Ethical Issues in Health and Social Care Practice: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle in health and social care practice?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which ethical principle prioritizes respecting individuals' autonomy to make informed decisions about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 3

In a situation where a competent patient declines essential medical treatment, what ethical dilemma arises?

Accepted Answer

Conflict between patient autonomy and healthcare professionals' responsibility to protect life

Answer

Conflict of interest

Answer

Confidentiality breach

Question 4

Which ethical framework provides a systematic approach to ethical decision-making, considering the rights and interests of all stakeholders?

Accepted Answer

Bioethics Framework

Answer

Religious Framework

Answer

Legal Framework

Answer

Social Justice Framework

Question 5

When a healthcare professional treats patients differently based on their personal biases, which ethical issue is raised?

Accepted Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Negligence

Question 6

Which document outlines the ethical responsibilities and conduct for nurses and midwives in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The Nursing and Midwifery Council Code

Answer

The Mental Health Act

Answer

The Data Protection Act

Answer

The Health and Social Care Act

Question 7

In social work, when concerns arise regarding child abuse, which ethical principle should primarily guide decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence (Do no harm)

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 8

Which ethical issue arises when healthcare professionals exploit their position to gain financial benefits from patients?

Accepted Answer

Abuse of Power

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Confidentiality Breach

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 10

When patients lack the capacity to make informed decisions, which ethical principle becomes crucial in guiding their care?

Accepted Answer

Best Interests

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 11

In healthcare, which ethical principle requires professionals to safeguard the privacy of patient information?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 12

Which ethical principle prioritizes respect for individuals' rights to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 13

In a situation involving multiple ethical principles, which approach emphasizes the greatest overall benefit to society?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Care ethics

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in healthcare practice?

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance on ethical decision-making and ensuring accountability.

Answer

Replacing professional judgment.

Answer

Enforcing legal requirements alone.

Question 15

Which of the following poses a potential ethical dilemma in palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the patient's wishes for end-of-life care with legal obligations and professional standards.

Answer

Administering pain medication as prescribed.

Answer

Communicating with the patient's family.

Question 16

What is the significance of informed consent in healthcare decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring individuals have adequate information to make voluntary choices about their care.

Answer

Expediting the decision-making process.

Answer

Protecting healthcare professionals from legal liability.

Question 17

Which of the following is a key principle of data protection in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring personal data is processed fairly and lawfully.

Answer

Sharing data with third parties without consent.

Answer

Storing data indefinitely.

Answer

Ignoring requests for data access.

Question 18

What is the ethical significance of whistleblowing in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

It safeguards patients and the public by exposing unethical practices.

Answer

It undermines trust in the healthcare system.

Answer

It violates the confidentiality of individuals.

Question 19

Which technique promotes ethical decision-making in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Systematic ethical reflection and critical analysis.

Answer

Relying solely on personal intuition.

Answer

Disregarding the perspectives of others.

Answer

Accepting the opinions of superiors without question.

Question 20

What is the role of regulatory bodies in promoting ethical healthcare practice?

Accepted Answer

Establishing standards, investigating complaints, and providing guidance.

Answer

Solely disciplining individual healthcare professionals.

Answer

Ignoring ethical concerns within the healthcare sector.

Question 21

Identify the fundamental ethical principle that emphasizes respecting individuals' right to make their own healthcare decisions:

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 22

Which ethical theory prioritizes maximizing overall well-being and happiness?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Existentialism

Question 23

The widely recognized 'Golden Rule' of ethics can be best summarized as:

Accepted Answer

Treat others the way you would like to be treated

Answer

Always adhere to the law

Answer

Avoid causing harm to others

Answer

Respect the autonomy of others

Question 24

In ethical decision-making for healthcare practice, which of the following actions should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Disregarding the patient's values and beliefs

Answer

Seeking input from colleagues and stakeholders

Answer

Anticipating potential ethical dilemmas

Answer

Considering potential benefits and risks

Question 25

Confidentiality in healthcare is vital primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Protects patient privacy and trust

Answer

Reduces the risk of legal consequences

Answer

Prevents the spread of misinformation

Answer

Improves communication among healthcare professionals

Question 26

The principle of 'advocacy' in healthcare practice involves:

Accepted Answer

Speaking up for the rights and needs of patients

Answer

Challenging healthcare policies

Answer

Providing legal representation to patients

Answer

Making decisions on behalf of patients

Question 27

A person with dementia refuses medication that could improve their quality of life. Which ethical principle is most challenged in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 28

The Mental Capacity Act (2005) aims to:

Accepted Answer

Empower and protect individuals who may lack capacity to make decisions about their own care and treatment.

Answer

Enforce treatment for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Answer

Provide legal immunity to healthcare professionals treating patients with mental health conditions.

Question 29

You witness a colleague discussing confidential patient information with a friend. Your most appropriate initial action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Discreetly remind your colleague of their confidentiality obligations.

Answer

Inform the patient about the breach of confidentiality.

Answer

Report the incident to the relevant regulatory body.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for valid informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteeing a positive outcome for the patient

Answer

Providing information in a clear and understandable way

Answer

Ensuring the patient has the capacity to make the decision

Question 31

Utilitarianism emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Maximizing overall well-being or happiness.

Answer

Following rules and duties without exception.

Answer

Protecting individual rights and autonomy above all else.

Question 32

A healthcare professional's personal beliefs conflict with a patient's request for treatment. The most appropriate ethical course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the conflict and seek guidance from an appropriate source like a senior colleague or ethics committee.

Answer

Prioritize personal beliefs over the patient's wishes.

Answer

Attempt to persuade the patient to change their mind.

Question 33

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Regulating and inspecting health and social care services in England to ensure they meet quality and safety standards.

Answer

Providing legal representation for patients making negligence claims.

Answer

Developing and delivering ethical training for healthcare professionals.

Question 34

A potential ethical concern related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is:

Accepted Answer

Bias in algorithms that could lead to unequal treatment of certain patient groups.

Answer

Increased accuracy and efficiency in diagnosing and treating patients.

Answer

Reduced workload for healthcare professionals, allowing for better patient care.

Question 35

The principle of 'duty of candour' requires healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Be open and honest with patients about mistakes or errors that occur during their care.

Answer

Maintain patient confidentiality even in cases of serious harm.

Answer

Prioritize the interests of the organization over the well-being of individual patients.

Question 36

Which of the following best describes 'distributive justice' in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Fairly allocating limited healthcare resources based on need and potential benefit.

Answer

Treating all patients equally regardless of their background or circumstances.

Answer

Ensuring healthcare professionals receive fair compensation for their services.

Question 37

A patient with dementia refuses a medication that would help manage their condition. Which ethical principle is challenged by this situation?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 38

A care worker notices a colleague consistently arriving late for shifts, impacting the quality of care provided. Which course of action best aligns with ethical principles?

Accepted Answer

Report the colleague's behavior to the supervisor, ensuring confidentiality.

Answer

Ignore the issue, as it's not directly affecting the care worker.

Question 39

A patient's family requests a treatment option that differs from the medical advice, claiming it's in the patient's best interests. This situation highlights a conflict between which ethical principles?

Accepted Answer

Patient autonomy and medical paternalism

Answer

Justice and equity

Question 40

Which ethical framework emphasizes the importance of duties, rights, and obligations?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 41

A care worker faces a decision that could benefit one patient but potentially harm another. Which ethical principle should guide the care worker's decision?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical consideration in the use of technology in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Cost-effectiveness of the technology

Answer

Accessibility and inclusivity

Answer

Informed consent for technology use

Question 43

When a healthcare professional prioritizes reducing a patient's suffering, which ethical principle is primarily invoked?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 44

A patient discloses sensitive information about their family to a care worker. What is the care worker's ethical obligation regarding this information?

Accepted Answer

Maintain confidentiality unless legally obligated to disclose.

Answer

Share the information with other staff members to ensure best practice.

Question 45

The process of involving a patient in decision-making about their care, ensuring they understand the risks and benefits, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 46

Which ethical framework emphasizes the consequences of actions and aims to maximize overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 47

A patient with dementia refuses medication, but their family insists on administering it. Which ethical principle is most directly challenged in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 48

Which of the following frameworks is most commonly used to guide ethical decision-making in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

The Four Principles of Biomedical Ethics

Answer

The Nuremberg Code

Answer

The Belmont Report

Answer

The Geneva Conventions

Question 49

A social worker is working with a family experiencing financial hardship. They discover that the family is hiding a gambling addiction.  What is the most ethical course of action for the social worker?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the family's confidentiality while seeking guidance from a supervisor and exploring options for appropriate intervention.

Answer

Confronting the family about the gambling addiction immediately.

Question 50

A nurse is caring for a patient who has expressed a desire for end-of-life care that differs from their family's wishes.  Which ethical principle is most relevant to this situation?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 51

Which of the following scenarios BEST exemplifies a potential ethical conflict in health and social care practice?

Accepted Answer

A care home staff member accepting gifts from residents.

Answer

A doctor providing medical advice to a friend.

Answer

A social worker volunteering at a local charity.

Question 52

A young adult with learning disabilities is applying for a job. The employer has concerns about their ability to perform the tasks.  What ethical considerations should guide the employer's decision?

Accepted Answer

The principles of non-discrimination and the right to equal opportunities.

Answer

The potential burden on other employees.

Answer

The need to protect the employer's financial interests.

Question 53

A patient's medical records are accidentally accessed by a colleague without authorization.  Which ethical principle is primarily violated in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 54

A care worker is considering reporting a colleague for suspected abuse of a resident.  Which of the following factors should be considered before taking action?

Accepted Answer

The potential consequences for the resident, the colleague, and the care worker themselves.

Answer

The severity of the alleged abuse.

Answer

The potential impact on the reputation of the care home.

Question 55

Which of the following statements BEST describes the concept of 'informed consent' in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Patients must be provided with clear and understandable information about their treatment options, risks, and benefits before making a decision.

Answer

Patients must always agree to any treatment proposed by their doctor.

Question 56

A healthcare professional is facing a situation where they must choose between two conflicting ethical principles.  Which of the following strategies is most helpful for resolving this ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in ethical reflection and consulting with colleagues or an ethics committee.

Answer

Following the instructions of their supervisor.

Answer

Making the decision based on their personal beliefs.