Deck 2: Ethical Theories: Their Meaning for Nursing

Question 1

Which of the following influenced the shift in ethical thinking away from abstract rules that reinforce a deductive reasoning process?

A) Patricia Benner
B) Maternalistic attitudes
C) Feminine ethics
D) The principle of nonmaleficence

Answer 1

Feminine ethics

Question 2

What is the main difference between deontological and teleological theories?

A) Teleological theory focuses on the use of principles to choose the correct actions.
B) Deontological theory focuses on ends or outcomes and consequences of decisions.
C) Deontological theory suggests that standards for moral behaviour are independent of the ends or outcomes of actions.
D) All teleological theories are rule based.

Answer 2

Deontological theory suggests that standards for moral behaviour are independent of the ends or outcomes of actions.

Question 3

How may ethics be best described?

A) The philosophical study of morality
B) The process of value clarification
C) The beliefs and norms of a society
D) The application of ethical principles to moral issues

Answer 3

The philosophical study of morality

Question 4

What is the result when a nurse believes that a course of action is correct, but is prevented (e.g., through a law or policy) from carrying out that action or influencing the decision, resulting in feelings of guilt?

A) An ethical dilemma
B) Moral distress
C) Ethical reasoning
D) Moral irresponsibility

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the concept of equality for all Canadians?

A) A belief
B) A value
C) A principle
D) A moral dilemma

Question 6

Which of the following is the focus of normative ethics?

A) The analysis of morality without taking a moral position
B) The question of what is right or wrong
C) Explaining how moral attitudes and beliefs differ from person to person
D) Distinguishing between what is normal and what is not

Question 7

Which of the following aligns with the use of the narrative in nursing ethics?

A) Ethic of care
B) Relational ethics
C) Value clarification
D) Moral perspectives of Indigenous peoples

Question 8

Ensuring open visiting for those important to the person is an expression of a Canadian value.

Question 9

Which of the following fields of ethics applies ethical theories and principles to actual moral problems?

A) Philosophical ethics
B) Biomedical ethics
C) Nursing ethics
D) Applied ethics

Question 10

Which of the following considers the influence of the nurse-patient relationship on ethical decision making?

A) Social Justice
B) Autonomous ethics
C) Feminine ethics
D) Relational ethics

Question 11

Which of the following is the basis for ethical decision-making frameworks?

A) Ethical reasoning
B) Ethical values
C) Ethical dilemmas
D) Ethical principles

Question 12

What is the correct term to describe a framework of principles and guidelines that helps to identify ethical issues and reconcile conflicts?

A) Metaethics
B) Ethical theory
C) Ethical values
D) Descriptive ethics

Question 13

What is the main principle underlying a rule-based theory of utilitarianism?

A) The theory is always deontological.
B) The theory considers individual acts.
C) The theory considers general patterns of behaviour.
D) The theory is the foundation of nursing ethics.

Question 14

Which of the following theories may guide nurses to choose actions that will lead to the best consequences, outcomes, or results?

A) Utilitarian
B) Deontological
C) Normative
D) Relative

Question 15

Rationality is related to the notion of thinking and reasoning. It is associated with comprehension, intuition, and intelligence.

Question 16

W. D. Ross identified prima facie duties as those duties that one must always act upon unless they conflict with duties of equal or stronger obligation.

Question 17

A nurse's support of client autonomy is based on which of the following?

A) An "a priori" principle
B) A personal value
C) A professional value
D) A legal requirement

Question 18

Cultural relativists value democracy is the most ethical way to govern.

Question 19

Which of the following ethical principles is the foundation of informed consent?

A) Beneficence
B) Justice
C) Nonmaleficence
D) Autonomy

Question 20

Which of the following exists when mutually exclusive alternatives can both be supported by strong moral reasons?

A) Moral distress
B) An ethical dilemma
C) A value conflict
D) An ethical violation

Question 21

Indigenous peoples have a consistent view of morality, and this is embedded in their rich oral tradition.