Deck 7: Ethics in Nursing

Question 1

Identify the statement that most accurately compares the ethical code for nurses with the law.

A)If a law is not broken, then the nurse is following the ethical code.
B)If the ethical code and the law have a discrepancy, it is always better to follow the law.
C)The ethical code encompasses all the pertinent laws.
D)If the ethical code is violated, a law is also violated.

Answer 1

The ethical code encompasses all the pertinent laws.

Question 2

What is the first step in the ethical decision-making process?

A)Consider the alternatives.
B)Collect, analyze, and interpret the data.
C)Consider the consequences of the actions.
D)Make a decision.

Answer 2

Collect, analyze, and interpret the data.

Question 3

Arrange the steps of the ethical decision-making process in their correct order.

Answer 3

3, 5, 1, 4, 2
3 5 1 4 2

Question 4

What term is best defined as standards of right and wrong that are often based on religious beliefs?

A)Morals
B)Values
C)Laws
D)Ethics

Question 5

What is best described as the concepts, ideals, behaviors, and significant themes that give meaning to a person's life?

A)Morals
B)Values
C)Laws
D)Ethics

Question 6

Identify the term defined as systems of valued behaviors and beliefs.

A)Morals
B)Values
C)Laws
D)Ethics

Question 7

What is the best definition of the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?

A)Health-care workers avoiding harm to clients
B)Telling the truth to clients in all matters
C)Being faithful to commitments made to clients
D)The right of self-determination of clients

Question 8

Over time, popular acceptance of ________________rights can give them force of ________________rights.

Question 9

Identify the system of ethical decision-making that has as its focus a concern for efficiency and utility.

A)Deontological
B)Jurisdictional
C)Teleological
D)Theological

Question 10

Identify the name of the system of ethical decision-making that is based on the "greatest good" principle.

A)Egoism
B)Utilitarianism
C)Deontological
D)Jurisdictional

Question 11

What is the ethical principle that requires that the primary goal of health care and nursing is to do good for others?

A)Autonomy
B)Fidelity
C)Beneficence
D)Veracity

Question 12

What are rules of conduct that protect the social fabric?

A)Morals
B)Values
C)Laws
D)Ethics

Question 13

What is the primary function of an ethical code?

A)A framework for decision making
B)A collection of static rules
C)A group of legally binding values
D)The "ball and chain" of the profession

Question 14

Identify the term used when an ethical situation arises in which there is a choice between two equally unfavorable alternatives.

A)A tort
B)Ethical antagonism
C)Contraindication
D)Ethical dilemma

Question 15

Identify the system of ethical decision-making that is based on the discovery and confirmation of a set of morals or rules that govern the ethical dilemma.

A)Deontological
B)Jurisdictional
C)Teleological
D)Theological

Question 16

Identify the outcome that best demonstrates a critical care nurse's successful application of the ethical principle of nonmaleficence to the care of a client who has experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

A)The client is aware of his or her diagnosis despite attempts of the family to withhold that information.
B)The client is beginning to be able to use simple words to express his or her needs.
C)The family has been taught the necessary skills to care for the client at home with the supervision of a home health-care nurse.
D)There is no evidence of skin breakdown on bony pressure points, and the client's shoulder and hip on the affected side remain intact.

Question 17

Provision number 7 of the 2001 Code of Ethics for Nurses states: "The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development." On which ethical principle is this statement primarily based?

A)Veracity
B)Autonomy
C)Accountability
D)Beneficence

Question 18

As nurses achieve increased professional autonomy, what must they also accept?

A)Legal immunity
B)Decrease in workload
C)Ethical accountability
D)Ethical freedom

Question 19

Provision number 1 of the 2001 Code of Ethics for Nurses states: "The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health-care problems." On which ethical principle is this statement primarily based?

A)The right to privacy
B)Distributive justice
C)Client autonomy
D)Nurse veracity

Question 20

Identify the best method for a nurse to acknowledge a client's autonomy.

A)Follow only the instructions of the client's family.
B)Know and understand the state's laws that address living wills.
C)Use the ethical principle of "best interest" when making decisions about the client's care needs.
D)Incorporate the ethical principle of paternalism into all client care activities.