Question 1

What influences encouraged the emergence of nursing ethics?

Accepted Answer

Nursing ethics emerged due to the need to examine the ethical norms, unique relationships, and sphere of nursing practice. While A and B may be related, they do not fully capture the reasons for the emergence of nursing ethics. While C may be a factor, it does not fully capture the complexities and nuances of nursing ethics.

Question 2

What is the name of a document that contains the wishes of the client to be carried out when they are no longer competent?

Accepted Answer

An advance directive is a document that contains the wishes of the client to be carried out when they are no longer competent. A power of attorney is a legal document giving one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) the power to act for another person (the principal), while a will outlines how a person's assets will be distributed after their death. A DNR order is a medical order that instructs healthcare providers not to perform CPR if a person's heart stops or if they stop breathing.

Question 3

What are the ethical theories that consider the most important moral obligation to be maximization of positive outcomes and minimization of negative outcomes?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 4

Which of the following statements best describes moral issues?

Accepted Answer

Moral issues are complex, dynamic, contextual, and difficult to resolve. Their resolution often depends on the particular circumstances and perspectives involved. It requires careful consideration of the values, principles, and standards involved in a given situation. This is why ethics is a crucial component of healthcare practice. A and C are incorrect because moral issues are not a minor concern and cannot be easily resolved by following certain general rules. B is partially correct, but moral issues go beyond simply identifying good and bad behavior, as they involve ethical considerations related to the rights and welfare of patients and other stakeholders.

Question 5

New technologies, choices, and concerns about intervening in the lives of others have led to a subspecialty within the field of ethical inquiry. What is this subspecialty now called?

Accepted Answer

The subspecialty within the field of ethical inquiry that deals with new technologies, choices, and concerns about intervening in the lives of others is now called bioethics. Bioethics focuses on ethical issues related to healthcare, medical research, and technology in the field of biology.

Question 6

Which of the following terms refers to our beliefs and traditions about right and wrong behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Morality refers to our personal beliefs and traditions about right and wrong behaviour, whereas ethics refers to a more systematic study or application of moral principles to different situations. Professional behaviour refers specifically to the expected standards of conduct in a particular profession, and norms can refer to any widely accepted cultural or societal standards for behaviour.

Question 7

Which principle is being reflected when a nurse is committed to promoting the welfare of the client?

Accepted Answer

The principle of beneficence is being reflected when a nurse is committed to promoting the welfare of the client. Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the client.

Question 8

What is the term for the field of inquiry into the norms and values of the nursing profession?

Accepted Answer

The term for the field of inquiry into the norms and values of the nursing profession is nursing ethics.

Question 9

Which of the following may result from a client's end-of-life ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following may result from...

Question 10

What is the ethical theory based on the foundational belief that most relationships involve power imbalances?

Accepted Answer

Feminist ethics is the ethical theory based on the foundational belief that most relationships involve power imbalances, particularly those between genders. It seeks to critique and challenge oppressive power structures and prioritize the experiences and voices of marginalized groups.

Question 11

Which principle is being reflected when an individual utilizes self-governance and control over decision making concerning oneself?

Accepted Answer

The principle being reflected in this scenario is autonomy, which is the principle that emphasizes an individual's right to make their own decisions and govern themselves. Autonomy is often referred to as the principle of respect for persons, as it acknowledges and values the individual's inherent dignity and independence. Utilizing self-governance and control over decision making is an expression of this principle.

Question 12

What kind of situation is said to arise when there is no clear answer to the question, "What should we do?"

Accepted Answer

When there is no clear answer to the question "What should we do?", it is usually defined as an ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma arises when there are conflicting moral values and principles, and it is difficult to decide which option is the best. In this situation, it is essential to critically analyze each option, consider the consequences of each choice, and choose the one that aligns with ethical principles and values. Therefore, the best choice is C, an ethical dilemma.

Question 13

Which state is a nurse said to be in when she is experiencing an emotional response caused by not being able to do what she believes to be the "right" thing?

Accepted Answer

Moral distress is the term used to describe the emotional response experienced by a nurse when they are unable to do what they believe to be the "right" thing in a particular situation, such as when their actions are hampered by institutional policies, lack of resources, or legal restrictions. Value conflict is a situation where a nurse's values collide with someone else's, leading to a clash of interests. An ethical dilemma arises when two or more ethical principles or values are in conflict, and a nurse must choose between them. Moral confrontation is not a commonly used term in nursing ethics.

Question 14

Which of the following statements best defines ethics?

Accepted Answer

Ethics is the study of moral issues and the principles and values that guide behavior. It is concerned with understanding moral norms and practices, as well as the reasoning behind them. It is not necessarily a response to a specific situation, nor is it solely focused on nursing practice.

Question 15

To which of the following does the term "principlism" refer?

Accepted Answer

Principlism refers to a set of basic ethical principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, that are commonly used in healthcare decision-making.

Question 16

Which of the following is required for client consent to be considered valid?

Accepted Answer

Client consent must be informed and voluntary, meaning that the client has been fully informed about the procedure or treatment, its risks and benefits, and has agreed to undergo it of their own free will. While written consent may be preferred in many cases, it is not always required. Consent from next of kin or explanation of the procedure by a doctor may be necessary in some situations, but they do not replace the need for the client's informed and voluntary consent.

Question 17

What is the function of a professional code of ethics?

Accepted Answer

A professional code of ethics defines the ethical expectations of a profession and provides guidance for ethical decision-making. It sets standards for professional behavior and helps maintain the integrity and reputation of the profession. While some codes of ethics may address clients' rights and may be required by law, these are not the primary functions of a professional code of ethics.

Question 18

Which principle is the basis of the duty to do no harm to clients?

Accepted Answer

The principle of non-maleficence is the foundation of the duty to do no harm to clients in the field of healthcare. It requires healthcare providers to act in ways that avoid causing harm or injury to clients.

Question 19

Which of the following is an important fiduciary duty for nurses?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is an important...

Question 20

In Canada, what is the broad legal document in which ethical approaches to health care are embedded?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is considered the broad legal document in which ethical approaches to health care are embedded. It outlines fundamental rights and freedoms of all Canadians and serves as a framework for ethical decision-making in health care. The Constitution Act and British North America Act are important legal documents, but they do not specifically address ethical approaches to health care. The Patient's Bill of Rights may address ethical issues related to patient care, but it is not a broad legal document that applies to all Canadians.

Quiz 21: Ethics and the Profession of Nursing