Nursing Ethics and Values: Essential Knowledge for Adult Nursing Professionals

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT among the four core ethical principles that guide nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Accountability

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which ethical principle places the highest importance on respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 3

Which of the following principles is NOT a fundamental principle of nursing ethics?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Question 4

As per the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct, which principle is fundamental to nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Patients have the inherent right to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Answer

Nurses must prioritize their personal interests over those of their patients.

Answer

Nurses have the right to refuse care to patients whose lifestyles they disapprove of.

Answer

Nurses must maintain complete confidentiality of patient information under all circumstances.

Question 5

Which ethical principle emphasizes the nurse's obligation to prioritize the patient's best interests?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 6

A patient has the right to decline medical treatment, even if the nurse believes it is in their best interest. This right is aligned with the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 7

Which action showcases a nurse's commitment to the ethical principle of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Exchanging patient information only with healthcare professionals directly involved in their care.

Answer

Sharing patient information with family members without explicit consent.

Answer

Storing patient records in an easily accessible location.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a healthy nurse-patient relationship?

Accepted Answer

Power imbalance

Answer

Trust

Answer

Open communication

Answer

Mutual respect

Question 9

For a nurse caring for a terminally ill patient, which ethical principle should guide their actions?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 10

Which of the following represents a potential ethical challenge for nurses working in palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Balancing patient autonomy with their need for comfort and pain management.

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality of patient information.

Answer

Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams.

Question 11

When a nurse's personal values conflict with their ethical obligations, they should:

Accepted Answer

Seek guidance from a supervisor, colleague, or ethics committee.

Answer

Ignore their ethical obligations.

Answer

Act solely based on their personal values.

Question 12

Which of the following is a fundamental responsibility of nurses in safeguarding patient rights?

Accepted Answer

Advocating for patients when their rights are being compromised.

Answer

Reporting patient concerns solely to their supervisors.

Answer

Strictly enforcing hospital policies and procedures.

Question 13

Preserving professional boundaries is crucial for nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Protect both the nurse and the patient from potential harm or exploitation.

Answer

Maximize efficiency in delivering patient care.

Answer

Establish the nurse's authority in the healthcare setting.

Question 14

Which ethical principle places emphasis on treating all patients equally, regardless of their background or characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 15

Respect for patient autonomy is demonstrated when the nurse:

Accepted Answer

Provides complete information about treatment options to the patient

Answer

Makes decisions for the patient based on their presumed best interests

Answer

Withholds information from the patient to protect them from distress

Question 16

The ethical significance of informed consent in nursing practice is that it:

Accepted Answer

Ensures patients are fully aware of both the risks and benefits of treatment before making decisions

Answer

Protects nurses from legal liability

Question 17

Which of the following ethical principles requires nurses to take positive actions to benefit patients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 18

A situation where a nurse faces an ethical dilemma is:

Accepted Answer

When the patient's wishes conflict with the nurse's professional responsibilities

Answer

When the nurse is short-staffed

Answer

When the patient's family disagrees with the treatment plan

Question 19

Which ethical principle supports the patient's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Veracity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Loyalty

Question 20

The main purpose of ethics committees in healthcare settings is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide independent ethical guidance on complex patient care issues

Answer

Approve all research involving human subjects

Answer

Ensure that nurses follow the nursing code of ethics

Question 21

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle that guides nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Paternalism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 22

A patient has the right to refuse medical treatment, even if it could save their life. Which ethical principle supports this right?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 23

Which of the following is a key role of an ethics committee in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance on ethical dilemmas

Answer

Approving all research studies involving human participants

Answer

Disciplining healthcare professionals who violate ethical guidelines

Answer

Setting national healthcare policies

Question 24

The principle of beneficence requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of patients

Answer

Respect patient confidentiality

Answer

Obtain informed consent before carrying out any interventions

Answer

Avoid causing any harm

Question 25

Which ethical principle is central to respecting a patient's right to make choices about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 26

When a patient lacks decision-making capacity, ethical guidelines dictate that nurses should prioritize which principle in guiding their actions?

Accepted Answer

Best Interests Principle

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Question 27

Which action is considered a fundamental ethical boundary for nurses to maintain?

Accepted Answer

Preserving Patient Confidentiality

Answer

Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship

Answer

Providing Emotional Support

Question 28

Which ethical principle emphasizes the fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Question 29

When a patient requests a medical intervention that the nurse believes is unnecessary, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Explain the Risks and Benefits, Respecting the Patient's Decision

Answer

Administer the Treatment Without Informing the Patient

Answer

Decline to Administer the Treatment

Question 30

The cornerstone of informed consent in healthcare is:

Accepted Answer

The Patient's Comprehension and Voluntary Agreement

Answer

The Presence of a Witnessing Family Member

Answer

The Nurse's Detailed Explanation of All Potential Risks

Answer

The Patient's Signature on a Consent Form

Question 31

A patient confides in a nurse about experiencing abuse at home. The nurse's immediate priority should be to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard the Patient and Report the Incident

Answer

Offer Counseling and Support Initially

Answer

Contact the Police Immediately

Question 32

Which ethical principle places the patient's well-being as the primary concern?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 33

When caring for a terminally ill patient, the nurse's primary focus should be on:

Accepted Answer

Providing Comfort and Honoring the Patient's Wishes

Answer

Encouraging the Patient to Make Peace with Mortality

Answer

Administering Life-Extending Treatments

Question 34

Identify the fundamental principle of nursing ethics that upholds the patient's right to self-determination:

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Obedience to Authority

Question 35

In an ethical dilemma, the initial step for a nurse is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify the underlying ethical principles involved

Answer

Rush to a decision

Answer

Prioritise legal implications over ethical considerations

Answer

Seek advice from colleagues without independent analysis

Question 36

Which action best reflects a nurse's commitment to patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Securing patient records in a manner that prevents unauthorized access

Answer

Discussing patient information freely with family members without consent

Answer

Leaving patient files unattended in a public area

Answer

Sharing patient information with other healthcare professionals without explicit consent

Question 37

The ethical principle that obligates nurses to prioritize the patient's well-being above all is:

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 38

A common ethical challenge encountered by nurses in healthcare settings is:

Accepted Answer

Fair and equitable distribution of limited resources

Answer

Effective communication with patients

Answer

Flawless execution of technical nursing procedures

Answer

Efficient time management

Question 39

Maintaining appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with patients exemplifies:

Accepted Answer

Professional conduct

Answer

Acceptance of gifts from patients

Answer

Social media connections with patients

Answer

Friendliness and relatability

Question 40

Which ethical framework prioritizes the greatest overall happiness and well-being for the majority of individuals in society?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Care Ethics

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 41

A fundamental element of informed consent in healthcare is ensuring that the patient:

Accepted Answer

Comprehends the potential risks and benefits of the recommended treatment

Answer

Relies solely on the nurse's explanation of the procedure

Answer

Signs a consent form without fully understanding the implications

Question 42

A nurse demonstrates respect for cultural diversity by:

Accepted Answer

Providing care that aligns with the patient's cultural beliefs, values, and practices

Answer

Assuming that all patients share the same cultural norms

Answer

Ignoring cultural differences and treating all patients the same

Question 43

The ethical principle that requires nurses to treat all patients fairly and without bias, regardless of their personal characteristics, is:

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 44

When a patient's wishes conflict with medical advice, which ethical principle should guide the nurse's decision?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Beneficence (acting in the patient's best interests)

Answer

Justice (treating all patients fairly)

Question 45

What is a key aspect of maintaining professional boundaries between nurse and patient?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding personal relationships

Answer

Sharing experiences relevant to patient care

Answer

Offering advice when asked

Answer

Using formal language

Question 46

The ethical principle of beneficence requires nurses to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the patient's best interests

Answer

Treat all patients equally

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy

Answer

Avoid causing harm

Question 47

Which ethical concept refers to the obligation to protect patient privacy and keep their information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 48

What does the term 'whistle-blowing' in nursing refer to?

Accepted Answer

Reporting unethical or illegal practices

Answer

Following orders without question

Answer

Providing patient information to family members

Answer

Seeking support from colleagues

Question 49

Which ethical principle requires nurses to treat all patients fairly and without bias?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 50

A patient refuses a blood transfusion based on their religious beliefs. Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding by respecting the patient's decision?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 51

A nurse witnesses a colleague disclosing a patient's medical information to an unauthorized person. Which ethical principle has been violated?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Veracity

Question 52

A nurse is caring for a patient who is terminally ill. The patient requests assistance with ending their life. What is the most ethical course of action for the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient to the appropriate resources, such as palliative care or a medical professional specialized in end-of-life care.

Answer

Provide the patient with the assistance they request.

Question 53

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving treatment for a serious illness. The patient's family expresses their concern about the treatment plan. How should the nurse approach this situation ethically?

Accepted Answer

Facilitate open communication between the patient, family, and medical team, respecting the patient's autonomy and ensuring their informed consent.

Answer

Ignore the family's concerns and proceed with the treatment as planned.

Question 54

A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing significant pain. The nurse is limited in the pain relief options available due to the patient's medical history. How should the nurse act ethically in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the patient by discussing their pain management needs with the medical team and exploring alternative options.

Answer

Administer the available pain relief medication despite its limited effectiveness.

Question 55

A nurse is working in a busy hospital setting. They are assigned more patients than they can reasonably care for. What is the most ethical course of action for the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Communicate their concerns to their supervisor and advocate for safe patient ratios, prioritizing patient safety and ethical care.

Answer

Accept the workload and attempt to provide adequate care to all patients.

Question 56

A nurse is working with a patient who is experiencing a mental health crisis. The nurse feels overwhelmed and emotionally drained. What should the nurse do to maintain ethical practice?

Accepted Answer

Seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals to ensure they can continue to provide safe and effective care.

Answer

Continue working with the patient despite their own emotional distress.

Question 57

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy treatment. The patient expresses concerns about the side effects and the impact of the treatment on their quality of life. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's response?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 58

A nurse is working in a hospital where a new policy has been implemented that restricts the use of certain pain relief medications. The nurse believes the policy is ethically questionable because it may compromise patient comfort. What is the most ethical course of action for the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Raise their concerns with their supervisor or relevant authorities, advocating for the ethical treatment of patients and challenging policies that may compromise patient care.

Answer

Accept the policy and follow it without question.

Question 59

A nurse is caring for a patient who is undergoing a complex surgical procedure. The patient's family asks the nurse for updates on the procedure and the patient's condition. Which ethical principle should guide the nurse's response?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice