End-of-Life Care: Ethical Issues and Social Work Practice

Question 1

Regarding the distinction between euthanasia and assisted suicide, which of the following statements is accurate?

Accepted Answer

In euthanasia, the medical professional actively ends the patient's life, while in assisted suicide, the patient self-administers the lethal medication.

Answer

Euthanasia is considered more ethical than assisted suicide.

Answer

Assisted suicide is legal in more countries than euthanasia.

Answer

There is no meaningful distinction between euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Question 2

When making ethical decisions in end-of-life care, which of the following factors should social workers consider as a paramount concern?

Accepted Answer

The client's values, wishes, and preferences

Answer

The opinions of the client's family and healthcare team

Answer

The social worker's personal beliefs and biases

Answer

The financial implications of the care

Question 3

The 'right to die' primarily refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The right to refuse medical treatment, even if it could prolong life

Answer

The right to request and receive medical interventions that hasten death

Answer

The right to end one's own life without assistance

Answer

The right to have family members make end-of-life decisions

Question 4

Which of the following approaches to end-of-life care prioritizes providing comfort, managing symptoms, and improving the quality of life rather than pursuing a cure?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care

Answer

Curative care

Answer

Hospice care

Answer

Respite care

Question 5

In end-of-life care, social workers should prioritize respecting and upholding whose values and beliefs?

Accepted Answer

The client's

Answer

Their own

Answer

The family's

Question 6

Which ethical principle is central to decision-making in end-of-life care, emphasizing respect for individual choice and wishes?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 7

In the context of end-of-life care in the United Kingdom, which legal framework provides guidance on determining an individual's capacity to make decisions about their care?

Accepted Answer

The Mental Capacity Act 2005

Answer

The Assisted Dying Act 2021

Answer

The Human Rights Act 1998

Answer

The Children's Act 2004

Question 8

Explain the purpose of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. What is its significance in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

It defines the legal criteria for determining an individual's capacity to make decisions regarding their own care.

Answer

It empowers social workers with the authority to make decisions on behalf of clients who lack decision-making capacity.

Answer

It prohibits medical professionals from administering life-sustaining treatment without obtaining informed consent.

Answer

It allows families to refuse medical treatment for their loved ones, even if the individuals have the capacity to consent.

Question 9

In end-of-life care, how can social workers effectively safeguard that decisions align with the client's wishes and preferences?

Accepted Answer

By involving the client in the decision-making process to the greatest extent possible.

Answer

By prioritizing the wishes of the client's family over the client's own preferences.

Answer

By relying primarily on their own professional judgment when making decisions.

Answer

By seeking guidance exclusively from medical professionals when making decisions.

Question 10

In the context of end-of-life care, how can social workers effectively navigate the potential tension between the principles of autonomy and beneficence?

Accepted Answer

Providing clients with comprehensive information and support to help them make informed decisions.

Answer

Always prioritizing the client's wishes, even if they may not be in the client's best interests.

Answer

Advocating for the client's rights, even if it sometimes means overriding their wishes.

Answer

Prioritizing the client's physical well-being over their emotional well-being.

Question 11

In end-of-life care, which ethical principle emphasizes the patient's right to make their own medical decisions?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 12

Which of the following is not a legal consideration in cases involving euthanasia and assisted suicide?

Accepted Answer

The patient's religious beliefs

Answer

The patient's capacity to consent

Answer

The presence of an underlying medical condition

Answer

The availability of palliative care options

Question 13

Which ethical principle is violated when healthcare professionals withhold information from patients about their medical condition?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 14

What is a potential limitation of advance directives in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

They may not always reflect the patient's current wishes

Answer

They may not be legally binding in all situations

Answer

They may create uncertainty and anxiety for family members

Answer

They can eliminate the need for ongoing communication with healthcare providers

Question 15

How does interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, spiritual counselors, and family members contribute to holistic and individualized support in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

It enhances communication and coordination, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the patient's needs, values, and preferences.

Answer

It reduces the workload for individual professionals, allowing them to focus on their specialized tasks.

Answer

It eliminates the need for family involvement, as professionals can make all necessary decisions.

Question 16

Ethical principle that emphasizes respecting patient's preferences for end-of-life care:

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 17

Role of a social worker in end-of-life care that is not within their scope of practice:

Accepted Answer

Prescribing Medication

Answer

Advocating for patient rights

Answer

Facilitating communication

Answer

Providing emotional support

Question 18

Distinction between euthanasia and assisted suicide:

Accepted Answer

In euthanasia, medical professional ends the patient's life; in assisted suicide, the patient self-administers the lethal medication.

Answer

Euthanasia is legal in all countries, while assisted suicide is illegal.

Question 19

Primary objective of palliative care in end-of-life care:

Accepted Answer

Enhancing quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses

Answer

Curing the underlying illness

Answer

Hastening the dying process

Question 20

Advantage of using a communication tool like the Respecting Choices form:

Accepted Answer

Encourages open discussions about end-of-life preferences, facilitating advance care planning.

Answer

Guarantees that the patient's wishes will be followed

Answer

Eliminates the need for ongoing communication about end-of-life care

Question 21

Meaning of "dignified death" in end-of-life care:

Accepted Answer

Patient's right to die with dignity and respect, free from unnecessary suffering.

Answer

Requires the patient to die at home

Answer

Applicable only to terminally ill patients

Question 22

Effective ways for social workers to support families during end-of-life care:

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support, facilitating communication, advocating for family needs

Answer

Focusing solely on the patient's needs

Answer

Taking over all decision-making for the patient