Deck 2: Ethical Theory

Question 1

Which is often cited as a motivational factor in moral decision making and the basis for moral reasoning?  

A)altruism  
B)psychology  
C)absolute truths  
D)sympathy

Answer 1

sympathy

Question 2

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

Answer 2

the categorical imperative  

Question 3

Scenario: In a hospital there are limited organs available for transplant. There are two patients waiting for a liver transplant. One patient is a female, married, with four children; the other is a male, unmarried, and a homeless alcoholic. The decision is made that the female is the priority to receive the next available liver. Which of the following most clearly supports this decision?  

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

Answer 3

utilitarianism

Question 4

A client with cancer is refusing chemotherapy, despite the possible consequences. The nurse caring for this client knows that the client will most likely deteriorate without the chemotherapy. What is this an example of?  

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

Question 5

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

Question 6

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 7

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 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

Which concept was first noted in the writings of Socrates?  

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

Question 10

A nurse recognizes and shares with a client  an 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 11

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

Question 12

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 13

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 14

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

Question 15

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 16

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

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

Question 17

What is an example of rationalism?  

A)Babies are born with a tendency to be sympathetic and this develops further as they mature. 
B)All cultures will inherently assume responsibility for and care for the weak in society. 
C)Telling the truth is found throughout all cultures because this value originates independently in the universe. 
D)Stealing a loaf of bread to feed a hungry family is not bad because the end result is good.

Question 18

What is the strength of using virtue ethics theory in ethical decision making?  

A)It is consistent with both deontological and utilitarianism approaches, making it easy to utilize. 
B)It recognizes that good decision making is strengthened by habit and is developed over time. 
C)It supports making decisions based on rules, which maximizes the overall good. 
D)It recognizes the dignity and autonomy of persons and that all people should have equal consideration.

Question 19

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