Deck 6: Ethical Decision Making in Dental Hygiene and Dentistry

Question 1

Which of the following is true concerning the ethical decision-making model presented in the chapter?

A) It is a four-step approach diagrammed as a square grid.
B) It is a four-step approach diagrammed as a circle.
C) It is a six-step approach diagrammed as a square grid.
D) It is a six-step approach diagrammed as a circle.

Answer 1

It is a six-step approach diagrammed as a circle.

Question 2

Each of the following is categorized by Campbell and Rogers as one of the three categories of moral problems EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Moral dilemma
B) Moral distress
C) Moral weakness
D) Moral uncertainty

Answer 2

Moral distress

Question 3

The goal of an ethical decision-making model is to

A) provide a cookbook process for determining a solution to a problem.
B) provide a framework for making the best decision in a particular situation.
C) provide a matrix for determining the solution so the provider does not have to think about the situation.
D) make a decision about right and wrong.

Answer 3

provide a framework for making the best decision in a particular situation.

Question 4

The ethical awareness of an individual is called moral

A) dilemma.
B) distress.
C) sensitivity.
D) uncertainty.
E) weakness.

Question 5

Ethical decision making is

A) inherently understood by children.
B) learned in curriculum in professional school.
C) acquired through continuing education classes following the period of formal education.
D) learned throughout a lifetime.

Question 6

The ethical decision-making process is futile if no action is taken, because no action represents tacit approval of the situation.

A) Both the statement and reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and reason are correct but NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Question 7

Which of the following is the first of Dr. John S. Murray's seven critical checkpoints to use in ethical decision making?

A) Ascertain what principles need to be expressed and defended in the situation-focus on one or two of the more critical values.
B) Evaluate the circumstances to establish whether moral courage is needed in the situation.
C) Consider the possible adverse consequences/risks associated with taking action.
D) Determine what moral values and ethical principles are at risk or in question of being compromised.

Question 8

The goal for the curricula established in 1989 by the American Dental Educational Association (ADEA) was to develop a commitment by students to

A) moral principles.
B) moral distress.
C) ethical dilemmas.
D) moral dilemmas.

Question 9

Which of the following is the most critical step in the ethical decision-making model?

A) Apply the ethical principles to the options.
B) State the options.
C) Collect information.
D) Identify the ethical dilemma or problem.

Question 10

Which of the types of moral problems categorized by Campbell and Rogers exists when obligations or responsibilities are in conflict?

A) Moral uncertainty
B) Moral dilemma
C) Moral weakness
D) Moral distress

Question 11

According to a 1990 survey of ethical issues in dental hygiene conducted by Gaston and colleagues, each of the following is one of the most frequently encountered practice dilemmas EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Observation of behavior in conflict with standard infection control procedures
B) Nondiagnosis of dental disease
C) Overdelegation of procedures to nonqualified personnel
D) Failure to refer patients to a specialist

Question 12

Each of the following is one of the "four A's" of The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACCN) EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

A) Act
B) Affirm
C) Assess
D) Associate
E) Ask

Question 13

Dental hygienists usually are employed by a dentist or groups of dentists, which is problematic, because an ethical conflict or dilemma can be intensified when a subordinate observes an unethical action performed by an individual in a position of power.

A) Both the statement and reason are correct and related.
B) Both the statement and reason are correct but NOT related.
C) The statement is correct, but the reason is NOT.
D) The statement is NOT correct, but the reason is correct.
E) NEITHER the statement NOR the reason is correct.

Question 14

Which of the following is associated with making a choice rather than resolving a dilemma?

A) Careful decision making
B) Issues of right and wrong
C) Weighing options
D) A variety of answers, each of which has an element of rightness

Question 15

Which of the following is the first step in the ethical decision-making model presented in the text?

A) State the options.
B) Identify the ethical dilemma or problem.
C) Apply the ethical principles to the options.
D) Collect information.

Question 16

The process of ethical decision making is static, meaning that truth is immutable. Dental hygienists are confronted with many questions to consider, and they must filter out their own values and beliefs to eliminate bias in the decision.

A) Both statements are true.
B) Both statements are false.
C) The first statement is true, the second statement is false.
D) The first statement is false, the second statement is true.

Question 17

Brainstorming to identify as many alternatives or options as possible is part of which of the following steps of the ethical decision-making model?

A) Collect information.
B) State the options.
C) Implement the decision.
D) Apply the ethical principles to the options.

Question 18

According to Campbell and Rogers, which of the following terms is used to describe a situation where moral responsibilities point in one direction and personal inclination in another?

A) Moral distress
B) Moral dilemma
C) Moral weakness
D) Moral uncertainty

Question 19

The two aspects that are involved in ethics are the ability to discern right from wrong and

A) complying with laws enacted by the state legislature.
B) complying with rules established by the state board of dentistry.
C) the commitment to act on a decision.
D) maintaining the status quo.

Question 20

Which of the following steps of the ethical decision-making model is characterized by developing a list of pros and cons?

A) Apply the ethical principles to the options.
B) Collect information.
C) State the options.
D) Identify the ethical dilemma or problem.

Question 21

Which of the following steps is being implemented by Joan Lakeside, in the hypothetical case presented in the text, when she checks her oral pathology book and looks at photographs of squamous cell carcinoma?

A) Identify the ethical problem.
B) Make the decision.
C) Implement the decision.
D) Collect information.

Question 22

Which of the following choices in the hypothetical case presented in the textbook applies the principle of beneficence as well as autonomy?

A) Go back to Dr. McVey with the textbook and restate her suspicions in an attempt to convince him to refer the patient for a diagnostic biopsy.
B) Go to another dental practitioner and describe the situation, hoping the other practitioner will intervene.
C) Call the patient directly and advise him to seek another opinion about his lesion.
D) Do nothing and wait until the patient comes in for his next appointment.

Question 23

Which of the following options was recommended for Joan Lakeside according to the hypothetical case presented in the textbook?

A) Showing her oral pathology textbook to Dr. McVey and attempt to convince him to refer the patient.
B) Go to another practitioner herself to try and gather support for her position.
C) Call the patient herself and recommend another opinion.
D) Do nothing and wait for the patient's next appointment.