Objective Questions on Ethical Standards in Nursing

1. Which of the following is NOT considered an ethical standard in nursing?

   • a) Discipline

   • b) Intelligent obedience

   • c) Punctuality

   • d) Personal gain

   • Answer: d) Personal gain

   • Rationale: Ethical standards in nursing focus on professionalism and patient care, not personal gain.

2. What does the ethical principle of "non-maleficence" mean?

   • a) To do good

   • b) To do no harm

   • c) To tell the truth

   • d) To respect autonomy

   • Answer: b) To do no harm

   • Rationale: Non-maleficence means avoiding actions that cause harm to patients.

3. Which ethical standard emphasizes the importance of protecting privileged information?

   • a) Fidelity

   • b) Confidentiality

   • c) Veracity

   • d) Justice

   • Answer: b) Confidentiality

   • Rationale: Confidentiality involves protecting patient information from unauthorized disclosure.

4. What is the primary responsibility of a nurse according to ethical standards?

   • a) To conserve life

   • b) To promote personal interests

   • c) To advertise professional skills

   • d) To accept bribes

   • Answer: a) To conserve life

   • Rationale: The fundamental responsibility of a nurse is to conserve life, alleviate suffering, and promote health.

5. Which of the following is an example of respecting a patient's autonomy?

   • a) Making decisions for the patient without their consent

   • b) Providing accurate information and obtaining informed consent

   • c) Disclosing patient information to unauthorized individuals

   • d) Ignoring the patient's wishes and preferences

   • Answer: b) Providing accurate information and obtaining informed consent

   • Rationale: Respecting autonomy means allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care.

6. What does the ethical principle of "beneficence" mean?

   • a) To do good

   • b) To do no harm

   • c) To tell the truth

   • d) To respect autonomy

   • Answer: a) To do good

   • Rationale: Beneficence involves actions that promote the well-being of patients.

7. Which ethical standard requires nurses to fulfill promises made to patients?

   • a) Fidelity

   • b) Confidentiality

   • c) Veracity

   • d) Justice

   • Answer: a) Fidelity

   • Rationale: Fidelity involves being faithful to commitments and promises made to patients.

8. What should a nurse do if they observe a colleague engaging in unethical behavior?

   • a) Ignore the behavior

   • b) Report the behavior to the appropriate authorities

   • c) Join in the unethical behavior

   • d) Keep it a secret

   • Answer: b) Report the behavior to the appropriate authorities

   • Rationale: Nurses have a duty to report unethical behavior to maintain professional standards.

9. Which ethical standard emphasizes fair and equal treatment of all patients?

   • a) Fidelity

   • b) Confidentiality

   • c) Veracity

   • d) Justice

   • Answer: d) Justice

   • Rationale: Justice involves treating all patients fairly and equally.

10. What is the ethical responsibility of a nurse when providing care to a patient in detention?

    • a) To prioritize the detainee's health and maintain confidentiality

    • b) To disclose the detainee's health information to authorities

    • c) To refuse to provide care to the detainee

    • d) To accept bribes from the detainee

    • Answer: a) To prioritize the detainee's health and maintain confidentiality

    • Rationale: Nurses must provide care to detainees with the same ethical standards as other patients, including maintaining confidentiality.