Healthcare Ethics: Codes of Conduct for Healthcare Professionals

Question 1

How does the legal and regulatory framework for healthcare ethics guide ethical decision-making for healthcare professionals?

Accepted Answer

It sets ethical boundaries that healthcare professionals must follow when making decisions.

Answer

It provides specific rules for every ethical situation, removing the need for personal judgment.

Answer

It removes the responsibility of healthcare professionals to make ethical choices.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a key ethical duty for doctors as stated in the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice guidance?

Accepted Answer

Pursuing personal financial gain

Answer

Acting in the best interests of the patient

Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Question 3

Which ethical theory emphasizes the importance of adhering to absolute and universal moral rules, regardless of the consequences?

Accepted Answer

Kantianism

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 4

In the context of healthcare, a situation where a healthcare professional has a personal or financial interest that could potentially interfere with their professional duties is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Conflict of interest

Answer

Breach of confidentiality

Answer

Violation of patient autonomy

Answer

Professional misconduct

Question 5

Informed consent in healthcare requires all of the following elements, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Documenting the patient's consent in writing

Answer

Providing sufficient and understandable information to the patient

Answer

Ensuring that the patient has the capacity to make the decision

Answer

Obtaining the patient's voluntary and informed agreement

Question 6

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which of the following is NOT a necessary requirement for assessing a person's capacity to make decisions about their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Reaching a certain age

Answer

Understanding the relevant information

Answer

Weighing the risks and benefits

Answer

Being free from coercion or undue influence

Question 7

In situations where healthcare resources are scarce, which ethical principle should be given primary consideration?

Accepted Answer

Equity and fair distribution of resources

Answer

Maximizing overall benefit to the greatest number of people

Answer

Protecting the rights and autonomy of individual patients

Answer

Following established medical protocols and guidelines

Question 8

The professional body in the United Kingdom specifically responsible for providing ethical guidance and standards for nurses and midwives is:

Accepted Answer

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

Answer

Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Answer

General Medical Council (GMC)

Answer

British Medical Association (BMA)

Question 9

Which ethical theory emphasizes patient autonomy and shared decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy-Based Ethics

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Teleology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 10

Which fundamental principle of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct emphasizes respect for individuals receiving care?

Accepted Answer

To respect the rights and dignity of service users

Answer

To uphold the reputation of the nursing and midwifery professions

Answer

To promote good health and prevent ill-health

Answer

To deliver high-quality care based on evidence and practice

Question 11

Which principle is NOT included in the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Code of Conduct for Health and Social Care Workers?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing cost-effectiveness

Answer

Putting people at the heart of care

Answer

Promoting choice and independence

Answer

Respecting privacy and dignity

Question 12

In healthcare ethics, the concept of 'duty of care' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Moral obligation to act in the best interests of patients

Answer

Legal obligation to provide a certain level of care to patients

Answer

Professional obligation to adhere to ethical codes

Answer

Ethical obligation to prioritize patient autonomy

Question 13

The ethical principle of 'non-maleficence' in healthcare emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding harm to patients

Answer

Benefiting patients

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Answer

Promoting justice

Question 14

The ethical principle of 'beneficence' in healthcare refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Duty to provide benefit to patients

Answer

Obligation to minimize harm

Answer

Need to respect patient autonomy

Answer

Requirement to ensure fairness

Question 15

How does cultural diversity influence ethical decision-making in healthcare? Explain the significance of providing culturally sensitive care that respects patient values.

Accepted Answer

Educate oneself about diverse cultures and consult cultural experts when necessary.

Answer

Disregard cultural differences to ensure uniform care for all patients.

Answer

Expect patients to conform to the prevailing cultural norms in healthcare.

Answer

Assume that all patients from a specific culture share identical beliefs and values.

Question 16

Which ethical principles are fundamental to healthcare professionals' ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Efficiency

Question 17

What is the main challenge healthcare professionals face in adhering to ethical principles as healthcare technologies advance?

Accepted Answer

Insufficient ethical guidelines

Answer

Greater patient independence

Answer

Enhanced healthcare availability

Answer

Lower healthcare expenses

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a key element of informed consent in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

The patient must be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Answer

The patient must give their consent voluntarily

Answer

The patient must receive information about the risks and benefits

Answer

The patient must have the capacity to understand

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of the Data Protection Act (2018) in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To protect patient confidentiality and privacy

Answer

To ensure fair competition in the healthcare industry

Answer

To regulate the use of medical devices

Answer

To promote innovation in healthcare

Question 20

Which of the following individuals is most likely to be a member of a hospital ethics committee?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare professionals, ethicists, and community representatives

Answer

Only senior managers from the hospital

Answer

Only doctors and nurses

Answer

Only lawyers and judges

Question 21

What is the role of professional codes of ethics in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance on ethical behavior and decision-making

Answer

To regulate the healthcare industry

Answer

To promote competition between different healthcare providers

Answer

To punish healthcare professionals for misconduct

Question 22

Which of the following actions is considered a breach of confidentiality in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing patient information to an unauthorized person

Answer

Recording patient information in a secure medical record

Answer

Discussing patient cases with colleagues for professional development

Answer

Sharing patient information with family members