2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which ethical principle supports a competent patient's right to
refuse treatment?
A) Beneficence
B) Autonomy
C) Justice
D) Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: B) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy recognizes the patient's right to make informed
decisions about their own healthcare, including accepting or refusing
treatment.
Q2. Which ethical principle requires the nurse to promote the
patient's well-being?
A) Fidelity
B) Justice
C) Beneficence
D) Veracity
Correct Answer: C) Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence requires actions intended to benefit the patient and
promote health and well-being.
Q3. Which ethical principle means avoiding actions that cause
unnecessary harm?
A) Autonomy
B) Justice
C) Fidelity
D) Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: D) Nonmaleficence
Rationale: Nonmaleficence requires the healthcare professional to avoid
causing unnecessary injury or harm.
Q4. Which ethical principle refers to fair and equal treatment of
patients?
, A) Justice
B) Veracity
C) Fidelity
D) Autonomy
Correct Answer: A) Justice
Rationale: Justice requires fair and equitable treatment and distribution of
healthcare resources.
Q5. Which ethical principle involves keeping promises and
professional commitments?
A) Beneficence
B) Fidelity
C) Justice
D) Autonomy
Correct Answer: B) Fidelity
Rationale: Fidelity means being faithful to commitments and maintaining
professional obligations to patients.
Q6. Which ethical principle requires truthful communication?
A) Veracity
B) Justice
C) Beneficence
D) Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: A) Veracity
Rationale: Veracity is the ethical obligation to communicate honestly and
truthfully.
Q7. A competent patient refuses a blood transfusion for personal
reasons. Which action is most appropriate?
A) Administer the blood anyway
B) Respect the patient's informed decision
C) Ask another patient to make the decision
D) Obtain consent from any available family member
Correct Answer: B) Respect the patient's informed decision
Rationale: A competent patient has the right to refuse treatment, even when
the healthcare team believes the treatment would be beneficial.