Ch 6: Values, Ethics and Advocacy
Which statements indicate a correct understanding of the tenets of the Code of Ethics for Nurses? Select all that apply. a) The nurse maintains standards of personal conduct. b) The nurse has the right to fair compensation for the workload. c) The nurse is active in developing a core of research-based principles. d) The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession. e) The nurse holds personal information as confidential.
a) The nurse maintains standards of personal conduct. c) The nurse is active in developing a core of research-based principles. e) The nurse holds personal information as confidential.
Using the nursing process to make ethical decisions involves following several steps. Which step is the nurse implementing when reflecting on the decision-making process and the role it will play in making future decisions? a) Evaluating b) Diagnosing c) Planning d) Implementing
a) Evaluating
A charge nurse has implemented staff education on nursing values. The nurse would determine that further education is required when which statement(s) are overheard? Select all that apply. a) "I can't believe the client is giving that precious baby up for adoption." b) "The gonorrhea test was positive. That's what the client gets for sleeping around." c) "If that was my mother, I sure wouldn't agree to a no-code." d) "If you are going to have extramarital sex, please protect yourself by using a condom." e) "Smoking has been shown to be a risk for many illnesses, including heart disease and cancer."
a) "I can't believe the client is giving that precious baby up for adoption." b) "The gonorrhea test was positive. That's what the client gets for sleeping around." c) "If that was my mother, I sure wouldn't agree to a no-code."
Which word is best described as protection and support of another's rights? a) Advocacy b) Paternalism c) Autonomy d) Ethics
a) Advocacy
Which ethical principle is related to the idea of self-determination? a) Autonomy b) Beneficence c) Confidentiality d) Nonmaleficence
a) Autonomy
In the delivery of care, the nurse acts in accordance with nursing standards and the code of ethics and reports a medication error that the nurse has made. The nurse is most clearly demonstrating which professional value? a) Integrity b) Altruism c) Social justice d) Human dignity
a) Integrity
An illegal immigrant with no health insurance sustained life-threatening injuries in an automobile accident. Which action in this case demonstrates the ethical principle of justice? a) Avoiding treating the client so as to not do any additional harm b) Airlifting the client to a local trauma center for emergency surgery c) Filing the paperwork for the client to receive retroactive health insurance d) Telling the client honest information about the client's medical condition and prognosis
b) Airlifting the client to a local trauma center for emergency surgery
It is time for a nurse to renew licensure. The nurse says, "I need some really easy and quick continuing education hours. I don't understand why we have to do these every year." What is the nurse's coworker's best response? a) "There is lots of free continuing education online." b) "See if any of the classes we have to take at the hospital each year will count." c) "Life-long learning is part of the code for nurses." d) "It is hard to get enough hours since we work full time and have families."
c) "Life-long learning is part of the code for nurses."
Which example best describes feminist ethics? a) A combination of elements of utilitarian and deontologic theories that offer specific action guidelines for practice b) Attention directed to the specific situation of individual clients viewed within the context of their life narratives c) The formal study of ethical issues that arise in the practice of nursing d) An approach critiquing existing patterns of oppression and domination in society
d) An approach critiquing existing patterns of oppression and domination in society
What are standards for decision-making that endure for a significant time in one's life? a) Beliefs b) Ethics c) Roles d) Values
d) Values
what is fidelity
requires the nurse to keep promises made and to be faithful to one's commitments
what are morals
standards for right and wrong
what is altruism?
the concern for the welfare and being of others
Which best defines value clarification? a) A process by which people come to understand their own values and value systems b) A belief about the worth of something, about what matters, that acts as a standard to guide one's behavior c) An organization of values in which each is ranked along a continuum of importance, often leading to a personal code of conduct d) A systematic inquiry into principles of right and wrong conduct, of virtue and vice, and of good and evil, as they relate to conduct
a) A process by which people come to understand their own values and value systems
A nurse volunteers to serve on the hospital ethics committee. Which action should the nurse expect to take as a member of the ethics committee? a) Assist in decision making based on the client's best interests. b) Decide the care for a client who is unable to voice an opinion. c) Convince the family to choose a specific course of action. d) Present options about the type of care.
a) Assist in decision making based on the client's best interests.
Which theory of ethics prioritizes the nurse's relationship with clients and the nurse's character in the practice of ethical nursing? a) Care-based ethics b) Deontology c) Utilitarianism d) Principle-based ethics
a) Care-based ethics
Which example most accurately depicts the ethical principle of autonomy? a) Describing a surgery to a client before the consent is signed b) Changing a dressing on a wound as needed c) Administering a morning dose of insulin before breakfast d) Transporting a client to a scheduled physical therapy appointment
a) Describing a surgery to a client before the consent is signed
The nurse is managing the care for a postoperative client. How does the nurse demonstrate advocacy? a) Limiting visitors due to the client reporting pain b) Administering pain medication when the pain level reaches 9 on a pain scale of 0 to 10 c) Changing the channel on the television while providing care d)Turning and positioning the client every 4 hours
a) Limiting visitors due to the client reporting pain
Which actions by the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of fidelity? Select all that apply. a) Maintaining current nursing registration and meeting continuing education requirements b) Performing an intervention for a client at the time that was promised c) Taking scheduled breaks on time d) Calling in sick due to a lack of sleep e) Taking an extra client assignment so that the client will be cared for
a) Maintaining current nursing registration and meeting continuing education requirements b) Performing an intervention for a client at the time that was promised e) Taking an extra client assignment so that the client will be cared for
A nurse working in a critical care unit has experienced personal tragedy, extreme shortage of staff in the work environment, and health issues. The nurse has overcome much of these hardships and is now mentoring other nurses in similar situations. What behavior is this nurse demonstrating? a) Moral resilience b) Moral distress c) Conscientious objection d) Ethical dilemma
a) Moral resilience
A nurse obtains an order for a bed alarm for a confused client. This is an example of which ethical principle? a) Paternalism b) Deception c) Confidentiality d) Conflict
a) Paternalism
A nurse believes that abortion is an acceptable option if a pregnancy results from a situation of rape. What is the best description of this belief? a) Personal moral b) Professional value c) Ethical principle d) Legal obligation
a) Personal moral
A client tells the nurse that the client does not want to have a painful procedure. By respecting and supporting the client's right to make decisions, the nurse is demonstrating: a) confidentiality. b) advocacy. c) altruism. d) justice.
b) advocacy.
Which scenario is an example of the laissez-faire approach to value transmission? a) Teaching children right from wrong and telling them the reason behind a bad action b) Allowing a child to decide not to have an intravenous line inserted c) Modeling healthy behaviors for teenagers, such as not smoking electronic cigarettes d) Telling a child an injection will feel like a pinch before the nurse gives the injection
b) Allowing a child to decide not to have an intravenous line inserted
Which ethical principle refers to the obligation to do good? a) Fidelity b) Beneficence c) Veracity d) Nonmaleficence
b) Beneficence
A client is brought to the emergency department by an adult child, who states, "I am unable to care for my parent anymore. Although I would like to, financially and physically I can't do it anymore." What ethical problem is the adult child experiencing? a) Dilemma b) Distress c) Uncertainty d) Dissatisfaction
b) Distress
A nurse learns to adopt behavior modeled by a charge nurse. What ethical principle or behavior is the nurse most likely to learn through this process? a) Autonomy b) Ethical conduct c) Standards of practice d) Decision making
b) Ethical conduct
A female client is brought to the emergency room with matted hair, bruising, and malnutrition. The nurse suspects physical abuse and neglect. The nurse states, "This happens to many women." Which type of ethical approach is the nurse exhibiting? a) Paternalism b) Feminist c) Values clarification d) Moralizing
b) Feminist
The nurse has identified an ethical dilemma that has the potential to interfere with a client receiving optimal care. The nurse discussed this issue with the charge nurse on the unit. What action should the nurse choose next? a) Report the issue to the hospital medical director. b) Monitor for resolution of the problem. c) Depend on the charge nurse to handle the issue from this point. d) Inform the family that the ethical issue has been reported.
b) Monitor for resolution of the problem.
Nurses who value client advocacy follow what guideline? a) They value their loyalty to an employing institution or to a colleague over their commitment to their clients. b) They give priority to the good of the individual client rather than to the good of society in general. c) They choose the claims of the client's well-being over the claims of the client's autonomy. d) They make decisions for clients who are uninformed concerning their rights and opportunities.
b) They give priority to the good of the individual client rather than to the good of society in general.
What is the term for the beliefs held by the individual about what matters? a) Ethics b) Values c) Morals d) Bioethics
b) Values
A parent teaches a child not to drink and drive; however, the parent does drink and drive. This action results in: a) conflict with society. b) a failure to model one's own values. c) insecurity and a lack of safety. d) a disruption in consistency.
b) a failure to model one's own values.
A nurse shows client advocacy by: a) insisting that a medication be taken. b) offering a hospice consultation to a client who is terminally ill. c) sending a client home with verbal discharge instructions. d) refusing to allow a spouse to stay by the bedside.
b) offering a hospice consultation to a client who is terminally ill.
A nurse is of the Catholic faith and votes pro-life. This nurse is considered to have: a) moral agency. b) personal values. c) ethics. d) legal obligations.
b) personal values.
Which statement by the nurse is an example of deception? a) "I will administer your pain medication as soon as it is due." b) "It is important to get out of bed to prevent pneumonia." c) "This injection of procaine will feel like a little pinch." d) "I am going to teach you how to give yourself insulin."
c) "This injection of procaine will feel like a little pinch."
A client diagnosed with cancer has met with the oncologist and is now weighing whether to undergo chemotherapy or radiation for treatment. This client is demonstrating which ethical principle in making this decision? a) Beneficence b) Confidentiality c) Autonomy d) Justice
c) Autonomy
Which nursing situation is an example of an ethical dilemma? a) Administering pain medication as ordered b) Transferring a client to a step-down unit c) Deciding whether to perform cardiac compressions against a client's wishes d) Discussing care of a comatose client with the family
c) Deciding whether to perform cardiac compressions against a client's wishes
To practice ethically, the nurse should avoid: a) allowing an ethics committee to guide the nurse's practice. b) reviewing past cases before making decisions about practice. c) allowing the nurse's own judgment to guide practice. d) asking the client's family about their views on caring.
c) allowing the nurse's own judgment to guide practice.
Ethical distress is: a) being aware of the principles of right and wrong. b) supporting the rights of a client during hospitalization. c) knowing the correct action but being unable to perform it due to constraints. d) having trouble deciding which of two conflicting ethical principles to follow.
c) knowing the correct action but being unable to perform it due to constraints.
Which statement best conveys the concept of ethical agency? a) Individuals who enter the nursing profession often innately possess ethical characteristics. b) Ethical practice is best learned and fostered by surrounding oneself with people who exhibit ethical character. c) A nurse's understanding and execution of ethical practice is primarily a result of increased years of experience. d) Ethical practice requires a skill set that must be conscientiously learned and nurtured.
d) Ethical practice requires a skill set that must be conscientiously learned and nurtured.
A nurse is providing care to a client and is preparing the client for breakfast. The nurse assists the client out of bed to the chair and then helps the client open the items on the breakfast tray. The client begins to eat breakfast. The nurse tells the client, "I'll be back in about 10 minutes to check on you. In the meantime, here is your call light in case you need me." About 10 minutes later, the nurse returns to check on the client. The nurse is demonstrating which ethical principle? a) Nonmaleficence b) Autonomy c) Justice d) Fidelity
d) Fidelity
A nurse is caring for an older adult who has cancer and is experiencing complications requiring a revision of the plan of care. The nurse sits down with the client and the family and discusses their preferences while sharing the nurse's own judgments based on the nurse's expertise. Which type of healthcare decision making does this represent? a) Ethical decision making b) Paternalistic model c) Client sovereignty model d) Shared decision making
d) Shared decision making
A client continues to complain of pain despite receiving medication. The family states, "In our culture it is acceptable to complain out loud." What would be the best response by the nurse? a) The pain medication should have worked by now. b) Describe your home situation to me. c) It is fine to complain out loud. d) Tell me more about your cultural beliefs.
d) Tell me more about your cultural beliefs.
Which action most clearly demonstrates a nurse's commitment to social justice? a) Ensuring that a hospital client's diet is culturally acceptable b) Answering a client's questions about care clearly and accurately c) Lobbying for an expansion of healthcare resources and benefits to those in poverty d) Documenting client care in a timely, honest, and thorough manner
c) Lobbying for an expansion of healthcare resources and benefits to those in poverty
The principle of autonomy by a client is applied in which situation? a) The family of a client is discussing care with the physician. b) An order for an antibiotic is being written in the chart. c) The client has decided to stop chemotherapy treatments. d) A hospice consult is ordered by the nurse.
c) The client has decided to stop chemotherapy treatments.
Which is the best definition of ethics? a) The informal, systematic study of moral beliefs b) The adherence to formal personal values c) The formal, systematic study of moral beliefs d) The adherence to informal personal values
c) The formal, systematic study of moral beliefs
Which is a characteristic of the care-based approach to bioethics? a) The need to emphasize the relevance of clinical experience b) The rightness or wrongness of an action independent of its consequences c) The promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people d) The need for an orientation toward service
c) The promotion of the dignity and respect of clients as people
A nurse is having lunch in the break room and overhears the other nurses talking about a difficult client in an inappropriate way. The nurses attempt to engage her in the conversation. Which response by the nurse would best represent behavior that supports the value of human dignity in nursing practice? a) Sharing what the client did to the nurse last week, though the nurse treats the client with dignity b) Getting up and walking out of the break room because the nurse's break is over c) Laughing and joining in the conversation, though the nurse does not believe the client is that bad d) Saying that this discussion is inappropriate and disrespectful to the client and that the nurse does not want to be a part of it
d) Saying that this discussion is inappropriate and disrespectful to the client and that the nurse does not want to be a part of it
A nurse is providing care to an older adult client who was just diagnosed with cancer. The client together with the immediate family discuss their preferences with the health care providers involved. The health care providers offer their clinical recommendations about possible treatments. Ultimately, the group arrives at a decision. The nurse interprets this decision-making process as reflecting which type? a) Clinical b) Paternalistic c) Patient sovereignty d) Shared
d) Shared
Virtues are: a) beliefs about the worth of something, about what matters, that act as a standard to guide one's behavior. b) personal or communal standards of right and wrong. c) cultivated dispositions of character and conduct that motivate and enable us to be good human beings. d) general guides to action, including autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and fidelity.
c) cultivated dispositions of character and conduct that motivate and enable us to be good human beings.
A nurse is acting inappropriately and has an odor of alcohol. This behavior breaches the principle of: a) ethical conduct. b) beneficence. c) fidelity. d) autonomy.
a) ethical conduct.
A parent of a 17-year-old high school student is allowing the child to decide which college the child will attend. When the child requests direction from the parent in making this decision, the parent responds by stating, "You will need to make this decision on your own." What type of value transmission is the parent displaying? a) Laissez-faire b) Modeling c) Moralizing d) Responsible choice
a) Laissez-faire
What would be an example of the nurse practicing fidelity? The nurse: a) regulates visitors. b) stays with a client during death as promised. c) withholds information as requested. d) provides continuity of care.
b) stays with a client during death as promised.
A nurse reports to the charge nurse that a client medication due at 9 am was omitted. Which principle is the nurse demonstrating? a) Altruism b) Social justice c) Integrity d) Autonomy
c) Integrity
Which action would cause a charge nurse to have concerns about a nurse's moral agency? a) The nurse often must stay after shift change to complete documentation. b) A family member complained that the nurse was slow answering call lights. c) The nurse was unable to pass a required dosage calculation examination. d) The nurse was seen at a grocery store after calling in sick.
d) The nurse was seen at a grocery store after calling in sick.