for newborns with extremely low birth weight or gestational age who are not breathing spontaneously?

Accepted Answer

Resuscitate unless there are clear signs of futility or the family requests otherwise

Answer

Withhold resuscitation efforts

Answer

Provide full resuscitation efforts regardless of prognosis

Answer

Resuscitate only with parental consent

Question 14

A patient is refusing to take their prescribed medication. Which action by the nurse best demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and explore alternative treatment options with them

Answer

Administer the medication without the patient's consent

Question 15

Which nursing action best exemplifies the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring safe medication administration for the patient.

Answer

Supporting patient autonomy, even if it conflicts with personal beliefs.

Answer

Maintaining accurate patient records for effective care coordination.

Answer

Providing emotional support to the patient's family.

Question 16

In nursing practice, which ethical principle requires healthcare providers to prioritize actions that promote the patient's well-being and best interests?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 17

During neonatal resuscitation, when extensive medical intervention is needed to sustain a newborn's life, which ethical principle should guide the nursing team's decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence (doing what is best for the newborn)

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm to the newborn)

Answer

Respect for autonomy (letting the newborn decide about their care)

Answer

Justice (ensuring fair resource distribution)

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Cost-Effectiveness

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 19

In nursing ethics, which principle requires healthcare professionals to prioritize the patient's well-being above all else?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Patient Autonomy

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 20

Define moral distress in nursing, considering its contributing factors and potential effects on nurses and patients.

Accepted Answer

Moral distress is a feeling of anguish nurses experience when they're unable to provide optimal care due to factors beyond their control, like limited resources or organizational policies.

Answer

Moral distress is a state of psychological distress that arises when nurses witness or engage in unethical practices.

Answer

Moral distress is a legal liability that nurses face if they fail to follow ethical guidelines.

Answer

Moral distress is limited to nurses who lack ethical knowledge or training.

Question 21

When faced with limited healthcare resources, which ethical principle prioritizes treating everyone fairly and ensuring equal access to medical care?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 22

Which ethical principle in nursing emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness towards patients?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 23

Which ethical principle is paramount in nursing, demanding that nurses prioritize the patient's well-being above all else?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 24

A patient who previously stated their wish for life-saving treatments is now terminally ill. Their family asks for comfort care only. Which ethical principle is most important in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Patient Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 25

Which ethical principle guides nurses to prioritize preventing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 26

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of respecting patients' rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 27

In healthcare resource allocation, which ethical principle prioritizes fairness and equal access for all?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 28

Which ethical principle guides nurses to honor a patient's choices, even if they differ from the nurse's own views?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 29

A patient with terminal cancer has decided to forgo life-sustaining treatment. Their family disagrees and wants aggressive treatment. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's response?

Accepted Answer

Patient Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 30

In end-of-life care, what ethical principles should guide nurses when a patient refuses life-sustaining treatment, despite medical advice and family requests?

Accepted Answer

Respect patient autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own care.

Answer

Override the patient's decision and provide life-sustaining treatment, as it is in their best medical interests.

Answer

Defer to the family's wishes, as they may know the patient's preferences better.

Question 31

Which ethical principle focuses on ensuring equal access to healthcare resources, particularly in situations where resources are limited?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 32

In the analysis of a nursing case study, which approach is most appropriate for evaluating ethical principles?

Accepted Answer

Evaluating ethical principles systematically and comprehensively, considering their relevance and potential consequences in the specific context

Answer

Applying ethical principles rigidly and inflexibly

Answer

Evaluating ethical principles separately, without considering their connections

Answer

Evaluating ethical principles based solely on personal values and preferences

Question 33

Which ethical principle forms the foundation of nursing practice, emphasizing the paramount duty to prioritize the well-being of patients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 34

A nurse encounters a patient who declines a potentially life-saving blood transfusion due to their religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is most applicable in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Patient Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 35

In the ethical decision-making process for nurses, which step involves recognizing and clarifying the ethical dilemmas present in a given situation?

Accepted Answer

Identifying ethical issues

Answer

Identifying stakeholders

Answer

Evaluating benefits and risks

Answer

Clarifying personal values

Question 36

In the ethical decision-making process for nurses, which step is most crucial for a thorough and ethically sound outcome?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and clarifying the ethical issues involved

Answer

Consulting with colleagues for diverse perspectives

Answer

Applying ethical principles to the situation

Answer

Overcoming personal biases for objectivity

Question 37

What is the primary ethical challenge faced by nurses when caring for patients experiencing homelessness or poverty?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring equitable healthcare access for patients with limited resources

Answer

Balancing patient autonomy with protecting them from harm

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive patient information

Answer

Balancing patient privacy with providing appropriate medical care

Question 38

In managing patients' pain, which ethical principle justifies a nurse's decision to prioritize the patient's right to pain relief despite potential addiction risks?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 39

In caring for patients with disabilities, what ethical considerations must nurses prioritize to uphold their well-being and autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's wishes, regardless of their disability, to promote their autonomy.

Answer

Making decisions on behalf of patients with disabilities who cannot communicate their wishes.

Answer

Treating patients with disabilities differently than other patients to meet their specific needs.

Answer

Assuming that patients with disabilities are incapable of making decisions about their own care.

Question 40

In nursing, respecting patient autonomy is crucial. Which action best upholds this principle for patients with dementia?

Accepted Answer

Providing clear information and involving the patient in decision-making

Answer

Prioritizing family wishes over the patient's unexpressed preferences

Answer

Administering medications without consent, assuming it's in their best interest

Answer

Restraining the patient without consent to prevent wandering

Question 41

When caring for transgender or gender non-conforming patients, what is the most important ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

Respecting their preferred pronouns and name

Answer

Consulting with their family about their care

Answer

Assuming they all have the same needs

Answer

Providing care without asking about their gender identity

Question 42

Which action would be considered a violation of patient privacy?

Accepted Answer

Using a patient's information for research purposes without their consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's condition with the healthcare team

Answer

Sharing a patient's medical information with their family with their consent

Answer

Documenting a patient's medical history

Question 43

When caring for patients who have experienced violence or abuse, which ethical principle should primarily guide nurses' actions?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the patient's safety and well-being

Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy

Answer

Promoting justice and equality

Answer

Benefiting the patient

Question 44

How does respecting patient autonomy influence the primary role of nurses in making ethical decisions?

Accepted Answer

Nurses should provide patients with complete information to help them make informed decisions.

Answer

Nurses should prioritize making decisions for patients who cannot make decisions for themselves.

Answer

Nurses should always follow patient preferences, even if they have ethical concerns.

Answer

Nurses should never override patient decisions, even if they believe it is in the patient's best interest.

Question 45

In nursing practice, social media presents ethical considerations. Evaluate its potential impact on patient privacy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.

Accepted Answer

Social media can be used ethically in nursing to educate patients and communicate while maintaining privacy.

Answer

Social media use is strictly prohibited for nurses due to ethical concerns.

Answer

Nurses can use social media without any ethical boundaries.

Answer

Social media should only be used by nurses for professional development.

Question 46

When a patient's cognitive decline affects their decision-making, which ethical principle should guide the nurse's actions and decisions?

Accepted Answer

Substituted Judgment

Answer

Respect for Patient Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 47

In a situation where a patient refuses potentially life-saving treatment, which ethical principle should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Fidelity

Question 48

The nurse's primary responsibility in obtaining informed consent is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain the risks and benefits of the treatment or procedure

Answer

Obtain the patient's signature on a consent form

Answer

Advocate solely for the patient's wishes

Answer

Ensure the patient understands the information provided, regardless of their comprehension

Question 49

In situations where a patient's treatment preferences conflict with the nurse's personal beliefs, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the patient's preferences, even if they go against their own beliefs

Answer

Refuse to provide the treatment and refer the patient to another nurse

Answer

Attempt to persuade the patient to change their preferences

Answer

Provide the treatment against the patient's wishes

Question 50

What is a key benefit of using ethical decision-making frameworks in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Provides a structured approach to addressing ethical dilemmas

Answer

Guarantees that ethical decisions are always correct

Answer

Eliminates the need for individual nurse judgment

Answer

Prevents ethical conflicts from arising

Question 51

In critical care settings with limited resources, which ethical principle is paramount in guiding the allocation of resources?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 52

In palliative care and end-of-life situations, which ethical principle is paramount in guiding decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Patient autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 53

In nursing, when caring for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, what is the primary ethical obligation?

Accepted Answer

Respect patients' cultural beliefs and values, even if they conflict with personal beliefs

Answer

Adhere strictly to one's own cultural beliefs and values

Answer

Assume that all patients from a particular culture share the same beliefs and values

Answer

Ignore cultural beliefs and values to provide standardized care

Question 54

When making mandatory reporting decisions, which of these is NOT a core ethical principle for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Beneficence (acting for good)

Question 55

When providing care to LGBTQ+ patients, which ethical principle should nurses prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Using inclusive language and respecting gender pronouns

Answer

Assuming a patient's sexual orientation based on appearance

Answer

Ignoring a patient's religious beliefs

Answer

Focusing solely on the patient's medical needs

Question 56

A patient refuses a blood transfusion based on religious convictions. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and explore alternative treatment options that align with their beliefs.

Answer

Ignore the patient's beliefs and administer the transfusion anyway.

Answer

Engage in a debate with the patient until they consent to the transfusion.

Question 57

If a nurse discovers that a colleague is diverting medication from the hospital pharmacy, the appropriate course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the designated authorities, such as the supervisor or hospital ethics committee.

Answer

Confront the colleague directly without involving others.

Answer

Ignore the matter as it does not directly affect the nurse's own practice.

Question 58

A nurse is providing care to a patient with a terminal illness. The patient's family requests that the nurse withhold information about the patient's prognosis to spare them emotional distress. The nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Explain that it is unethical to deceive patients or their families, and provide honest information in a sensitive manner.

Answer

Agree to the family's request to protect their emotions, even if it means withholding information from the patient.

Answer

Contact the physician for guidance without informing the family of the request.

Question 59

A nurse witnesses a physician verbally abusing a patient. The nurse's ethical responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as a supervisor or ethics committee, to protect the patient's rights and well-being.

Answer

Confront the physician directly, potentially escalating the situation.

Answer

Ignore the situation to avoid conflict or potential retaliation.

Question 60

In the event that a patient who has consented to organ donation dies unexpectedly, and their family requests that the organs be removed without consent, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Decline the request and clarify the legal and ethical requirements for organ donation, emphasizing the need for explicit consent from the deceased or their authorized representative.

Answer

Remove the organs as requested by the family, disregarding the legal and ethical implications.

Answer

Contact the hospital ethics committee for guidance but proceed with organ removal if the family insists.

Question 61

When a nurse discovers inaccurate or incomplete information in a patient's medical record, the appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Correct the information and document the reason for the change, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the record.

Answer

Leave the information as is, as it may not be significant.

Answer

Add new information without documenting the reason, potentially compromising the record's reliability.

Question 62

Upon discharging a patient from the hospital with a new prescription, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Provide clear and comprehensive instructions regarding the medication's purpose, dosage, side effects, and any necessary precautions.

Answer

Request that the physician provide the patient with medication instructions.

Answer

Simply hand the prescription to the patient without any explanation.

Question 63

If a nurse is caring for a patient with a mental illness who becomes agitated and physically threatening, the most appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Utilize de-escalation techniques to calm the patient and seek assistance from other healthcare professionals if necessary, prioritizing patient and staff safety.

Answer

Ignore the patient's behavior, as it may subside on its own.

Answer

Immediately restrain the patient to prevent further agitation.

Question 64

In a situation where a nurse witnesses a family member stealing from a patient's belongings, the nurse's ethical duty is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to security and document it in the patient's chart, safeguarding the patient's property and well-being.

Answer

Confront the family member directly, potentially escalating the issue.

Answer

Ignore the situation to avoid potential conflict.