Deck 2: Ethical Theory

Question 1

Which type of moral theory, rigidly applied, would most likely lead a person to consider euthanasia morally wrong, even when it is done to end the pain and suffering of a patient?

A) deontology
B) virtue ethics
C) naturalism
D) utilitarianism

Answer 1

deontology

Question 2

A nurse performs CPR on a choking patient and in the process breaks the sternum, which then leads to the patient's death. Which ethical theory would say that the nurse's actions were inherently good because of the intent, regardless of the outcome?

A) deontology
B) naturalism
C) rationalism
D) utilitarianism

Answer 2

deontology

Question 3

During a healthcare team meeting, the physician asks the other members of the team for their input on how best to care for a particular patient, rather than dictating a prescribed plan of care. What ethical theory does this situation best exemplify?

A) feminist ethics
B) relational ethics
C) hierarchy ethics
D) virtue ethics

Answer 3

relational ethics

Question 4

What is the term for the Kantian maxim requiring that no action be judged as right which cannot reasonably become a law by which every person should always abide?

A) the categorical imperative
B) the practical imperative
C) deontology
D) utilitarianism

Question 5

A nurse recognizes and shares with a client the understanding of the amount of pain that the client is experiencing. What focal virtue is this situation based on?

A) discernment
B) compassion
C) trustworthiness
D) integrity

Question 6

What kind of philosophy is a nurse engaged in when debating what is considered good or bad, right or wrong?

A) empathy
B) sympathy
C) moral
D) virtualism

Question 7

Which moral perspective propounds the belief that people can figure out absolute moral rules which derive from the universe and that these truths are superior to the information received from the senses?

A) moral belief
B) rationalism
C) deontology
D) naturalism

Question 8

What theory is based on the view that the rightness or wrongness of an act depends upon the nature of the act, rather than its consequences?

A) deontology
B) formalism
C) Kantianism
D) act utilitarianism

Question 9

A client is refusing a blood transfusion, despite the possible consequences. The nurse caring for this client knows that the client will die without the blood transfusion. What is this an example of?

A) personal philosophy
B) virtue ethics
C) ethical dilemma
D) practical imperative

Question 10

Scenario: In a clinic where there is only one functioning haemodialysis machine, there are two patients waiting for dialysis. One patient is a female, married, with four children; the other is a male, unmarried, and a homeless alcoholic. The nurse decides that the female is the right choice. Which of the following most clearly supports the nurse's decision?

A) deontology
B) virtue ethics
C) rationalism
D) utilitarianism

Question 11

A nurse notices a patient crying and decides to offer some reassurance, rather walking away and giving the patient privacy. What focal virtue is the nurse exhibiting?

A) discernment
B) compassion
C) trustworthiness
D) integrity

Question 12

What focal virtue is best exemplified by soundness, reliability, and wholeness of moral character?

A) discernment
B) conscientiousness
C) trustworthiness
D) integrity

Question 13

What is the Kantian maxim requiring that one treat others always as ends and never as a means?

A) the categorical imperative
B) the practical imperative
C) deontology
D) utilitarianism

Question 14

Which ethical theory, when applied, would most likely lead to making meals for a needy family?

A) rationalism
B) naturalism
C) virtue ethics
D) deontology

Question 15

Which concept was first noted in the writings of Socrates?

A) virtue ethics
B) utilitarianism
C) deontology
D) rationalism

Question 16

What focal virtue is measured by other people's recognition of the nurse's consistency and predictability in following moral norms?

A) discernment
B) conscientiousness
C) trustworthiness
D) integrity