End-of-Life Care: Ethical Considerations in Healthcare

Question 1

Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle that guides decision-making in end-of-life care, emphasizing the respect for an individual's autonomy and choices?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Autonomy

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which ethical challenge is uniquely associated with assisted suicide, raising concerns about balancing respect for patient autonomy with other ethical considerations?

Accepted Answer

Balancing respect for patient autonomy with the duty to preserve life

Answer

Ensuring the patient has the capacity and competence to make informed decisions

Answer

Avoiding undue influence or pressure from family members or healthcare professionals

Answer

Assessing the long-term psychological impact on loved ones

Question 3

The ethical principle of non-maleficence in end-of-life care implies that healthcare professionals should prioritize which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding actions that could cause harm or distress to the patient

Answer

Preserving life at all costs, even if it means causing suffering

Answer

Respecting the patient's right to refuse treatment, even if it may shorten their life

Answer

Intervening in the patient's decision-making if they believe it is not in their best interests

Question 4

Which argument against legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide emphasizes the potential for a gradual decline in the value placed on human life?

Accepted Answer

The 'slippery slope' could lead to a devaluation of life.

Answer

Respect for autonomy should be absolute.

Answer

Palliative care can always be provided adequately.

Answer

Euthanasia and assisted suicide are prohibited in most countries.

Question 5

Which of the following accurately describes the concept of 'substituted judgment'?

Accepted Answer

The physician makes decisions on behalf of the patient based on their past wishes or values.

Answer

The patient's family or friends make decisions on their behalf.

Answer

The physician makes decisions based on their own personal beliefs.

Answer

The patient's decision is always respected, regardless of their current capacity.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a futility assessment in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether further treatment is likely to benefit the patient

Answer

To decide whether the patient should receive palliative care

Answer

To assess the patient's quality of life

Answer

To inform the patient's decision-making

Question 7

What is the key difference between euthanasia (intentionally ending a patient's life) and assisted suicide (providing a patient with the means to end their own life)?

Accepted Answer

Euthanasia involves a doctor actively ending a patient's life, while assisted suicide involves the patient taking their own life with the help of a doctor.

Answer

Euthanasia is legal in the United Kingdom, while assisted suicide is not.

Answer

Assisted suicide is legal in the United Kingdom, while euthanasia is not.

Answer

There is no difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of an advance directive (a legal document outlining a patient's wishes for end-of-life care)?

Accepted Answer

To specify a patient's preferences for medical treatment if they become unable to make decisions for themselves

Answer

To appoint a guardian to make medical decisions for the patient

Answer

To request that a doctor hasten the patient's death

Answer

To waive the patient's right to receive life-sustaining treatment

Question 9

Which of the following factors should NOT be considered when making decisions about end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

The cost of care

Answer

The patient's wishes

Answer

The patient's quality of life

Answer

The patient's religious beliefs

Question 10

Which ethical principle emphasizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own health care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 11

Which type of care aims to relieve suffering and enhance the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care

Answer

Euthanasia

Answer

Assisted suicide

Answer

Hospice care

Question 12

What is the purpose of a living will in the context of end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

It serves as a legally valid document outlining an individual's preferences for future medical treatment

Answer

It provides non-binding guidance for healthcare providers

Answer

It is not recognized as legally binding in the UK

Answer

It is only applicable to patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses

Question 13

What is the fundamental distinction between euthanasia and assisted suicide?

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

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

Answer

Euthanasia and assisted suicide are legally equivalent in the UK

Answer

Euthanasia is permitted in the UK, whereas assisted suicide is not

Question 14

Which ethical principle is central to end-of-life care decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 15

What is the legal status of euthanasia in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Illegal

Answer

Legal for terminally ill patients under certain conditions

Answer

Legal in all circumstances

Answer

Legal with patient consent

Question 16

Which concern regarding assisted suicide has led to ethical debate?

Accepted Answer

The potential for vulnerable individuals to be coerced into ending their lives

Answer

It is against religious beliefs

Answer

It may undermine the value of life

Answer

It is medically risky

Question 17

What is the fundamental goal of palliative care?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate suffering, provide comfort, and support for both the patient and their family

Answer

To prolong the patient's life for as long as possible

Answer

To cure or reverse the patient's underlying illness

Answer

To prepare the patient for death

Question 18

Which benefit does advance care planning provide?

Accepted Answer

It enables patients to express their wishes for future medical treatment

Answer

It guarantees that patients' preferences will always be followed

Answer

It prevents disagreements among family members

Answer

It reduces stress on healthcare professionals

Question 19

What is the primary role of communication in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate a shared understanding among patients, families, and healthcare professionals regarding the patient's values, goals, and treatment plan

Answer

To resolve conflicts between family members

Answer

To provide emotional support to the patient

Answer

To convey medical information only

Question 20

Which potential advantage of legalizing assisted dying has been debated?

Accepted Answer

It provides terminally ill patients with more autonomy and control over their end-of-life choices

Answer

It ensures that patients will die peacefully

Answer

It lowers healthcare costs

Answer

It prevents all forms of suicide

Question 21

How does euthanasia differ from assisted suicide?

Accepted Answer

In euthanasia, a medical professional administers the lethal substance, while in assisted suicide, the patient self-administers

Answer

Euthanasia is legal in more countries than assisted suicide

Answer

Euthanasia is only performed for terminally ill patients, whereas assisted suicide can be requested for other reasons

Question 22

Which concern is frequently raised in discussions about euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

It may violate the principle of non-maleficence and could lead to a gradual expansion of euthanasia practices

Answer

It is not supported by evidence

Answer

It goes against religious beliefs

Answer

It is too expensive

Question 23

What are the essential elements of a comprehensive end-of-life care plan?

Accepted Answer

Medical care, psychosocial support, spiritual care, and bereavement support

Answer

Medical care and spiritual care only

Answer

Medical care and legal advice

Answer

Psychosocial support and bereavement support only