Question 1

Which type of moral theory, rigidly applied, would most likely lead a person to consider euthanasia morally wrong, even when it is done to end the pain and suffering of a patient?&#10;A) deontology&#10;B) virtue ethics&#10;C) naturalism&#10;D) utilitarianism

Accepted Answer

Deontology is a type of moral theory that emphasizes the duties and obligations that individuals have to others, regardless of the consequences of their actions. According to deontological principles, it is morally impermissible to intentionally take another person's life, even if the intention is to end their suffering. Therefore, an individual adhering rigidly to deontological principles would consider euthanasia morally wrong, regardless of the patient's circumstances.

Question 2

A nurse performs CPR on a choking patient and in the process breaks the sternum, which then leads to the patient's death. Which ethical theory would say that the nurse's actions were inherently good because of the intent, regardless of the outcome?

A) deontology
B) naturalism
C) rationalism
D) utilitarianism

deontology

Accepted Answer

Deontology is an ethical theory that focuses on the morality of actions, rather than their outcomes. In this case, the nurse was attempting to save the patient's life through CPR, which is an inherently moral and good action. Even though the patient died as a result of a potentially unintended consequence, the nurse's actions were still considered moral because their intent was to save the patient's life.

Question 3

During a healthcare team meeting, the physician asks the other members of the team for their input on how best to care for a particular patient, rather than dictating a prescribed plan of care. What ethical theory does this situation best exemplify?

A) feminist ethics
B) relational ethics
C) hierarchy ethics
D) virtue ethics

relational ethics

Accepted Answer

This situation best exemplifies relational ethics, which emphasizes collaboration, communication and respect among healthcare team members and patients, and recognizes that each patient is unique and may require individualized care. The physician is open to input from other team members, showing a collaborative and respectful approach to care.

Question 4

What is the term for the Kantian maxim requiring that no action be judged as right which cannot reasonably become a law by which every person should always abide?&#10;A) the categorical imperative&#10;B) the practical imperative&#10;C) deontology&#10;D) utilitarianism

Accepted Answer

The term for the Kantian maxim requiring that no action be judged as right which cannot reasonably become a law by which every person should always abide is the categorical imperative.

Question 5

A nurse recognizes and shares with a client the understanding of the amount of pain that the client is experiencing. What focal virtue is this situation based on?&#10;A) discernment&#10;B) compassion&#10;C) trustworthiness&#10;D) integrity

Accepted Answer

Compassion involves recognizing and responding to the suffering of others, which is exactly what the nurse in this scenario is doing by understanding and acknowledging the client's pain.

Question 6

What kind of philosophy is a nurse engaged in when debating what is considered good or bad, right or wrong?&#10;A) empathy&#10;B) sympathy&#10;C) moral&#10;D) virtualism

Accepted Answer

When a nurse is debating what is considered good or bad, right or wrong, they are engaging in moral philosophy. They are questioning and evaluating the ethical implications and consequences of their actions and decision-making. Empathy and sympathy are emotions, not philosophical concepts, and virtualism is not a recognized branch of philosophy.

Question 7

Which moral perspective propounds the belief that people can figure out absolute moral rules which derive from the universe and that these truths are superior to the information received from the senses?

A) moral belief
B) rationalism
C) deontology
D) naturalism

Accepted Answer

This description fits the perspective of rationalism, which asserts that reason and logical deduction can lead to absolute moral truths that are inherent to the universe and superior to empirical observations. Moral belief generally refers to a personal conviction about what is right or wrong, while deontology emphasizes the importance of duty rather than abstract moral principles. Naturalism, on the other hand, tends to prioritize observable facts and natural phenomenon over moral claims.

Question 8

What theory is based on the view that the rightness or wrongness of an act depends upon the nature of the act, rather than its consequences?&#10;A) deontology&#10;B) formalism&#10;C) Kantianism&#10;D) act utilitarianism

Accepted Answer

The theory based on the view that the rightness or wrongness of an act depends upon the nature of the act, rather than its consequences, is deontology. Deontology is a moral theory which holds that some acts are morally right or wrong independent of their consequences. It emphasizes the intrinsic value of certain acts, as opposed to utilitarianism, which emphasizes the consequences of acts.

Question 9

A client is refusing a blood transfusion, despite the possible consequences. The nurse caring for this client knows that the client will die without the blood transfusion. What is this an example of?&#10;A) personal philosophy&#10;B) virtue ethics&#10;C) ethical dilemma&#10;D) practical imperative

Accepted Answer

This is an ethical dilemma, as the nurse is faced with a conflict between her duty to respect the client's autonomy and the duty to act in the client's best interest, which may involve administering a blood transfusion. It is important for the nurse to seek guidance from the healthcare team and adhere to ethical principles to navigate this dilemma.

Question 10

Scenario: In a clinic where there is only one functioning haemodialysis machine, there are two patients waiting for dialysis. One patient is a female, married, with four children; the other is a male, unmarried, and a homeless alcoholic. The nurse decides that the female is the right choice. Which of the following most clearly supports the nurse's decision?

A) deontology
B) virtue ethics
C) rationalism
D) utilitarianism

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism is an ethical approach that seeks to maximize the overall well-being or happiness of a group. In this scenario, the nurse's decision to choose the female patient for haemodialysis is based on the principle of maximizing the overall well-being since the female patient has more dependents and responsibilities compared to the other patient. This decision could be justified on the grounds that it maximizes overall happiness for the greatest number of people.

Question 11

A nurse notices a patient crying and decides to offer some reassurance, rather walking away and giving the patient privacy. What focal virtue is the nurse exhibiting?&#10;A) discernment&#10;B) compassion&#10;C) trustworthiness&#10;D) integrity

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse notices a patient crying and...

Question 12

What focal virtue is best exemplified by soundness, reliability, and wholeness of moral character?&#10;A) discernment&#10;B) conscientiousness&#10;C) trustworthiness&#10;D) integrity

Accepted Answer

The answer of What focal virtue is best exemplified by...

Question 13

What is the Kantian maxim requiring that one treat others always as ends and never as a means?&#10;A) the categorical imperative&#10;B) the practical imperative&#10;C) deontology&#10;D) utilitarianism

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the Kantian maxim requiring that...

Question 14

Which ethical theory, when applied, would most likely lead to making meals for a needy family?&#10;A) rationalism&#10;B) naturalism&#10;C) virtue ethics&#10;D) deontology

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which ethical theory, when applied, would most...

Question 15

Which concept was first noted in the writings of Socrates?&#10;A) virtue ethics&#10;B) utilitarianism&#10;C) deontology&#10;D) rationalism

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which concept was first noted in the...

Question 16

What focal virtue is measured by other people's recognition of the nurse's consistency and predictability in following moral norms?&#10;A) discernment&#10;B) conscientiousness&#10;C) trustworthiness&#10;D) integrity

Accepted Answer

The answer of What focal virtue is measured by other...

Deck 2: Ethical Theory