Chapter 22 Ethics and Values Fundamentals of Nursing 11th Edition (Potter & Perry) 50 NCLEX-Style Exam Questions with Detailed Rationales

1. A nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who refuses further treatment. Which ethical principle supports the patient’s decision? A) Nonmaleficence B) Autonomy C) Justice D) Fidelity Answer: B) Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions, including the right to refuse treatment. 2. Which action by a nurse best reflects the ethical principle of fidelity? A) Reporting suspected abuse to authorities B) Keeping a promise to return with pain medication C) Administering medication safely D) Providing equal care to all patients Answer: B) Keeping a promise to return with pain medication Rationale: Fidelity involves keeping commitments and promises made to patients. 3. What is the primary purpose of a hospital ethics committee? A) To enforce hospital policy B) To provide legal advice to patients C) To review and resolve ethical dilemmas in patient care D) To discipline healthcare providers Answer: C) To review and resolve ethical dilemmas in patient care Rationale: Ethics committees support healthcare providers and families in resolving difficult ethical issues. 4. A nurse discusses a patient’s condition in a hospital elevator. Which ethical principle is violated? A) Justice B) Beneficence C) Confidentiality D) Veracity Answer: C) Confidentiality Rationale: Discussing patient information in a public place breaches the ethical obligation to maintain confidentiality. 5. The nurse administers a placebo without informing the patient. Which ethical principle is most directly violated? A) Justice B) Fidelity C) Autonomy D) Nonmaleficence Answer: C) Autonomy Rationale: Deceiving a patient by not informing them of a placebo undermines their right to make informed decisions. 6. A nurse advocates for a homeless patient to receive treatment regardless of insurance status. Which ethical principle is demonstrated? A) Veracity B) Justice C) Beneficence D) Fidelity Answer: B) Justice Rationale: Justice requires fairness and equitable distribution of healthcare resources, regardless of socioeconomic status. 7. What is the nurse’s best action when facing an ethical dilemma? A) Follow physician orders without question B) Avoid discussing the issue with others C) Consult with the ethics committee or supervisor D) Let the patient’s family decide Answer: C) Consult with the ethics committee or supervisor Rationale: Seeking guidance from appropriate resources helps resolve ethical dilemmas appropriately. 8. A nurse’s decision to perform CPR on a DNR patient violates which ethical principle? A) Autonomy B) Nonmaleficence C) Fidelity D) Justice Answer: A) Autonomy Rationale: Ignoring a do-not-resuscitate order disregards the patient’s autonomous decision. 9. Which ethical concept is legally protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)? A) Fidelity B) Confidentiality C) Beneficence D) Veracity Answer: B) Confidentiality Rationale: HIPAA legally protects the confidentiality of patients’ health information. 10. A nurse reports a medication error they made. Which ethical principle does this action represent? A) Nonmaleficence B) Justice C) Veracity D) Autonomy Answer: C) Veracity Rationale: Veracity refers to truth-telling; reporting an error demonstrates honesty and integrity. 11. Which term describes the obligation to do no harm? A) Beneficence B) Autonomy C) Veracity D) Nonmaleficence Answer: D) Nonmaleficence Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the principle of avoiding causing harm to patients. 12. A nurse delegates a task to unlicensed assistive personnel without ensuring competency. This could violate which ethical principle? A) Fidelity B) Nonmaleficence C) Justice D) Autonomy Answer: B) Nonmaleficence Rationale: Assigning tasks to someone unqualified may result in harm, violating the principle of nonmaleficence. 13. Which document provides a framework for ethical nursing practice? A) The Affordable Care Act B) The ANA Code of Ethics C) The Nurse Practice Act D) Joint Commission Guidelines Answer: B) The ANA Code of Ethics Rationale: The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics guides ethical decision-making in nursing. 14. The nurse provides information about a surgical procedure but does not explain risks. Which ethical principle is compromised? A) Veracity B) Autonomy C) Fidelity D) Justice Answer: B) Autonomy Rationale: Informed consent requires providing full information to allow autonomous decision-making. 15. Which ethical principle guides the nurse in doing good and acting in the patient’s best interest? A) Fidelity B) Veracity C) Beneficence D) Justice Answer: C) Beneficence Rationale: Beneficence involves taking positive actions to help patients.