Chapter 06: Ethics

Chapter 06: Ethics

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A 73-year-old patient with hypertension is awaiting a triple cardiac bypass surgery. The patient is hard of hearing and did not understand what the surgeon said regarding the surgery. The daughter is concerned that the patient does not understand the risks of the surgery. If not clarified, this would be a violation of what principle?

a.	Autonomy
b.	Justice
c.	Fidelity
d.	Nonmaleficence

 

 

ANS:   A

Autonomy refers to a person’s independence. As a principle in bioethics, autonomy represents an agreement to respect a patient’s right to determine a course of action. Justice refers to the principle of fairness: fair treatment and fair distribution of health care resources. Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises and is based on the virtue of caring. Nonmaleficence is actively seeking to do no harm.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)

REF:    77                    OBJ:    Describe and defend patient advocacy and the nurse’s role.

TOP:    Nursing Process: Evaluation              MSC:   NCLEX: Management of Care

 

2. A 45-year-old mother of two children has cirrhosis of the liver and is on a waiting list for a liver transplant. She had to meet certain criteria to be eligible to receive a liver. She understands that she is next on the list for a donor liver that matches. This is an example of which ethical principle?

a.	Autonomy
b.	Justice
c.	Fidelity
d.	Nonmaleficence

 

 

ANS:   B

Justice refers to the principle of fairness. In health care, the term is used to reflect a commitment to fair treatment and fair distribution of health care resources. You may find reference to this principle during discussion about issues of access to care. It is not always clear just how to achieve a fair distribution of resources. Autonomy refers to independence and self-determination. Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises and is based on the virtue of caring. Nonmaleficence refers to the fundamental agreement to do no harm.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)

REF:    78                    OBJ:    Describe and defend patient advocacy and the nurse’s role.

TOP:    Nursing Process: Evaluation              MSC:   NCLEX: Management of Care

 

3. A registered nurse who works on an oncology unit discussed pain control options that the primary health care provider had ordered with a patient undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. The patient requested that the intravenous (IV) pain medication be given on a regular basis. The nurse agreed to provide the IV pain medication as requested and continued to reevaluate the pain levels. The nurse is following which ethical principle?

a.	Autonomy
b.	Justice
c.	Fidelity
d.	Nonmaleficence

 

 

ANS:   C

Fidelity refers to the agreement to keep promises. The principle of fidelity also promotes the obligation of a nurse to follow through with the care offered to patients. Autonomy refers to independence and self-determination, which is what the patient followed, but the question asked for which principle the nurse followed. Justice refers to fairness or equity of health care resources. Nonmaleficence refers to the fundamental agreement to do no harm.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)

REF:    78                    OBJ:    Describe and defend patient advocacy and the nurse’s role.

TOP:    Nursing Process: Evaluation              MSC:   NCLEX: Management of Care

 

4. A registered nurse knows that an oncology patient undergoing a bone marrow transplant will spend weeks in isolation in the hospital. During that time the patient will be at an increased risk for infection and other complications and may not recover. The nurse ensures that the patient has been given information regarding the risks and potential benefits of the procedure. The nurse is following which ethical principle?

a.	Autonomy
b.	Justice
c.	Fidelity
d.	Nonmaleficence

 

 

ANS:   D

The principle of nonmaleficence (do no harm) promotes a continuing effort to consider the potential for harm even when it is necessary to promote health. It is helpful in guiding your discussions about new or controversial technologies. Autonomy deals with independence and self-determination. Justice refers to fairness or equity of health care resources. Fidelity refers to maintaining promises and faithfulness.

 

PTS:    1                      DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)

REF:    78                    OBJ:    Describe and defend patient advocacy and the nurse’s role.

TOP:    Nursing Process: Evaluation              MSC:   NCLEX: Management of Care