Chapter 6 - Values, Ethics and Advocacy

Which is the best definition of ethics? a. The formal, systematic study of moral beliefs b. The informal, systematic study of moral beliefs c. The adherence to informal personal values d. The adherence to formal personal values

a. The formal, systematic study of moral beliefs

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. Decide the care for a client who is unable to voice an opinion. b. Assist in decision making based on the client's best interests. c. Convince the family to choose a specific course of action. d. Present options about the type of care.

b. Assist in decision making based on the client's best interests.

A nurse who provides the information and support that clients and their families need to make the decision that is right for them is practicing what principle of bioethics? a. Nonmaleficence b. Autonomy c. Justice d. Fidelity

b. Autonomy

Which ethical principle refers to the obligation to do good? a. Veracity b. Beneficence c. Nonmaleficence d. Fidelity

b. Beneficence

Nurses who value client advocacy follow what guideline? a. They choose the claims of the client's well-being over the claims of the client's autonomy. b. They give priority to the good of the individual client rather than to the good of society in general. c. They value their loyalty to an employing institution or to a colleague over their commitment to their clients. 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.

Which example best describes feminist ethics? a. Attention directed to the specific situation of individual clients viewed within the context of their life narratives b. A combination of elements of utilitarian and deontologic theories that offer specific action guidelines for practice c. An approach critiquing existing patterns of oppression and domination in society d. The formal study of ethical issues that arise in the practice of nursing

c. An approach critiquing existing patterns of oppression and domination in society

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. Justice b. Confidentiality c. Autonomy d. Beneficence

c. Autonomy

A child on a pediatric unit hits one of the other children and subsequently has video game privileges revoked for the rest of the day. The next day the same child plays with the other children without any problems to avoid losing video game privileges again. According to Kohlberg, the child is demonstrating what stage of development? a. Self-actualization b. Trust versus mistrust c. First-level preconventional stage d. Moralizing

c. First-level preconventional stage

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. Depend on the charge nurse to handle the issue from this point. b. Report the issue to the hospital medical director. c. Monitor for resolution of the problem. d. Inform the family that the ethical issue has been reported.

c. Monitor for resolution of the problem.

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. It is fine to complain out loud. b. The pain medication should have worked by now. c. Tell me more about your cultural beliefs. d. Describe your home situation to me.

c. Tell me more about your cultural beliefs.

A client who experienced a cesarean birth rates pain as a 9 on a 10-point scale. The nurse medicates the client for pain. This is an example of the nurse practicing which ethical principle? a. Fidelity b. Justice c. Nonmaleficence d. Beneficence

d. Beneficence

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. Human dignity b. Social justice c. Altruism d. Integrity

d. Integrity

The nurse is managing the care for a postoperative client. How does the nurse demonstrate advocacy? a. Administering pain medication when the pain level reaches 9 on a pain scale of 0 to 10 b. Changing the channel on the television while providing care c. Turning and positioning the client every 4 hours d. Limiting visitors due to the client reporting pain

d. Limiting visitors due to the client reporting pain

A nurse obtains an order for a bed alarm for a confused client. This is an example of which ethical principle? a. Confidentiality b. Conflict c. Deception d. Paternalism

d. Paternalism

Socialization into the nursing profession may have the most significant effect on: a. values. b. planning. c. roles. d. documentation.

a. values.

A client rings the call bell to request pain medication. On performing the pain assessment, the nurse informs the client that the nurse will return with the pain medication. After a few moments, the nurse returns with the pain medication. The nurse's returning with the pain medication is an example of which principle of bioethics? a. Autonomy b. Fidelity c. Nonmaleficence d. Justice

b. Fidelity

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. Integrity c. Autonomy d. Social justice

b. Integrity

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) Responsible choice b) Modeling c) Laissez-faire d) Moralizing

c) Laissez-faire

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.

A nurse is caring for a client who is a practicing Jehovah's Witness. The health care provider prescribes two units of packed red blood cells based on the client's low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The nurse states to the health care provider that it is unethical to go against the client's beliefs even though the client's blood counts are very low. What is the best description of the nurse's intentions? a. Siding with the client over the health care provider b. Observing institutional policies c. Being legally responsible d. Acting in the client's best interest

d. Acting in the client's best interest

An oncology client in an outpatient chemotherapy clinic asks several questions regarding care and treatment. The nurse explains the clinic's routine, typical side effects of the chemotherapy, and ways to decrease the number of side effects experienced. Which characteristic is the nurse demonstrating? a. justice b. fidelity c. autonomy d. veracity

d. veracity

Which theory of ethics prioritizes the nurse's relationship with clients and the nurse's character in the practice of ethical nursing? a. Deontology b. Care-based ethics c. Utilitarianism d. Principle-based ethics

b. Care-based ethics

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 nurse states to the client that the nurse will keep the client free of pain. However, the client's family wishes to try a treatment to prolong the client's life that may necessitate withholding pain medication. This factor will cause an ethical dilemma for the nurse in relation to which ethical principle? a. Fidelity b. Veracity c. Autonomy d. Justice

a. Fidelity

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. Patient sovereignty c. Shared d. Paternalistic

c. Shared

What is the term for the beliefs held by the individual about what matters? a. Ethics b. Morals c. Values d. Bioethics

c. Values

Which statement best conveys the concept of ethical agency? a. Ethical practice is best learned and fostered by surrounding oneself with people who exhibit ethical character. b. Individuals who enter the nursing profession often innately possess ethical characteristics. 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 reports to the charge nurse that a client medication due at 9 am was omitted. Which principle is the nurse demonstrating? a. Social justice b. Integrity c. Altruism d. Autonomy

b. Integrity

Which nursing situation is an example of an ethical dilemma? a. Discussing care of a comatose client with the family b. Administering pain medication as ordered c. Deciding whether to perform cardiac compressions against a client's wishes d. Transferring a client to a step-down unit

c. Deciding whether to perform cardiac compressions against a client's wishes

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. Values clarification b. Moralizing c. Feminist d. Paternalism

c. Feminist

Which nursing action demonstrates the principle of fidelity? a. Treating an uninsured client in the emergency department b. Administering a vaccination c. Filing an incident report after making a medication error d. Witnessing a client signature on an informed consent

c. Filing an incident report after making a medication error

A nurse is of the Catholic faith and votes pro-life. This nurse is considered to have: a. legal obligations. b. moral agency. c. personal values. d. ethics.

c. personal values.

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. Autonomy b. Fidelity c. Justice d. Nonmaleficence

b. Fidelity

Which action most clearly demonstrates a nurse's commitment to social justice? a. Ensuring that a hospital client's diet is culturally acceptable b. Lobbying for an expansion of healthcare resources and benefits to those in poverty c. Documenting client care in a timely, honest, and thorough manner d. Answering a client's questions about care clearly and accurately

b. Lobbying for an expansion of healthcare resources and benefits to those in poverty

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. The nurse was seen at a grocery store after calling in sick. c. The nurse was unable to pass a required dosage calculation examination. d. A family member complained that the nurse was slow answering call lights.

b. The nurse was seen at a grocery store after calling in sick.

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. Conscientious objection b. Moral distress c. Moral resilience d. Ethical dilemma

c. Moral resilience

A nurse is acting inappropriately and has an odor of alcohol. This behavior breaches the principle of: a. fidelity. b. ethical conduct. c. autonomy. d. beneficence.

b. ethical conduct.

A hospital owned by a Catholic order of nuns will not allow tubal ligations to be performed. This is considered to be: a. personal morality. b. institutional policy. c. legal obligation. d. personal values.

b. institutional policy.

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. "Life-long learning is part of the code for nurses." b. "It is hard to get enough hours since we work full time and have families." c. "See if any of the classes we have to take at the hospital each year will count." d. "There is lots of free continuing education online."

a. "Life-long learning is part of the code for nurses."

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. Airlifting the client to a local trauma center for emergency surgery b. Telling the client honest information about the client's medical condition and prognosis c. Filing the paperwork for the client to receive retroactive health insurance d. Avoiding treating the client so as to not do any additional harm

a. Airlifting the client to a local trauma center for emergency surgery

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 word is best described as protection and support of another's rights? a. Autonomy b. Paternalism c. Ethics d. Advocacy

d. Advocacy

Which ethical principle is related to the idea of self-determination? a. Confidentiality b. Beneficence c. Nonmaleficence d. Autonomy

d. Autonomy

What is likely to have the greatest influence on an adolescent's formation of values during this developmental stage? a. Work b. School administration c. Awareness of other cultures d. Peers

d. Peers

What are standards for decision-making that endure for a significant time in one's life? a. Ethics b. Roles c. Beliefs d. Values

d. Values

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. Distress b. Uncertainty c. Dilemma d. Dissatisfaction

a. Distress

The nurse beginning practice would like to access the standards for ethical practice. Which organization should the nurse research for these standards? a. International Council of Nurses b. World Health Organization c. Canadian Hospital Association d. Department of Health Professions

a. International Council of Nurses

While providing care to a client, a nurse encounters an ethical problem. The nurse knows the right thing to do, but the facility's policies interfere with the nurse's ability to follow through in doing the right thing. Which condition is the nurse experiencing? a. Moral distress b. Ethical dilemma c. Moral resiliency d. Ethical agency

a. Moral distress

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. "Smoking has been shown to be a risk for many illnesses, including heart disease and cancer." 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. "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." e. "I can't believe the client is giving that precious baby up for adoption."

A nurse's friend states, "I admire you so much. I would love to be a nurse, but I don't think I have the courage." Which response will the nurse make? a. "I'm not courageous at all." b. "You can work on being more courageous as you learn to be a nurse." c. "It is more important to be smart than it is to be courageous." d. "You don't have to be courageous to be a nurse."

b. "You can work on being more courageous as you learn to be a nurse."

A client aged 83 years who has suffered a cerebrovascular accident and is unable to swallow refuses the insertion of a feeding tube. The nurse communicates the client's wish to the family and health care team. This is an example of what ethical principle? a. Nonmaleficence b. Autonomy c. Justice d. Veracity

b. Autonomy

The nurse has an ethical conflict regarding the client's use of marijuana to control symptoms of advanced cancer. Which argument(s) regarding this conflict reflect a utilitarian approach? Select all that apply. a. Marijuana is not legal in the client's state of residence. b. The client is homebound and will not be driving. c. Specific dosages of marijuana have not been determined. d. There is little opportunity for any other persons to divert or use the marijuana the client obtains. e. The client experiences significant reduction of cancer symptoms when using marijuana.

b. The client is homebound and will not be driving. d. There is little opportunity for any other persons to divert or use the marijuana the client obtains. e. The client experiences significant reduction of cancer symptoms when using marijuana.

A nurse is of the Catholic faith and votes pro-life. This nurse is considered to have: a. legal obligations. b. personal values. c. ethics. d. moral agency.

b. personal values.

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. provides continuity of care. d. withholds information as requested.

b. stays with a client during death as promised.

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. Telling a child an injection will feel like a pinch before the nurse gives the injection c. Allowing a child to decide not to have an intravenous line inserted d. Modeling healthy behaviors for teenagers, such as not smoking electronic cigarettes

c. Allowing a child to decide not to have an intravenous line inserted