Ethical Considerations in Dementia Care: Ensuring Patient Autonomy and Dignity

Question 1

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting the individual's choices, even if they seem unwise?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

When making ethical decisions for dementia patients, healthcare professionals must prioritize which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

Which ethical principle places utmost importance on respecting an individual's choices and decisions, even if they differ from healthcare professionals' recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

In the United Kingdom, which legal document allows an individual to designate someone to make decisions on their behalf if they lose the capacity to do so?

Accepted Answer

Power of Attorney

Answer

Living Will

Answer

Advanced Directive

Answer

Appointed Guardian

Question 5

In situations where the patient's wishes are unclear or cannot be determined, healthcare professionals may rely on the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Best Interests

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Substituted Judgment

Answer

Autonomy

Question 6

Which ethical principle guides healthcare professionals to act in the patient's best interests?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 7

In the United Kingdom, which legal act provides the framework for decision-making in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Mental Capacity Act 2005

Answer

Care Act 2014

Question 8

When assessing a patient's capacity to make decisions, which factor is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the decision's nature and consequences

Answer

Able to communicate their decision

Question 9

An Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (ADRT) serves as a:

Accepted Answer

Legally binding document expressing a patient's wishes about future medical treatment

Answer

Can only be created when a patient has a terminal illness

Question 10

The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) approach in dementia care aims to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a comprehensive assessment of the patient's needs and develop a personalized care plan.

Answer

To develop and implement an individualized care plan

Question 11

Respecting patient autonomy is important in dementia care because it:

Accepted Answer

Upholds their dignity, well-being, and ensures their wishes are considered.

Answer

It ensures that their wishes are followed

Question 12

In palliative care for dementia patients, which ethical consideration is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing comfort, symptom management, and respecting their preferences.

Answer

Ensuring that the patient is free from pain

Question 13

Continuing professional development (CPD) in dementia care plays a vital role in promoting ethical practice by:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring healthcare professionals stay updated, reflect on their practice, and access new knowledge.

Answer

Reflecting on one's own practice

Question 14

In dementia care, physical restraints can raise ethical concerns. Discuss the potential risks to patient autonomy and the healthcare professional's responsibility to ensure patient safety.

Accepted Answer

Physical restraints should be used only as a last resort, after exploring less restrictive options and carefully weighing the risks and benefits.

Answer

Physical restraints should always be used to prevent harm to patients with dementia, even if they object.

Answer

Physical restraints should never be used in dementia care because they always violate patient autonomy.

Question 15

Which fundamental principle is paramount in ethical decision-making for dementia care?

Accepted Answer

Upholding the patient's autonomy and informed decision-making rights

Answer

Prioritizing family preferences over the patient's wishes

Answer

Focusing solely on medical interventions, disregarding the patient's values

Question 16

When faced with ethical dilemmas in healthcare, which factors should be considered?

Accepted Answer

The patient's wishes, values, and personal beliefs

Answer

Focusing solely on medical evidence and established best practices

Answer

Relying exclusively on the opinions of healthcare professionals

Answer

Solely considering financial implications

Question 17

In dementia care, what is the concept of 'informed consent' best described as?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining the patient's explicit agreement to a proposed course of action after providing comprehensive and balanced information

Answer

Assuming consent if the patient had the capacity to make the decision

Question 18

In cases where a dementia patient lacks decision-making capacity, who should be involved in the decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

A designated substitute decision-maker, like a family member or close friend, who comprehends the patient's wishes and values

Answer

The healthcare team alone

Question 19

Which ethical principle mandates that healthcare professionals provide truthful information to patients and their families?

Accepted Answer

Honesty

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 20

When considering end-of-life care options for a patient with dementia, which factors should be taken into account?

Accepted Answer

The patient's preferences, values, beliefs, and current cognitive and physical functioning

Answer

Only the medical implications and prognosis

Question 21

Which ethical dilemma commonly arises in dementia care?

Accepted Answer

Balancing the patient's right to autonomy with ensuring their protection

Answer

Providing false information to the patient or family to avoid distress

Answer

Deciding on the most suitable medical treatment without considering the patient's preferences

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that patients receive high-quality care that respects their rights, autonomy, and dignity

Answer

To impose punishments on healthcare professionals who make ethical mistakes

Answer

To endorse specific religious or philosophical viewpoints

Question 23

In the United Kingdom, which of the following is NOT a legal requirement when obtaining consent for medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining written consent from the patient, witnessed by a healthcare professional

Answer

Providing clear and balanced information about the proposed treatment

Answer

Ensuring that the patient has the capacity to make an informed decision

Question 24

Why are ethical considerations in dementia care particularly crucial?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with dementia often experience cognitive impairments, affecting their decision-making abilities and their comprehension of choices

Answer

Dementia is a relatively uncommon condition