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Comprehensive Exam Bank on Nursing Ethics
in End-of-Life and Palliative Care:
Compassionate Decision-Making, Autonomy,
and Supportive Communication
Table of Contents
Topic 1: Ethical Principles and Moral Frameworks in End-of-Life Care (Questions 1–20)...............3
Topic 2: Patient Autonomy, Informed Consent, and Advance Directives in Palliative Settings
(Questions 21–40)..........................................................................................................................15
Topic 3: Communication, Truth-Telling, and Emotional Support in End-of-Life Nursing (Questions
41–60)............................................................................................................................................27
Topic 4: Legal and Institutional Ethics in End-of-Life Care (Questions 61–80)...............................39
Topic 5: Cultural, Spiritual, and Religious Ethics in End-of-Life Care (Questions 81–100).............51
Topic 6: Pain Management, Suffering, and Ethical Use of Sedation at End-of-Life (Questions 101–
120)................................................................................................................................................63
Topic 7: Family Dynamics, Conflict Resolution, and Ethical Advocacy in End-of-Life Care
(Questions 121–140)......................................................................................................................75
Topic 8: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Advance Directives, DNR Orders, and Surrogate Decision-
Making (Questions 141–160).........................................................................................................87
Topic 9: Spiritual, Cultural, and Religious Considerations in Ethical End-of-Life Nursing Care
(Questions 161–180)......................................................................................................................99
Topic 10: Ethical Considerations in Symptom Management, Sedation, and Withdrawal of Life-
Sustaining Treatment (Questions 181–200).................................................................................111
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Topic 1: Ethical Principles and Moral
Frameworks in End-of-Life Care (Questions 1–
20)
1. Which of the following best reflects the
ethical principle of autonomy in end-of-life
care?
A. Administering pain medication without informing
the patient
B. Respecting the patient’s decision to
discontinue chemotherapy
C. Encouraging the family to override the patient’s
wishes
D. Refusing to discuss alternative treatment
options
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy emphasizes the right of
patients to make decisions about their own care.
Respecting a patient’s wish to discontinue
chemotherapy aligns with this principle.
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2. What ethical principle is violated when a
nurse withholds information about the
prognosis from a terminally ill patient?
A. Nonmaleficence
B. Veracity
C. Justice
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Veracity is the obligation to tell the
truth. Withholding important information
undermines the patient's ability to make informed
decisions.
3. A nurse is advocating for increased pain
management for a terminal patient. This
action primarily reflects which ethical
principle?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Beneficence refers to actions that
promote the well-being of others. Ensuring pain
Comprehensive Exam Bank on Nursing Ethics
in End-of-Life and Palliative Care:
Compassionate Decision-Making, Autonomy,
and Supportive Communication
Table of Contents
Topic 1: Ethical Principles and Moral Frameworks in End-of-Life Care (Questions 1–20)...............3
Topic 2: Patient Autonomy, Informed Consent, and Advance Directives in Palliative Settings
(Questions 21–40)..........................................................................................................................15
Topic 3: Communication, Truth-Telling, and Emotional Support in End-of-Life Nursing (Questions
41–60)............................................................................................................................................27
Topic 4: Legal and Institutional Ethics in End-of-Life Care (Questions 61–80)...............................39
Topic 5: Cultural, Spiritual, and Religious Ethics in End-of-Life Care (Questions 81–100).............51
Topic 6: Pain Management, Suffering, and Ethical Use of Sedation at End-of-Life (Questions 101–
120)................................................................................................................................................63
Topic 7: Family Dynamics, Conflict Resolution, and Ethical Advocacy in End-of-Life Care
(Questions 121–140)......................................................................................................................75
Topic 8: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Advance Directives, DNR Orders, and Surrogate Decision-
Making (Questions 141–160).........................................................................................................87
Topic 9: Spiritual, Cultural, and Religious Considerations in Ethical End-of-Life Nursing Care
(Questions 161–180)......................................................................................................................99
Topic 10: Ethical Considerations in Symptom Management, Sedation, and Withdrawal of Life-
Sustaining Treatment (Questions 181–200).................................................................................111
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Topic 1: Ethical Principles and Moral
Frameworks in End-of-Life Care (Questions 1–
20)
1. Which of the following best reflects the
ethical principle of autonomy in end-of-life
care?
A. Administering pain medication without informing
the patient
B. Respecting the patient’s decision to
discontinue chemotherapy
C. Encouraging the family to override the patient’s
wishes
D. Refusing to discuss alternative treatment
options
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy emphasizes the right of
patients to make decisions about their own care.
Respecting a patient’s wish to discontinue
chemotherapy aligns with this principle.
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2. What ethical principle is violated when a
nurse withholds information about the
prognosis from a terminally ill patient?
A. Nonmaleficence
B. Veracity
C. Justice
D. Beneficence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Veracity is the obligation to tell the
truth. Withholding important information
undermines the patient's ability to make informed
decisions.
3. A nurse is advocating for increased pain
management for a terminal patient. This
action primarily reflects which ethical
principle?
A. Beneficence
B. Justice
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Beneficence refers to actions that
promote the well-being of others. Ensuring pain
