Nursing Ethics MCQs

1. : Which principle in nursing ethics refers to the obligation to do no harm?
(A) Beneficence
(B) Nonmaleficence
(C) Autonomy
(D) Justice

2. : Which ethical principle emphasizes the right of patients to make their own healthcare decisions?
(A) Beneficence
(B) Nonmaleficence
(C) Autonomy
(D) Fidelity

3. : What is the primary focus of the principle of beneficence in nursing practice?
(A) Respecting patient privacy
(B) Promoting the well-being of patients
(C) Avoiding harm to patients
(D) Distributing resources fairly

4. : Which of the following actions best demonstrates the principle of justice in nursing?
(A) Providing equal care to all patients regardless of their socioeconomic status
(B) Avoiding harm while administering medication
(C) Ensuring patient confidentiality
(D) Encouraging patients to participate in decision-making

5. : What is the ethical concept that involves keeping promises and being honest with patients?
(A) Autonomy
(B) Fidelity
(C) Nonmaleficence
(D) Justice

6. : Which ethical dilemma involves a conflict between a nurse’s personal beliefs and their professional obligations?
(A) Moral distress
(B) Moral residue
(C) Ethical principle
(D) Informed consent

7. : Which of the following is a key component of informed consent in nursing practice?
(A) The patient’s ability to make a decision
(B) The nurse’s personal opinion about the treatment
(C) The cost of the treatment
(D) The patient’s family’s preferences

8. : What is the ethical concern when a nurse is asked to perform a procedure outside their scope of practice?
(A) Beneficence
(B) Nonmaleficence
(C) Autonomy
(D) Competence

9. : In which situation is the principle of confidentiality most relevant?
(A) When discussing a patient’s condition with other healthcare providers
(B) When providing information to a patient’s family without consent
(C) When sharing patient details in a public setting
(D) When maintaining a patient’s health records securely

10. : What is the role of ethical codes in nursing practice?
(A) To establish legal requirements for nursing practice
(B) To provide guidelines for making ethical decisions
(C) To dictate specific treatment protocols
(D) To manage healthcare costs

11. : Which ethical principle requires a nurse to advocate for the best interests of patients, even when it conflicts with their own interests?
(A) Autonomy
(B) Fidelity
(C) Nonmaleficence
(D) Beneficence

12. : How should a nurse handle a situation where they suspect a colleague is engaging in unethical behavior?
(A) Ignore the behavior if it doesn’t directly impact patient care
(B) Report the behavior to the appropriate authority or supervisor
(C) Discuss the behavior with the colleague privately
(D) Document the behavior and wait for further evidence

13. : Which concept involves balancing the benefits of a treatment against its risks and potential harms?
(A) Autonomy
(B) Beneficence
(C) Justice
(D) Risk-benefit analysis

14. : What should a nurse do if a patient refuses a recommended treatment?
(A) Ignore the refusal and proceed with the treatment
(B) Persuade the patient to accept the treatment
(C) Respect the patient’s decision and document the refusal
(D) Consult with the patient’s family to override the refusal

15. : What is the primary ethical issue involved in end-of-life care decisions?
(A) Cost of care
(B) Patient autonomy and informed consent
(C) Hospital policies
(D) Nurse’s personal beliefs

16. : Which of the following best describes the ethical principle of veracity?
(A) Ensuring patient safety
(B) Providing truthful and honest information
(C) Acting in the best interest of the patient
(D) Distributing resources equitably