Ethics and Law in Healthcare: Quizzes and Practice Questions

Question 1

Which ethical principle upholds the importance of prioritizing the patient's well-being over any other considerations?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

When a patient's ability to make decisions is compromised, which ethical dilemma arises?

Accepted Answer

Balancing respect for patient autonomy with the need to protect their best interests

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality versus informing family members

Answer

Prioritizing beneficence over non-maleficence

Answer

Ensuring justice versus equity

Question 3

Under which circumstances is it ethically permissible to disclose patient information without their consent?

Accepted Answer

Any of the above

Answer

To prevent imminent harm to others

Answer

To safeguard the patient's health

Answer

To comply with a court order

Question 4

Based on their religious beliefs, under what conditions can a patient decline medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

At any time, provided they are mentally competent

Answer

Only if they have created an advance directive

Answer

Never, as healthcare professionals are obligated to prioritize saving lives

Answer

Only if the treatment is deemed non-essential

Question 5

Under which legal framework are healthcare professionals legally obligated to act diligently to prevent harm to their patients?

Accepted Answer

Common law negligence

Answer

Professional guidelines

Answer

Ethical codes of conduct

Answer

NHS regulations

Question 6

Which scenario exemplifies informed consent in healthcare practice?

Accepted Answer

A patient provides written consent to undergo surgery after being thoroughly informed of potential risks and benefits

Answer

A doctor prescribes medication without discussing possible side effects with the patient

Answer

A nurse obtains a patient's signature on a consent form without explaining the procedure

Answer

A patient's family member signs a consent form on their behalf without their knowledge or consent

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To provide a framework for ethical decision-making

Answer

To ensure that ethical decisions are always made correctly

Answer

To replace legal frameworks

Answer

To eliminate ethical dilemmas in healthcare practice

Question 8

Which action would constitute a breach of patient confidentiality in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing patient data to an insurance company without their consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's medical history with their legal guardian

Answer

Sharing patient information with other healthcare professionals directly involved in their care

Answer

Documenting patient information in a secure electronic health record

Question 9

Which ethical principle emphasizes the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 10

What is the primary role of multidisciplinary teams in ethical decision-making in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To provide a range of perspectives and expertise

Answer

To delegate ethical responsibilities to individual team members

Answer

To ensure that ethical decisions are made by a single authority

Answer

To prioritize legal considerations over ethical concerns

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle in healthcare decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Economic Considerations

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 12

Which fundamental ethical principle in healthcare decision-making prioritizes respect for patient autonomy and self-determination?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 13

In the United Kingdom, the Mental Capacity Act (2005) safeguards the rights of individuals with:

Accepted Answer

Impaired decision-making abilities

Answer

Healthcare professionals

Answer

Carers

Answer

Families of patients

Question 14

Which of the following factors is NOT relevant in determining a patient's capacity to make decisions?

Accepted Answer

Chronological age

Answer

Comprehension of relevant information

Answer

Ability to evaluate risks and benefits

Answer

Cultural background

Question 15

When a patient lacks the capacity to make healthcare decisions, who has the legal authority to make decisions on their behalf, according to the principles outlined in the Mental Capacity Act (2005)?

Accepted Answer

An independent mental health advocate

Answer

The patient's next of kin

Answer

The patient's doctor

Answer

The healthcare team acting collectively

Question 16

Under what circumstances may it be ethically justifiable to withhold information from a patient?

Accepted Answer

When the information could cause significant harm to the patient

Answer

When the patient's family members request it

Answer

When the patient is unconscious

Answer

Withholding information is never ethically justifiable

Question 17

How can healthcare professionals strike a balance between respecting patient autonomy and fulfilling their duty to protect the patient and others?

Accepted Answer

By actively involving patients in shared decision-making

Answer

By always prioritizing the patient's wishes, regardless of the consequences

Answer

By seeking external legal advice in every decision-making situation

Answer

By relying solely on their own professional judgment

Question 18

Which ethical principle encompasses the idea that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 19

What is the ethical principle that healthcare professionals must follow, which involves actively seeking to do good for patients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 20

Which legal concept requires healthcare professionals to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of patient information?

Accepted Answer

Patient confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Advance directives

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit of establishing ethical frameworks in healthcare decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating all uncertainty

Answer

Promoting fair and equitable healthcare practices

Answer

Protecting patient rights

Question 22

What is the concept of 'informed consent' in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

The principle that patients have the right to make informed choices about their healthcare after receiving comprehensive information.

Answer

The duty of healthcare professionals to act in the best interests of patients

Question 23

Which ethical dilemma arises when healthcare professionals must balance the principles of patient autonomy and protecting the patient from potential harm?

Accepted Answer

Balancing autonomy and beneficence

Answer

Deciding between different treatment options

Answer

Allocating scarce resources fairly

Question 24

What is the legal obligation of healthcare professionals to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory reporting

Answer

No reporting obligation

Answer

Conditional reporting

Answer

Voluntary reporting

Question 25

Which of the following is an example of an advance directive?

Accepted Answer

Living will

Answer

Medical alert bracelet

Answer

Consent for treatment form

Answer

HIPAA authorization form

Question 26

What is the ethical principle that requires healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 27

What is the purpose of a healthcare ethics committee?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance and support on ethical issues faced by healthcare professionals and institutions.

Answer

To enforce ethical standards in healthcare

Answer

To investigate and resolve ethical complaints