Deck 44: Ethics

Question 1

A client comes to the clinic and is found to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The client states to the nurse, "Promise you won't tell anyone about my condition." According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)of 1996, which action must the nurse take?

A)Honor the client's wishes.
B)Respect the client's privacy and confidentiality.
C)Communicate only necessary information.
D)Not disclose any information to anyone.

Answer 1

Communicate only necessary information.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client in the intensive care unit (ICU)who was in a motor vehicle crash. The healthcare provider asks the nurse to extubate the client because there is no communication between the brain and body due to a cervical fracture. The family agrees with the decision of the healthcare provider, but the nurse is uncomfortable pulling the tube. Which is the reason the nurse is experiencing difficulty with this task?

A)An ethical conflict
B)Personal values
C)Legal issues
D)Cultural values

Answer 2

Personal values

Question 3

A nurse educator is talking to a student about how to deal with an ethical dilemma in practice. Which does the nurse educator explain to the student as important regarding actions during an ethical dilemma?

A)Examining all conflicts in the situation
B)Investigating all aspects of the situation
C)Relying on nursing judgment
D)Making a decision based on the policy of the agency

Answer 3

Investigating all aspects of the situation

Question 4

A client who was raped tells the nurse that she is planning to have an abortion because she cannot raise a child who was conceived this way; however, abortion is against her religion. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

A)Remind the client that abortion is killing and that's why it is against her religion
B)Ask the client what she needs to support her decision.
C)Provide information on giving up children for adoption.
D)Suggest she talk with her clergy.

Question 5

Every year, the nurse attends a nursing conference and takes several continuing education courses to help maintain licensure. Which section of the ICN Code of Ethics does this uphold?

A)Nurses and people
B)Nurses and practice
C)Nurses and the profession
D)Nurses and co-workers

Question 6

A client, learning that her baby has died in utero, is planning to carry the baby until natural delivery because abortion is against her religion. Which is the client demonstrating based on this data?

A)Fear of retribution
B)Morals
C)A healthy decision
D)Sound judgment

Question 7

The nurse is caring for a client who has chosen to discontinue hemodialysis. The client's family, however, is not supportive of the decision. The nurse who uses the theory of principles-based reasoning would make which statement regarding the current situation?

A)"The client understands the decision and the advanced stage of the disease. If the client quits treatment, the client will die."
B)"I need to try to help the family understand the client's decision so they can work through this situation together."
C)"This client is of sound mind and is capable of making independent decisions regarding healthcare. It really is the client's decision to make."
D)"This client's health is so deteriorated that the treatment is not saving the client's life. It is prolonging the ultimate outcome, which is death."

Question 8

A hospice nurse is working closely with a client who, on several occasions, has asked about guidance and support in ending life. The nurse recognizes which in regard to making ethical and moral decisions in this circumstance?

A)Euthanasia has legal implications along with moral and ethical ones.
B)Passive euthanasia is an easy decision to arrive at.
C)Active euthanasia is supported in the Code for Nurses.
D)Assisted suicide is illegal in all states.

Question 9

Which statement accurately describes the purpose of the American Nurse's Association's Code of Ethics for Nurses?

A)It serves as a statement of nurses' personal values and standards.
B)It serves as the profession's nonnegotiable ethical standard.
C)It serves as an announcement of nurses' commitment to the profession.
D)It serves as a standard protocol for performing nursing procedures.

Question 10

The nurse is caring for a client on a medical-surgical unit. The client tells the nurse that the healthcare provider has refused to treat the client further if the client continues to be noncompliant with the healthcare provider's recommendations. Which is the priority nursing action in this situation?

A)Take the issue to the hospital ethics committee.
B)Advise the client to sue the healthcare provider.
C)Have the client contact a consumer agency.
D)Notify the healthcare provider of the client's complaints.

Question 11

A nurse is volunteering time in a local free clinic that provides care to the underinsured population. By volunteering time to work in the clinic, this nurse is demonstrating which professional value?

A)Human dignity
B)Social justice
C)Integrity
D)Autonomy

Question 12

The family of a terminally ill client requests that the client not be informed of the diagnosis. Which moral principle does the request violate?

A)Justice
B)Veracity
C)Beneficence
D)Nonmaleficence

Question 13

Which situation indicates a conflict in morality?

A)The nurse provides a terminally ill client a meal that includes foods that should be avoided but were requested.
B)The nurse provides the mother of a dying neonate a cup of coffee in the intensive care unit.
C)The nurse provides over-the-counter pain relievers to the daughter of a client because of a headache.
D)The nurse purchases the daily newspaper for a client who does not have any money but will when his wife comes to visit.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for a 22-year-old client with Down syndrome. Because the client has an intellectual disability, he is under the legal care of his parents. The client needs medical treatment for aspiration pneumonia, but the parents are declining care because they have heard that aspiration pneumonia is often fatal in clients with chronic health conditions. In addition to ethics and advocacy, what other nursing concept must the nurse factor into care decisions made in this case?

A)Informatics
B)Development
C)Mood and Affect
D)Spirituality

Question 15

The nurse is admitting a client to the medical unit who was brought to the emergency department by a neighbor. The client states, "I ran out of my medication last week. I don't have any family or close friends to help me." Upon assessment, the nurse notes the following findings: oxygen saturation of 93% on room air, breath sounds reveal crackles bilateral bases, P 110 bpm, R 22 breaths per min, BP 110/60 mmHg. Which is the priority psychosocial nursing diagnosis for this client?

A)Social Isolation
B)Impaired Gas Exchange
C)Noncompliance
D)Interrupted Family Process

Question 16

The nurse on a committee to determine the funding that each part of the hospital receives would be most concerned with which moral theory?

A)Consequence-based theory
B)Principles-based theory
C)Relationship-based theory
D)Legal-based theory

Question 17

A nursing instructor is discussing moral principles with a group of students. Which comment made by a student nurse indicates the need for further instruction?

A)"A client choosing not to have a needed blood transfusion is an example of autonomy."
B)"An example of veracity would be if a client asks her nurse if she is going to die and the nurse feels obligated to explain to the client that she is dying."
C)"If a client asks the nurse to please come right back, and the nurse tells the client he will be back in just a couple of minutes, then that would be an example of fidelity."
D)"A home health nurse carefully planning his or her day to assure each client gets an adequate amount of time is an example of beneficence."

Question 18

The nurse administers morphine to a client after surgery to help manage pain even though morphine has a risk of creating dependence and addiction. What ethical principle does the nurse apply in this situation when planning care?

A)Veracity
B)Justice
C)Autonomy
D)Beneficence

Question 19

A nurse is caring for an older adult client with terminal cancer. The client's family wants to continue treatment, but the client would like to discontinue treatment and go home. The nurse agrees to be present while the client tells the family. Which principle is the nurse supporting?

A)Beneficence for the client
B)Autonomy for the client
C)Nonmaleficence for the client
D)Justice for the client

Question 20

The nurse is talking with a parent who decides to decline treatment for a 3-year-old client whose cancer has metastasized. There is a conflict between the parents and the rest of the family regarding the withdrawal of care from the child. Which should the nurse consider when determining the appropriate action for this client?

A)The beliefs of the child
B)The values of the parents
C)The age of the child
D)The values of the rest of the family

Question 21

What are some of the rights clients have when receiving care within a healthcare system? Select all that apply.

A)Clients have the right to be given information only in English.
B)Clients have the right to refuse care.
C)Clients have the right to know when something goes wrong with their care.
D)Clients have the right to care that is free from discrimination.
E)Clients have the right to know the titles, but not necessarily the names, of their caregivers.

Question 22

A client with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)is admitted to the acute care floor. According to a 2015 American Nurses Association (ANA)position statement, which stance addressing this bioethical issue is appropriate?

A)The nurse is morally obligated to care for the client unless the risk exceeds responsibility.
B)The nurse has the responsibility to ensure the client gets adequate medical care.
C)The client has the right to choose not to disclose his or her condition to staff.
D)The client is morally bound to disclose every aspect of his or her condition to staff.

Question 23

The nurse performing an admission assessment on a client must inform the client of client rights and responsibilities. Which client rights are considered standard by many healthcare agencies? Select all that apply.

A)You have a right to be informed about the care you receive.
B)You have the right to safe care.
C)You have the right to be treated with courtesy and respect.
D)You have the right to be listened to.
E)You have the right to be appointed a personal advocate by the healthcare provider.

Question 24

Staff at the hospital have decided to strike in order to try to improve working conditions. Which are some of the ethical issues that a nurse working in the hospital will have to consider when deciding whether or not to honor the picket line? Select all that apply.

A)The need to support coworkers in their efforts to improve working conditions
B)The need to ensure that clients receive care and are not abandoned
C)The desire to take some time off
D)Loyalty to the nurse's employer
E)The need for higher pay

Question 25

A hospice nurse is working with a client who has ovarian cancer. The client is concerned that her two daughters are at an increased risk for cancer and asks for the nurse's help. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

A)Provide the family with information on hereditary cancer risks.
B)Assure the client that ovarian cancer is not hereditary.
C)Offer to refer the daughters to a genetic counselor.
D)Arrange for the client to have genetic testing.
E)Tell the client that her additional worrying is too stressful.

Question 26

The nurse on the mother-baby unit is confronted by a client who states, "I know my rights and you have to do what I tell you!" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A)"I don't mind doing anything within reason, but you have a responsibility to be considerate to the staff as well."
B)"That statement is not included in your client rights; don't yell at me."
C)"Why do you feel angry . . . did I do something you did not like?"
D)"Do you want me to take the baby to the nursery so you can calm down?"

Question 27

The nurse is caring for an older adult client who will undergo surgery in the morning. While assessing the client, the nurse discovers that the client does not have an adequate understanding of the procedure. The nurse discusses the situation with the charge nurse to determine the best course. Which is the reason for the nurse to take action in this situation?

A)The client is very old and has multiple health problems.
B)The family needs to agree to surgery.
C)The nurse witnessed the consent.
D)The client has a right to informed consent.

Question 28

When faced with ethical dilemmas, which are some of the elements of risk management that can assist nurses in decision making? Select all that apply.

A)Education
B)Peer support and consultation
C)Resource accumulation
D)Righteousness
E)Financial support

Question 29

A nurse educator is explaining the idea of healthcare as a partnership between provider and client. Which are client responsibilities that some hospitals have included in their client bill of rights? Select all that apply.

A)Involving your family in your healthcare decisions
B)Reporting accurate and complete information about your health to your healthcare team
C)Answering questions asked by your healthcare team
D)Immediately paying all expenses not covered by insurance
E)Accepting the consequences if you fail to comply with instructions given to you

Question 30

An adolescent client diagnosed with leukemia decides to stop chemotherapy treatments. The parents of the client, however, want the healthcare team to continue all treatments as necessary. Which action by the nurse is appropriate when providing care to this client and family?

A)Helping the family by providing information and allowing them to voice concerns
B)Confronting the parents and telling them not to be "selfish" in their child's time of need
C)Calling the authorities immediately
D)Obtaining a court order to determine the client legally able to make his or her own decisions

Question 31

A pregnant woman has been rushed to the operating room for an emergency cesarean section. The physician explained the procedure to the parents, and he asked the father to wait in the waiting room until the procedure is complete. The mother asked if the father could be in the room to see the baby delivered and to help make decisions about the baby's care, but the physician explained that because of the emergency situation, that wouldn't be allowed. In this situation, which client right was violated?

A)The right to know when something goes wrong with care.
B)The right to be treated with courtesy and respect.
C)The right to have a personal representative.
D)The right to be listened to.

Question 32

A nurse is providing hospice care for an older adult client. The nurse is approached by the client's adult child. The adult child believes that her other parent, who is in a nursing home, is being neglected. What suggestions can the nurse offer in this situation? Select all that apply.

A)Contact the client advocate at the nursing facility.
B)Contact the local newspaper.
C)Encourage the daughter to immediately place her other parent in a different facility.
D)Contact the consumer protection agency.
E)Report suspicions to the licensing agency.

Question 33

A client tells his nurse, "I really don't like the nurse on first shift. I was treated badly." Which action should the nurse take as an advocate for this client?

A)Call the agency client advocacy department.
B)Confront the nurse when she comes to work.
C)Tell the client he has the right to switch nurses.
D)Call the local authorities.

Question 34

What are some reasons the nurse might withhold food and fluids from a client? Select all that apply.

A)A competent and informed client refuses them.
B)A son decides that it is his father's time to die.
C)It is determined to be more harmful to administer them than to withhold them.
D)A schizophrenic client believes that they are being poisoned.
E)The nurse thinks that the client is in too much pain.

Question 35

A pregnant client with a history of drug use refuses testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), despite the recommendation of her nurse-midwife. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate in this situation? Select all that apply.

A)Refuse to treat the client.
B)Do the testing anyway.
C)Re-emphasize the importance of HIV testing.
D)Offer counseling.
E)Throughout the pregnancy, encourage the client to reconsider the decision not to be tested.