Introduction to Ethics: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Students

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ethical inquiry?

Accepted Answer

It offers definitive answers to moral dilemmas.

Answer

It examines the justification for our moral beliefs.

Answer

It analyzes and evaluates moral principles and concepts.

Answer

It is concerned with distinguishing right from wrong.

Question 2

Which ethical theory emphasizes the consequences of actions and holds that the right action is the one that maximizes overall well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Natural law theory

Question 3

According to Kantian ethics, an action is morally acceptable only if it:

Accepted Answer

Is in accordance with reason and could be universalized.

Answer

Brings about the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Answer

Is based on intuition and emotions.

Answer

Conforms to religious or cultural norms.

Question 4

Which ethical principle underscores the importance of respecting individuals' right to make decisions about their own lives and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 5

The ethical principle of beneficence requires healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Always act in the patient's best interests.

Answer

Do whatever it takes to save a patient's life.

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy.

Answer

Follow established medical protocols.

Question 6

Which ethical theory emphasizes the development of virtuous character and habits?

Accepted Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Pragmatism

Question 7

Which ethical framework provides a systematic approach to guide decision-making in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Ethical guidelines

Answer

Institutional policies

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Clinical judgment

Question 8

The ethical principle of justice requires healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Distribute resources equitably and treat all patients fairly.

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy.

Answer

Follow established medical protocols.

Answer

Maximize the benefits and minimize the harms to patients.

Question 9

According to deontological ethics, the rightness or wrongness of actions is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Their inherent nature

Answer

Their intended consequences

Answer

The individual's personal values

Answer

The potential for harm

Question 10

Utilitarianism, as an ethical theory, emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Actions that produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people

Answer

Actions that adhere to universally accepted moral rules

Answer

Actions that align with personal beliefs and values

Answer

Actions that minimize the risk of harm

Question 11

The ethical principle of beneficence requires healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Promote the patient's well-being

Answer

Avoid causing harm

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Maintain confidentiality

Question 12

Virtue ethics, as a major ethical theory, focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Cultivating moral character and virtues

Answer

Establishing objective moral rules

Answer

Fulfilling duty-based obligations

Answer

Predicting the consequences of actions

Question 13

The principle of 'informed consent' in healthcare is grounded in the ethical principle of:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a crucial element of ethical decision-making in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Solely relying on personal preferences

Answer

Identifying ethical issues

Answer

Applying ethical theories

Answer

Considering cultural and societal influences

Question 15

The concept of 'double effect' in medical ethics permits:

Accepted Answer

Accepting harm as an unintended consequence of a beneficial action

Answer

Intentionally causing harm with the aim of achieving a positive outcome

Answer

Prioritizing the patient's well-being over their autonomy

Answer

Weighing the interests of all parties involved

Question 16

The concept of 'medical futility' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Withdrawing or withholding treatment that is unlikely to provide significant benefit to the patient

Answer

Providing aggressive treatment even when there is minimal chance of recovery

Answer

Prioritizing the patient's wishes over their medical prognosis

Answer

Balancing the patient's autonomy with their best interests

Question 17

The primary ethical obligation of healthcare professionals is to:

Accepted Answer

Act in the best interests of their patients

Answer

Comply with legal regulations

Answer

Uphold the integrity of their profession

Answer

Ensure their own safety

Question 18

According to cultural relativism in ethics, what is the nature of moral values?

Accepted Answer

Vary significantly across different cultures

Answer

Universal and unchanging

Answer

Always based on religious beliefs

Answer

Derived solely from personal experiences

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a central principle of the Belmont Report in bioethics?

Accepted Answer

Charity

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Accountability

Question 20

Which of the following actions best reflects the ethical principle of autonomy in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Respecting a patient's decision to refuse life-saving treatment

Answer

Administering medication without patient consent

Answer

Sharing a patient's medical information with their family without their permission

Answer

Overriding a patient's wishes if it is believed to be in their best interest

Question 21

The deontological ethical theory emphasizes which of the following as the basis for moral actions?

Accepted Answer

Duty or obligation

Answer

Consequence of the action

Answer

Intention of the acting agent

Answer

Character of the individual

Question 22

In medical ethics, informed consent refers primarily to:

Accepted Answer

A patient's explicit agreement to undergo medical interventions after receiving adequate information

Answer

A doctor's obligation to disclose all treatment options to a patient

Answer

A legal requirement for obtaining consent before any medical procedure

Answer

The patient's right to refuse medical treatment without any adverse consequences

Question 23

Which ethical principle is most closely associated with the concept of respecting an individual's privacy?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 24

The ethical principle of respect for persons requires healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Treat patients with dignity and as autonomous individuals

Answer

Provide only treatments that have been scientifically proven to be effective

Answer

Avoid causing any harm to patients

Answer

Always act in what they believe is the patient's best interest