Question 1

The doctor tells the health professional to administer excessive doses of opioid analgesic and sedative drugs to relieve the client's intractable pain,but not to tell the client's family.Which ethical principle would be breached if the health professional gives the drugs but does not tell the family?

A) Veracity
B) Confidentiality
C) Justice
D) Beneficence

Veracity

Accepted Answer

The ethical principle of veracity, or truth-telling, would be breached if the health professional administers excessive doses of drugs without informing the client's family of the potential risks and side effects. Upholding truth-telling is essential to maintain trust and respect in the doctor-patient and healthcare professional-patient relationships.

Question 2

A client diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease intends to continue with sporting activities (including intense training for competition) without the knowledge or approval of family. Which ethical principles may conflict for health professionals?

Accepted Answer

The health professionals encounter conflict between the issues of autonomy and confidentiality.

Question 3

Which of the following is an instrument that is used to uphold the right of autonomy?&#10;A) Therapeutic privilege&#10;B) Non-voluntary euthanasia&#10;C) Informed and valid consent&#10;D) A not for resuscitation (NFR) order

Accepted Answer

Informed and valid consent is the instrument that upholds the right of autonomy. This means that individuals have the right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, and healthcare providers must respect those decisions as long as the individual is competent to make them and has been fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed treatment. Therapeutic privilege, non-voluntary euthanasia, and a not for resuscitation (NFR) order all potentially infringe on a patient's autonomy.

Question 4

Paternalism occurs when:&#10;A) health care professionals carry out a particular treatment deemed to be of benefit to the client and then neglect to document this treatment in the client's medical history.&#10;B) health care professionals carry out a particular treatment deemed to be of benefit to the client and then neglect to inform the client about this treatment.&#10;C) health care professionals do not carry out a particular treatment deemed to be of benefit to the client.&#10;D) health care professionals carry out a particular treatment deemed to be of benefit to the client and then neglect to inform the chief executive officer of the institution.

Accepted Answer

Paternalism occurs when healthcare professionals make decisions on behalf of the client without involving them in the decision-making process. In option B, the healthcare professionals carry out a particular treatment without informing the client, which is an example of paternalism. Options A, C, and D do not fit the definition of paternalism as described.

Question 5

Macroallocation and microallocation of resources are principles related to what aspect of ethical conduct?&#10;A) Autonomy&#10;B) Beneficence&#10;C) Veracity&#10;D) Justice

Accepted Answer

Macroallocation refers to the allocation of resources at a larger, societal level, while microallocation deals with specific individuals or situations. Both of these principles are related to the ethical principle of justice, which focuses on fair and equitable distribution of resources.

Question 6

Voluntary euthanasia involves the:&#10;A) client's next-of-kin agreeing to an intervention that leads to the client's death.&#10;B) client voluntarily and freely choosing to receive an intervention that leads to their death.&#10;C) client being incapable of giving consent.&#10;D) health professionals involved with the client's care choosing to administer an intervention that leads to the client's death.

Accepted Answer

Voluntary euthanasia means that the client has given informed consent to receive an intervention that will lead to their death. It is important to note that this decision is made by the client and not by their next-of-kin or healthcare professionals without the client's express permission.

Question 7

Passive euthanasia involves:&#10;A) the intentional act that leads to the client's death.&#10;B) allowing the client to die by deliberately withholding or withdrawing life-supporting measures.&#10;C) health care professionals carrying out actions that lead to the client's death without the client's consent.&#10;D) the client voluntarily and freely choosing to die.

Accepted Answer

Passive euthanasia involves allowing the client to die by deliberately withholding or withdrawing life-supporting measures. It is different from active euthanasia that involves a deliberate action that leads to the client's death. Passive euthanasia is often discussed in the context of end-of-life care and can be a difficult decision for healthcare professionals and families.

Question 8

Active euthanasia involves:&#10;A) health professionals carrying out actions that lead to the client's death without the client's consent.&#10;B) the client voluntarily and freely choosing to die.&#10;C) the intentional act that leads to the client's death.&#10;D) allowing the client to die by deliberately withholding or withdrawing life-supporting measures.

Accepted Answer

Active euthanasia involves an intentional act, such as administering a lethal dose of medication, that directly causes the client's death.

Question 9

Ms B has an operable brain tumour but refuses life-saving treatment after an acute bleeding episode.Her partner supports the decision.What ethical principle do the health professionals apply to justify doing nothing?

A) Non-maleficence
B) Confidentiality
C) Autonomy
D) Justice

Accepted Answer

The ethical principle being applied in this scenario is autonomy, which is the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their healthcare. Ms B has the right to refuse treatment, and healthcare professionals must respect her decision, even if it means doing nothing. Non-maleficence (doing no harm) and confidentiality (keeping personal information private) are also important ethical principles, but they are not the main principle being applied in this scenario. Justice (fairness in distribution of healthcare resources) does not apply here.

Question 10

What is the meaning of the term 'not for resuscitation (NFR)order'?&#10;A) The client will not be resuscitated by health care professionals if they suffer a cardiac or respiratory arrest.&#10;B) The client will not receive admission to the intensive care unit.&#10;C) The client will not receive full nursing care.&#10;D) The client will not receive ventilatory and inotropic support.

Accepted Answer

A not for resuscitation (NFR) order means that health care professionals will not attempt resuscitation if the client experiences cardiac or respiratory arrest. This decision is made in consultation with the patient or their family and healthcare team based on the client's medical condition and wishes for end-of-life care. It does not mean that the client will not receive other forms of care or treatment.

Deck 3: Ethical Issues