BIOETHICS IN NURSING PRACTICE
INSTRUCTION: Select the correct answer for each of the following questions. Mark only one answer for each item by
marking the box corresponding to the letter of your choice on the answer sheet provided.
1. Patient C.G. has brain cancer with poor prognosis. She has been admitted to the hospital for over two months now.
Her condition is deteriorating. She already meets the brain-death criteria. Which nursing intervention is the most
appropriate at this time?
a. Make the decision to withdraw the life support.
b. Sedate the patient.
c. Approach the patient’s family for possible organ donation.
d. Talk to the staff about their feelings.
2. Nurse Warren works with a colleague who consistently fails to use standard precautions or wear gloves when caring
for patients. Nurse Warren calls the attention of the colleague but the colleague insisted that standard precautions
and the use of gloves are not necessary until the patient is known to have tested positive for HIV. What is the most
appropriate action Nurse Warren would take?
a. Instruct the patients to remind this colleague to wear gloves.
b. Document the problem in writing for the manager.
c. Discuss the issue with other staff members.
d. Ignore the problem; Nurse Warren has done his job in reminding his colleague.
3. Nurse Jenny accidentally administers two capsules of phenytoin (Dilantin) instead of one capsule. The patient
exhibits no adverse reactions to that larger dose. What is the appropriate action Nurse Jenny should take?
a. Call the hospital’s lawyer.
b. Do nothing because the patient’s condition is stable.
c. Document that she has given a capsule of phenytoin (Dilantin).
d. Accomplish a complete incident report.
4. Nurse Paulo suspects that Nurse Gilbert has been drinking alcohol before their night shift. He smells alcohol on
Gilbert’s breath and notes slurred speech. What is the best course of action Nurse Paulo should take?
a. Immediately notify the nursing supervisor.
b. Cover up for Nurse Gilbert because the profession depends on loyalty from colleagues.
c. Tell Nurse Gilbert that he has one last chance, but if he drinks before another shift, he will be reported.
d. Call the security and have Nurse Gilbert arrested because he endangers the lives of the patients.
5. During her coffee break, Nurse Abby overheard a group of residents passing by that a celebrity patient with
syphilis is admitted at the hospital last night. Having heard this, Nurse Abby went to her friend Nurse Kate who was
an avid fan of the celebrity. What ethical principle was violated by Nurse Abby?
a. Justice
b. Confidentiality
c. Informed Consent
d. Beneficence
6. Nurse Flor is waiting for the admission orders from the admissions department. After a few minutes the runner of
the admissions department handed the order inside a folder. When Nurse Flor opened the folder, she was surprised
to see a caricature of their hated hospital director with derogatory statements about her inserted together with the
orders. What is her most appropriate nursing action?
a. Call the nursing supervisor and report the incident.
b. Call the runner back and ask for his name and the name of the person who sent the admission orders.
c. Call the security and have the runner arrested.
d. Shred the photograph and keep it to her self for fun
7. Dr. Bailey ordered a bronchoscopy for Patient R.S. who has a chronic cough. Nurse Camille brings the informed
consent to Patient R.S. for his signature. She then asks Nurse Camille to explain why the informed consent is
necessary. Nurse Camille responds properly when she tells him that:
a. The patient agrees to the procedure ordered by the physician, even if he does not understand what the
outcome will be.
b. The physician must give the patient and his significant others enough information to make health-care
judgments consistent with their values and goals.
c. The family of the patient will make decision against the patient’s will.
d. The patient releases the physician from all responsibility for the procedure.
, 8. Nurse Suzette works in a prenatal clinic. She was informed by her patient who is pregnant that her live-in partner
(the father of the infant) has hit her in the past. The patient also told her that he is short tempered and that she is
worried about what might happen if the new infant has colic and he gets upset. She begs to Nurse Suzette not to
report the problem because she is afraid that he will beat her. Nurse Suzette should:
a. Record the incident in the nurse’s notes but do not report for she did not actually witness the beating and she
should keep a promise to gain the trust of the patient.
b. Record the incident in the nurse’s notes but do not report for she will place the mother and the infant in
greater risk of harm.
c. Record the incident in the nurse’s notes and report it as reasonable suspicion of child and woman abuse.
d. Divert the mother’s attention and teach her to breastfeed her baby to reduce the possibility of colic.
9. Nurse Ryan is assigned to provide postoperative care for Patient F.L. who has diabetes mellitus. During the
assessment interview, the patient reports that he is impotent and is much concerned about its effects on his
marriage. In planning for his care, the most appropriate nursing intervention would be:
a. Encourage the patient to ask questions about personal sexuality.
b. Provide time for privacy, the patient needs to examine his thoughts.
c. Provide support for the spouse or significant other.
d. Suggest referral to sex counselor or appropriate professional.
10. Nurse Lorraine is caring for Mang Tiburcio, a homeless patient who has active tuberculosis. The patient is almost
ready for discharge. However, Nurse Lorraine is concerned of Mang Tiburcio’s ability to follow the medical
treatment regimen. Which intervention will best ensure that the client complies with treatment?
a. Provide highly individualized patient education.
b. Refer Mang Tiburcio to a social worker for discharge planning.
c. Having the client attend a formal education session.
d. Carefully look for a member of Mang Tiburcio’s family and ask for assistance.
11. Patient B.D.L. is admitted to the medical unit with a diagnosis of hepatitis B. Hospitals are mandated by accrediting
bodies to demonstrate respect for the patient’s confidentiality. Which of the following is a common violation to
patient confidentiality?
a. Keeping the medical records in the view and care of healthcare providers directly involved with the patient.
b. Placing a sign on the patient’s door stating “Isolation for Hepatitis B” for others’ safety.
c. Nurse making sure that the patient’s chart is secured at the rack in the nurses’ station
d. Providing the patient a copy of hospital policies and procedures that address patient confidentiality at each
unit.
12. Patient R.Q. who was rushed to the emergency room two hours ago is now declared brain dead. Nurse Raffy has
been with the patient since admission. Now, he must talk to the family about organ donation. Which of the
following should be done by Nurse Raffy?
a. Take the family to the chapel.
b. Discuss life support systems.
c. When discussing organ donation, include as many family members as possible.
d. Clarify the family’s understanding and perception about brain death.
13. Nurse Giselle is caring for a woman who is pregnant and is terminally ill with inoperable cancer. The woman has
not been informed about her status by the physician. The woman states to Nurse Giselle: “I know I am terribly sick.
I think you know what it is. I want you to tell me right now.” Which of the following is the appropriate thing for
Nurse Giselle to do?
a. Give a detailed explanation on the disease of the patient. The patient needs to know.
b. Deny knowledge about the patient’s condition and do not give the patient any further information.
c. Make the patient’s chart available to her because after all, she is entitled to see it.
d. Discuss the situation with the physician.
14. Leslie is a 27 year-old patient with lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding. She is a Jehovah’s Witness. The physician
ordered 2 units of packed RBC to be administered over 2 hours each. Upon knowing this, Leslie strongly
refused and tells Nurse Kim she won’t have it. Which of the following is the most appropriate response of Nurse
Kim?
a. Ma’am the physician’s order overrides your decision. We have to do this.
b. Ma’am, are you crazy? You’ll die if you won’t have this
c. Kim approaches her supervisor and wishes to change patient assignment
d. Ma’am I understand your concern, I’ll inform your physician about this.
INSTRUCTION: Select the correct answer for each of the following questions. Mark only one answer for each item by
marking the box corresponding to the letter of your choice on the answer sheet provided.
1. Patient C.G. has brain cancer with poor prognosis. She has been admitted to the hospital for over two months now.
Her condition is deteriorating. She already meets the brain-death criteria. Which nursing intervention is the most
appropriate at this time?
a. Make the decision to withdraw the life support.
b. Sedate the patient.
c. Approach the patient’s family for possible organ donation.
d. Talk to the staff about their feelings.
2. Nurse Warren works with a colleague who consistently fails to use standard precautions or wear gloves when caring
for patients. Nurse Warren calls the attention of the colleague but the colleague insisted that standard precautions
and the use of gloves are not necessary until the patient is known to have tested positive for HIV. What is the most
appropriate action Nurse Warren would take?
a. Instruct the patients to remind this colleague to wear gloves.
b. Document the problem in writing for the manager.
c. Discuss the issue with other staff members.
d. Ignore the problem; Nurse Warren has done his job in reminding his colleague.
3. Nurse Jenny accidentally administers two capsules of phenytoin (Dilantin) instead of one capsule. The patient
exhibits no adverse reactions to that larger dose. What is the appropriate action Nurse Jenny should take?
a. Call the hospital’s lawyer.
b. Do nothing because the patient’s condition is stable.
c. Document that she has given a capsule of phenytoin (Dilantin).
d. Accomplish a complete incident report.
4. Nurse Paulo suspects that Nurse Gilbert has been drinking alcohol before their night shift. He smells alcohol on
Gilbert’s breath and notes slurred speech. What is the best course of action Nurse Paulo should take?
a. Immediately notify the nursing supervisor.
b. Cover up for Nurse Gilbert because the profession depends on loyalty from colleagues.
c. Tell Nurse Gilbert that he has one last chance, but if he drinks before another shift, he will be reported.
d. Call the security and have Nurse Gilbert arrested because he endangers the lives of the patients.
5. During her coffee break, Nurse Abby overheard a group of residents passing by that a celebrity patient with
syphilis is admitted at the hospital last night. Having heard this, Nurse Abby went to her friend Nurse Kate who was
an avid fan of the celebrity. What ethical principle was violated by Nurse Abby?
a. Justice
b. Confidentiality
c. Informed Consent
d. Beneficence
6. Nurse Flor is waiting for the admission orders from the admissions department. After a few minutes the runner of
the admissions department handed the order inside a folder. When Nurse Flor opened the folder, she was surprised
to see a caricature of their hated hospital director with derogatory statements about her inserted together with the
orders. What is her most appropriate nursing action?
a. Call the nursing supervisor and report the incident.
b. Call the runner back and ask for his name and the name of the person who sent the admission orders.
c. Call the security and have the runner arrested.
d. Shred the photograph and keep it to her self for fun
7. Dr. Bailey ordered a bronchoscopy for Patient R.S. who has a chronic cough. Nurse Camille brings the informed
consent to Patient R.S. for his signature. She then asks Nurse Camille to explain why the informed consent is
necessary. Nurse Camille responds properly when she tells him that:
a. The patient agrees to the procedure ordered by the physician, even if he does not understand what the
outcome will be.
b. The physician must give the patient and his significant others enough information to make health-care
judgments consistent with their values and goals.
c. The family of the patient will make decision against the patient’s will.
d. The patient releases the physician from all responsibility for the procedure.
, 8. Nurse Suzette works in a prenatal clinic. She was informed by her patient who is pregnant that her live-in partner
(the father of the infant) has hit her in the past. The patient also told her that he is short tempered and that she is
worried about what might happen if the new infant has colic and he gets upset. She begs to Nurse Suzette not to
report the problem because she is afraid that he will beat her. Nurse Suzette should:
a. Record the incident in the nurse’s notes but do not report for she did not actually witness the beating and she
should keep a promise to gain the trust of the patient.
b. Record the incident in the nurse’s notes but do not report for she will place the mother and the infant in
greater risk of harm.
c. Record the incident in the nurse’s notes and report it as reasonable suspicion of child and woman abuse.
d. Divert the mother’s attention and teach her to breastfeed her baby to reduce the possibility of colic.
9. Nurse Ryan is assigned to provide postoperative care for Patient F.L. who has diabetes mellitus. During the
assessment interview, the patient reports that he is impotent and is much concerned about its effects on his
marriage. In planning for his care, the most appropriate nursing intervention would be:
a. Encourage the patient to ask questions about personal sexuality.
b. Provide time for privacy, the patient needs to examine his thoughts.
c. Provide support for the spouse or significant other.
d. Suggest referral to sex counselor or appropriate professional.
10. Nurse Lorraine is caring for Mang Tiburcio, a homeless patient who has active tuberculosis. The patient is almost
ready for discharge. However, Nurse Lorraine is concerned of Mang Tiburcio’s ability to follow the medical
treatment regimen. Which intervention will best ensure that the client complies with treatment?
a. Provide highly individualized patient education.
b. Refer Mang Tiburcio to a social worker for discharge planning.
c. Having the client attend a formal education session.
d. Carefully look for a member of Mang Tiburcio’s family and ask for assistance.
11. Patient B.D.L. is admitted to the medical unit with a diagnosis of hepatitis B. Hospitals are mandated by accrediting
bodies to demonstrate respect for the patient’s confidentiality. Which of the following is a common violation to
patient confidentiality?
a. Keeping the medical records in the view and care of healthcare providers directly involved with the patient.
b. Placing a sign on the patient’s door stating “Isolation for Hepatitis B” for others’ safety.
c. Nurse making sure that the patient’s chart is secured at the rack in the nurses’ station
d. Providing the patient a copy of hospital policies and procedures that address patient confidentiality at each
unit.
12. Patient R.Q. who was rushed to the emergency room two hours ago is now declared brain dead. Nurse Raffy has
been with the patient since admission. Now, he must talk to the family about organ donation. Which of the
following should be done by Nurse Raffy?
a. Take the family to the chapel.
b. Discuss life support systems.
c. When discussing organ donation, include as many family members as possible.
d. Clarify the family’s understanding and perception about brain death.
13. Nurse Giselle is caring for a woman who is pregnant and is terminally ill with inoperable cancer. The woman has
not been informed about her status by the physician. The woman states to Nurse Giselle: “I know I am terribly sick.
I think you know what it is. I want you to tell me right now.” Which of the following is the appropriate thing for
Nurse Giselle to do?
a. Give a detailed explanation on the disease of the patient. The patient needs to know.
b. Deny knowledge about the patient’s condition and do not give the patient any further information.
c. Make the patient’s chart available to her because after all, she is entitled to see it.
d. Discuss the situation with the physician.
14. Leslie is a 27 year-old patient with lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding. She is a Jehovah’s Witness. The physician
ordered 2 units of packed RBC to be administered over 2 hours each. Upon knowing this, Leslie strongly
refused and tells Nurse Kim she won’t have it. Which of the following is the most appropriate response of Nurse
Kim?
a. Ma’am the physician’s order overrides your decision. We have to do this.
b. Ma’am, are you crazy? You’ll die if you won’t have this
c. Kim approaches her supervisor and wishes to change patient assignment
d. Ma’am I understand your concern, I’ll inform your physician about this.
