Chapter 3 Ethics Resources for Nurses

Chapter 3  Ethics Resources for Nurses

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Which of the following was a focus of codes of ethics during earlier nursing times?
a.
Professional standards
b.
Practice standards
c.
The scope of practice standards
d.
The virtue and morality of nurses

ANS: D
Correct D: The virtue, character, and morality of nurses were the focus of early nursing codes of ethics, in addition to key principles that guided nursing practice.

Incorrect A: Professional standards have evolved in the current Code; they were not a focus of historical codes of ethics.
Incorrect B: Practice standards were not a part of historical codes of ethics and are not part of the modern Code. Practice standards set out requirements related to specific aspects of registered nurses’ practice.
Incorrect C: The scope of practice standards were not a part of historical codes of ethics and are not part of the modern Code. Scope of practice standards articulate standards, limits, and conditions related to the scope of practice of registered nurses and nurse practitioners.

DIF: Cognitive level: Comprehension REF: p. 62

2. Which of the following is true of the Canadian Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses?
a.
It offers suggestions on resolving routine practice issues.
b.
It contains a dispute resolution mechanism.
c.
It offers a framework and guide for ethical practice.
d.
It is closely aligned with the physician’s code of ethics.

ANS: C
Correct C: The Code contains nursing values and ethical responsibilities, as well as ethical endeavours, all of which guide and frame ethical reflection and decision making in nursing practice.

Incorrect A: Practice issues are not discussed in the Code; these are regulatory body issues.
Incorrect B: Dispute resolution mechanisms are part of a collective agreement, not a code of ethics.
Incorrect D: There may be similarities between the two codes because they are both informed by ethical principles; however, there is no alignment between these two codes.

DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p. 63

3. Which primary value from the CNA Code of Ethics is being followed by a nurse who intervenes to address an unsafe nursing practice?
a.
Being accountable
b.
Providing safe, compassionate, competent, and ethical care
c.
Promoting justice
d.
Promoting health and well-being

ANS: B
Correct B: Nurses question and intervene to address unsafe, noncompassionate, unethical, or incompetent practice or conditions that interfere with their ability to provide safe, compassionate, competent, and ethical care.

Incorrect A: Nurses are accountable for their actions and answerable for their practice, but this is not directly related to the situation mentioned above.
Incorrect C: Nurses uphold justice by safeguarding human rights, equality, and fairness and by promoting the public good, but this is not directly related to the situation mentioned above.
Incorrect D: Nurses help people attain their highest possible level of health and well-being, but this is not directly related to the situation mentioned above.

DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p. 64

4. Which primary ethical nursing value is being followed by a nurse who respects the wishes of a patient to decline to receive information about her health condition?
a.
Promoting and respecting informed decision making
b.
Preserving dignity
c.
Being accountable
d.
Promoting health and well-being

ANS: A
Correct A: Nurses promote autonomy and self-determination in patients, allowing them to make their own choices.

Incorrect B: Nurses recognize and respect the intrinsic worth of each person, but this is not directly related to the patient’s decision making.
Incorrect C: Nurses are individually accountable for their own practice, but this does not have a direct impact on the decisions of the patient.
Incorrect D: Nurses help people attain their highest possible level of health and well-being. This is an important aspect of a patient’s decision making; however, it does not directly involve patient autonomy.

DIF: Cognitive level: Application REF: p. 67