NUR302 Ethical and Legal Issues

Which scenario is an example of deontology, or duty-based ethics? a. A lifeguard has been told that a man who is drowning is a known pedophile, and letting the man drown might protect others from future harm. The lifeguard chooses to save the pedophile because letting him drown would not be the moral action. b. A passenger plane crashes, and the nearest burn facility can only treat a limited number of patients. The patients with the best likelihood for survival are transported to the burn center, while those most likely not to survive are taken to a different medical facility. c. Government health care resources give more money to finding a cure for cancer than finding a cure for anodontia (a genetic disorder defined as the absence of all teeth). d. Childhood vaccines have a known possible side effect of causing fever and discomfort to infants yet are still recommended and encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

a. A lifeguard has been told that a man who is drowning is a known pedophile, and letting the man drown might protect others from future harm. The lifeguard chooses to save the pedophile because letting him drown would not be the moral action. Deontologists judge the action itself, not the consequence of the action, as moral or immoral, so the lifeguard choosing to rescue the pedophile but possibly bringing harm to society is an example of deontology or duty-based ethics.

Which characteristics are consistent with that of a surrogate decision-maker? Select all that apply. a. A surrogate decision-maker is expected to make the same decision as the person for whom he or she is making the decision. b. The decision is based on the morals and values of the person in need of urgent medical care. c. A surrogate decision-maker is used when the patient is able to make his or her own decisions. d. A surrogate decision-maker is used during times of medical emergencies for persons who are unable to decide for themselves. e. A surrogate decision-maker bases decisions on his or her moral values, not the values of the person needing decisions made for him or her.

a. A surrogate decision-maker is expected to make the same decision as the person for whom he or she is making the decision. b. The decision is based on the morals and values of the person in need of urgent medical care. d. A surrogate decision-maker is used during times of medical emergencies for persons who are unable to decide for themselves. a - Surrogates are legally required to make the decision that the patient would have most likely made if given the opportunity to make the decision. b - Surrogates are legally required to make the decision that the patient would have most likely made if given the opportunity to make the decision. The decision should be based on the religious values and morals of the person they are deciding for, not the surrogate's own beliefs. d. A surrogate decision maker is often used during times of medical emergencies to make decisions for individuals who are currently incapable of making the decision for themselves. The surrogate decision-maker continues to provide the respect for autonomy and well-being of the patient when the patient is rendered unable to make the decision.

Which statements about bioethics are correct? Select all that apply. a. Bioethics is a term used to describe the study of morals, values, and ethics, in relation to medicine and medical research. b. Bioethics has led to a whole new field of medicine with research dedicated solely to ethical issues in health care. c. Bioethics recently became popular in the 21st century, when the idea of patients being involved in decisions about their health became a priority. d. Bioethics addresses the rights and duties of researchers and their research subjects. e. Bioethics focuses exclusively on the rights and duties of patients and their health care providers.

a. Bioethics is a term used to describe the study of morals, values, and ethics, in relation to medicine and medical research. b. Bioethics has led to a whole new field of medicine with research dedicated solely to ethical issues in health care. d. Bioethics addresses the rights and duties of researchers and their research subjects. a - Bioethics is the study of morals, values, and ethics in the specific fields of medicine and health research. b - Bioethics has led to a whole new field of medicine, with research dedicated solely to ethical issues in health care. For instance, hospital ethicists have only recently become a standard in the health care system. d - Bioethics not only encompasses the rights and duties of patients and their health care providers but also addresses the rights and duties of researchers and their research subjects.

There are 7 key steps in the resolution of an ethical dilemma. Which step involves distinguishing among facts, opinions, and values? a. Clarifying values b. Negotiating a plan c. Verbalizing the problem d. Evaluating the plan over time

a. Clarifying values

Which descriptions characterize the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses? Select all that apply. a. Foundation for the ethical practice of nursing b. Negotiable written document that serves as a reference for the nursing profession c. Written public document that is amended approximately every 10 years d. Identifies the responsibilities and obligations of the nurse e. Private document used as a reference for the nursing profession

a. Foundation for the ethical practice of nursing c. Written public document that is amended approximately every 10 years d. Identifies the responsibilities and obligations of the nurse a - The ANA Code of Ethics is the foundation for the ethical practice of nursing. The Code of Ethics is a reference for the nursing profession and is used as a guide to identify the responsibilities and ethical ideals that are an inherent part of nursing practice. c - Every 10 years, the ANA evaluates the need for revising and amending the Code of Ethics based on new principles or standards of practice that may affect ethical decision-making. d - The ANA Code of Ethics is the foundation for the ethical practice of nursing. It is a reference for the nursing profession and is used as a guide to identify the responsibilities and ethical ideals that are an inherent part of nursing practice.

Which categories are addressed in the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses? Select all that apply. a. Fundamental values and obligations of the nurse b. Duty and loyalty both to self and others c. Responsibility for the health care environment and setting d. Duty to protect the image of colleagues e. Duty to go beyond solely patient care

a. Fundamental values and obligations of the nurse b. Duty and loyalty both to self and others c. Responsibility for the health care environment and setting e. Duty to go beyond solely patient care a - Provisions 1, 2, and 3 of the ANA Code of Ethics describe the fundamental values and obligations of the nurse. b - Provisions 4, 5, and 6 of the ANA Code of Ethics address issues of duty and loyalty. They address the concepts of duty to self and others and the responsibility for the health care environment or setting. c - Provisions 4, 5, and 6 of the ANA Code of Ethics address issues of duty and loyalty. This has to do with duty to self and others and a responsibility for the health care environment or setting. e - Provisions 7, 8, and 9 address aspects of duty that go beyond patient care. This includes advancing the profession through research. These provisions have also gone further as to address issues with social media, electronic health records (EHRs), ethical practice environments, the role of nurse leaders, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Which scenarios are examples of the ethical theory of utilitarianism? Select all that apply. a. Hospital isolation policy for infants with respiratory syncytial virus b. Hospital visitation restrictions during influenza season for children younger than 12 years of age c. Mandatory flu vaccination for all hospital employees d. Restricted visitation for a patient with a closed head injury e. Contact isolation for patients diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

a. Hospital isolation policy for infants with respiratory syncytial virus b. Hospital visitation restrictions during influenza season for children younger than 12 years of age c. Mandatory flu vaccination for all hospital employees e. Contact isolation for patients diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus a - Utilitarianism has the general concern of the welfare of all people, not just individuals. Hospital isolation of infants diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus would protect all other patients in the hospital and is an example of utilitarianism. b - Utilitarianism has the general concern of the welfare of all people, not just individuals. Hospital visitation restrictions during influenza season for children younger than 12 years of age would limit exposure to children with early influenza and protect all other patients in the hospital; therefore this is an example of utilitarianism. c - Utilitarianism has the general concern of the welfare of all people, not just individuals. Mandatory flu vaccinations for all hospital employees would limit exposure to influenza and protect all other patients in the hospital; therefore this an example of utilitarianism. e - Utilitarianism has the general concern of the welfare of all people, not just individuals. Contact isolation for patients diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus would protect all other patients in the hospital and is an example of utilitarianism.

When faced with an ethical decision in your nursing career, which actions can help guide you in your decision-making? Select all that apply. a. Identifying your own thoughts, beliefs, and values b. Gathering articles and information relevant to the dilemma c. Identifying ethical resources at your place of employment d. Talking about the ethical dilemma with your friend after work e. Communicating often with the health care team regarding the dilemma

a. Identifying your own thoughts, beliefs, and values b. Gathering articles and information relevant to the dilemma c. Identifying ethical resources at your place of employment e. Communicating often with the health care team regarding the dilemma a - Identifying your own thoughts, beliefs, and values will help guide you in your decision-making when faced with an ethical dilemma. b - Gathering relevant information will help guide you in your decision-making when faced with an ethical dilemma. c - Identifying ethical resources at your place of employment will help guide you in your decision-making when faced with an ethical dilemma. e - Open communication with the health care team will help guide you in your decision-making when faced with an ethical dilemma.

A patient is diagnosed with breast cancer. The health care provider educates the patient about the treatment options. The health care provider recommends and highly favors chemotherapy; however, the patient chooses to undergo surgery. Which intervention is the most appropriate? a. Prepare the patient for surgery b. Order the patient to undergo chemotherapy c. Convince the patient of the disadvantages of surgery d. Convince the patient of the advantages of chemotherapy

a. Prepare the patient for surgery

Which scenarios are examples that demonstrate the rights-based ethical theory? Select all that apply. a. Refusing chemotherapy b. Refusing vaccinations c. Demanding to be seen by the best neurosurgeon d. Demanding that every effort be made to save your child e. Requesting to die with dignity

a. Refusing chemotherapy b. Refusing vaccinations d. Demanding that every effort be made to save your child e. Requesting to die with dignity a - Rights-based ethical theory asserts that there are certain inalienable rights, and these rights can never be taken away. Rights-based ethicists believe that people are entitled to these rights, and the rights must be respected regardless of whether or not others agree. An example is the right to refuse treatment, such as chemotherapy. b - Rights-based ethical theory asserts that there are certain inalienable rights, and these rights can never be taken away. Rights-based ethicists believe that people are entitled to these rights, and the rights must be respected regardless of whether or not others agree. An example is the right to refuse care, such as vaccinations. d - Rights-based ethical theory asserts that there are certain inalienable rights, and these rights can never be taken away. Rights-based ethicists believe that people are entitled to these rights, and the rights must be respected regardless of whether or not others agree. An example is the right to life. e - Rights-based ethical theory asserts that there are certain inalienable rights, and these rights can never be taken away. Rights-based ethicists believe that people are entitled to these rights, and the rights must be respected regardless of whether or not others agree. An example is the right to die with dignity.

Which scenario is an example of the principle of autonomy in the health care field? a. Refusing chemotherapy even though the treatment is known to be 90% effective b. Refusing cancer treatment for your mother because you know her beliefs about chemotherapy even though it is known to be 90% effective c. The health care provider prescribing a chemotherapy medication with a high success rate despite the patient's statement of never wanting to receive chemotherapy d. Recommending to your patient to take the prescribed medication because you realize the treatment's benefits

a. Refusing chemotherapy even though the treatment is known to be 90% effective The ethical principle of autonomy is the freedom of choice regardless of what the choice may be. It is an individual's right to determine his or her own actions.

Which situation is a common area of conflict with the ethical principle of beneficence seen in the nursing profession? a. Refusing to follow through on a patient's advance directive b. Withdrawing life support of the patient at the request of the medical power of attorney c. Not allowing overnight visitors in the intensive care unit d. Initiating life support on a patient who has no advance directive

a. Refusing to follow through on a patient's advance directive Conflict exists with beneficence when the nurse believes he or she is promoting the good of the patient by refusing to follow through on the patient's expressed desires.

Which statement describes utilitarianism? a. The value of something is determined by its usefulness to society b. People's values are determined by religious leaders c. The decision to perform a liver transplant depends on a measure of the moral life that the patient has led so far d. The best way to determine the solution to an ethical dilemma is to refer the case to the attending physician or health care provider

a. The value of something is determined by its usefulness to society

Match the description with the appropriate ethical theory. Focuses on the overall ethical status of the individual making the decision

agent based theory

Provisions 4, 5, and 6 of the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses address issues of duty and loyalty both to self and others along with an obligation to the health care environment. Which provisions belong in this category? Select all that apply. a. Work with professional organizations, and support principles of social justice that will ultimately lead to better patient care. b. Be a positive role model, and respect colleagues in the working environment. c. Assist in the advancement of the profession through active involvement in clinical, administrative, and educational practice and scholarly inquiry. d. Owe the same moral obligation to self as to others. e. Be responsible and accountable for one's own nursing practice, including delegation, nursing judgment, and actions.

b. Be a positive role model, and respect colleagues in the working environment. d. Owe the same moral obligation to self as to others. e. Be responsible and accountable for one's own nursing practice, including delegation, nursing judgment, and actions. b - Provision 6 states that the nurse, through individual and collective effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work settings and conditions of employment that are conducive to safe, quality health care. d - Provision 5 states that the nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth. e - Provision 4 states that the nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to promote health and provide optimal care.

The statement "do what is right, regardless of the outcome" would fall under which ethical theories? Select all that apply. a. Teleology b. Duty-based ethical theory c. Nonconsequentialism d. Consequentialism e. Deontology

b. Duty-based ethical theory c. Nonconsequentialism e. Deontology b - Duty-based theory is an ethical theory that reflects the beliefs of nonconsequentialists. Non-consequentialism is a broad ethical theory that focuses on the actions and details involved in making the decision, not necessarily the consequences or outcome of that decision. It is an example of "doing what is right regardless of the outcome." c - Nonconsequentialism is a broad ethical theory that focuses on the actions and details involved in making the decision, not necessarily the consequences or outcome of that decision. It is an example of "doing what is right regardless of the outcome." Duty-based theory or deontology is an ethical theory that reflects the beliefs of nonconsequentialists. e - Deontology is the ethical theory that focuses on the actions and details involved in making the decision, not necessarily the consequences or outcome of that decision. It is an example of "doing what is right regardless of the outcome."

Ethical dilemmas often arise over a conflict of opinion. Which action is critical in negotiating differences of opinion? a. Consult a professional ethicist to ensure that the steps of the process occur in full b. Gather all relevant information regarding the clinical, social, and spiritual aspects of the dilemma c. Ensure that the attending physician or health care provider has written an order for an ethics consultation to support the ethics process d. List the ethical principles that inform the dilemma so negotiations agree on the language of the discussion

b. Gather all relevant information regarding the clinical, social, and spiritual aspects of the dilemma

According to the philosophy of the ethics of care, which aspect is most important when solving ethical dilemmas? a. Patients b. Relationships c. Ethical principles d. Code of ethics for nurses

b. Relationships

Which action would the nurse take if he or she feels that the health care provider has written a prescription that is unethical? a. Find another course of action without letting the health care provider know you are not completing the prescription. b. Follow the prescription as written because it is not the nurse's decision. You are just following the prescription as it is written. c. Clarify the prescription with the health care provider to confirm that there is no misunderstanding. If the nurse feels that the prescription is still unethical, he or she would consult a nursing supervisor. d. Ask another nurse to complete the prescription as it may not be against the nurse's moral values.

c. Clarify the prescription with the health care provider to confirm that there is no misunderstanding. If the nurse feels that the prescription is still unethical, he or she would consult a nursing supervisor. Ethical decision-making stems from autonomous decisions, not from following the instructions of a health care provider. If the nurse feels a prescription is unethical, he or she should question it and find another course of action.

In most ethical dilemmas in health care, the solution to the dilemma requires negotiation among members of the health care team. Why is the nurse's point of view valuable? a. Nurses understand the principle of autonomy in guiding respect for patients' self worth b. Nurses have a scope of practice that encourages their presence during ethical discussions c. Nurses develop a relationship to the patient that is unique among all professional health care providers d. The nurse's code of ethics recommends that the nurse be present at any ethical discussion about patient care

c. Nurses develop a relationship to the patient that is unique among all professional health care providers

Which scenario is an example of a therapeutic fib? a. Telling your patient who has a terminal form of cancer that that the cancer has a 90% remission rate because you are uncomfortable with sharing the truth. b. Telling your patient that the health care provider will be here in just a few minutes even though you know he is currently in surgery. c. Telling a pediatric patient whose father has passed away, "Your dad isn't here at the moment, but I'll let you know when he gets here," because his mother has requested that she tell her child the difficult news. d. Telling your patient that the side effects of a medication are minimal even though you know the medication has significant side effects.

c. Telling a pediatric patient whose father has passed away, "Your dad isn't here at the moment, but I'll let you know when he gets here," because his mother has requested that she tell her child the difficult news. c - A therapeutic fib occurs when you deceive a patient for the patient's best interest. Telling a patient a therapeutic fib to delay receiving difficult information until other family members arrive could be seen as a fib told for the person's best interest.

Which statement explains the main difference between beneficence and nonmaleficence? a. The focus in nonmaleficence is on preventing harm, and the focus in beneficence is on not inflicting harm. b. There is actually no real difference beneficence and nonmaleficence. c. The focus in nonmaleficence is on not inflicting harm, and the focus in beneficence is on promoting good. d. The focus in nonmaleficence is on not inflicting harm, and the focus in beneficence is on the duty to do no harm.

c. The focus in nonmaleficence is on not inflicting harm, and the focus in beneficence is on promoting good. The main difference between beneficence and nonmaleficence is that the focus in nonmaleficence is on not inflicting harm instead of promoting good, which is the focus in beneficence.

Under which ethical principle is the patient's personal health information protected? a. Advocacy b. Nonlaeficence c. Beneficence d. Confidentiality

d. Confidentiality

Which step in the resolution of an ethical dilemma occurs second? a. Negotiate a plan b. Ask the question c. Verbalize the problem d. Gather information relevant to the case

d. Gather information relevant to the case

The nurse is caring for a patient who needs a liver transplant to survive. This patient has been out of work for several months and does not have health insurance or enough cash. Which principle is the priority in a discussion about ethics? a. Accountability, because the nurse is accountable for the well-being of this patient b. Respect for autonomy, because this patient's autonomy will be violated if the patient does not receive the liver transplant c. Ethics of care, because the caring thing is to provide this patient with the resources for a liver transplant d. Justice, because the first and greatest question in this situation is how to determine the just distribution of resources

d. Justice, because the first and greatest question in this situation is how to determine the just distribution of resources

Which principle of health ethics refers to the avoidance of harm or hurt? a. Justice b. Autonomy c. Beneficence d. Nonmaleficence

d. Nonmaleficence

Match the description with the appropriate ethical theory. Judges an action as moral or immoral and is not based on the outcome of the action

deontology

Match the description with the appropriate ethical theory. Believes that one's character cannot be cultivated and is innate

intuitionist theory

Match the description with the appropriate ethical theory. Focuses on the actions involved in making the decision, not the outcome

rights based theory

Match the description with the appropriate ethical theory. Aims to develop character and follow values such as kindness and caring

virtue ethics