Nursing: Ethical Decision Making

True or False: It is ethical for you to seek education in your practice area or specialty. a) True b) False

a) True

What personal considerations should you think about regarding ethics? a) Your legal duty b) Years of experience c) Relationship with your supervisor d) Level of seniority

a) Your legal duty

When explaining your decision to other stake-holders, it is helpful to state: a) The consequences of the situation b) Alternative course of action c) The ethical problem d) The code of ethics

b) Alternative course of action

What ethical principle is present when you fail to wash your hands before wound care and the person develops a staphylococcus infection is? a) Autonomy b) Knowledge c) Non-maleficence d) Well-being

b) Knowledge

What should you do if during a research study, you suspect that an individual is being harmed? a) Ensure consistent and quality data b) Protect the individual first c) Continue your tasks related to the study d) Keep it from the principle investigator

b) Protect the individual first

What should you do in the last step of the ethical decision-making process? a) List alternative courses of action. b) Reflect on the outcome. c) State the ethical problem. d) Implement your decision.

b) Reflect on the outcome.

Where can a nurse find a copy of the Code of Ethics for nurses? a) There is no written code of ethics. b) The American Nurses Association c) From a patient's physician d) In your policy and procedural manual

b) The American Nurses Association

Which task, when delegated to an unlicensed caregiver, is unethical? a) Having a care assistant walk a confused individual. b) Requesting that a caregiver report coughing after eating. c) Asking the care assistant to assess a wound. d) Asking the care assistant to document urine output.

c) Asking the care assistant to assess a wound.

What ethical theme is at stake when you say you will do something for someone but later fail to do so is? a) Beneficence b) Safety c) Trust d) Justice

c) Trust

Which ethical principle is at stake when a medical error occurred and your supervisor asks that staff members speak up to tell the truth about the event? a) Autonomy b) Trust c) Veracity d) Knowledge

c) Veracity