Principles of Medical Ethics: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of medical ethics that is universally recognized?

Accepted Answer

Utility

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 2

Which ethical principle prioritizes respecting the patient's choices and decisions, even if the healthcare provider has a different opinion?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

In medical ethics, which principle grants patients the right to make decisions about their own medical care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

In the context of end-of-life care, which ethical principle gives primary importance to respecting a patient's wishes and preferences?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 5

In medical ethics, which principle emphasizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 6

Which ethical principle refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to promote the well-being of patients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 7

Which ethical principle requires healthcare providers to refrain from causing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 8

Which ethical principle advocates for fairness and equitable distribution of healthcare resources?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 9

Which of the following is a prevalent ethical dilemma in healthcare practice?

Accepted Answer

Balancing patient autonomy with the obligation to prevent harm

Answer

Prioritizing patients for care based on their financial status

Answer

Choosing the most advanced treatment option regardless of cost

Question 10

What is the significance of informed consent in medical ethics?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that patients fully comprehend and voluntarily agree to medical treatments

Answer

Providing legal protection solely for healthcare providers

Answer

Eliminating all potential risks associated with medical procedures

Question 11

What is the fundamental purpose of ethical decision-making in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Promoting optimal patient outcomes while respecting their values and preferences

Answer

Maximizing profits and revenue for healthcare organizations

Answer

Strictly adhering to legal regulations without considering ethical implications

Question 12

Which factors should healthcare professionals consider when making ethical decisions?

Accepted Answer

Patient preferences, relevant medical evidence, ethical principles, legal and institutional policies

Answer

Exclusive consideration of cultural and societal norms

Answer

Sole reliance on personal beliefs and opinions

Question 13

What is the primary function of ethics committees in healthcare institutions?

Accepted Answer

Providing guidance on ethical issues, reviewing cases, and developing ethical policies

Answer

Making binding decisions for patients and families

Answer

Investigating and punishing unethical behavior solely

Question 14

**Which of the following is the principle of medical ethics that emphasizes respecting patient autonomy and their right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare?**

Accepted Answer

**Autonomy**

Answer

**Beneficence**

Answer

**Non-maleficence**

Answer

**Justice**

Question 15

**According to the principle of _____, a patient's wishes should be respected, even if healthcare professionals believe it is in the patient's best interest to continue treatment.**

Accepted Answer

**Autonomy**

Answer

**Justice**

Answer

**Beneficence**

Answer

**Non-maleficence**

Question 16

**Which ethical principle requires healthcare professionals to act in the patient's best interest, even if it means overriding the patient's wishes?**

Accepted Answer

**Beneficence**

Answer

**Non-maleficence**

Answer

**Justice**

Answer

**Autonomy**

Question 17

**A doctor is presented with two patients in urgent need of an organ transplant, but there is only one organ available. Which principle of medical ethics should the doctor consider when deciding who should receive the organ?**

Accepted Answer

**Justice**

Answer

**Beneficence**

Answer

**Autonomy**

Question 18

**Which ethical principle prohibits healthcare professionals from intentionally harming patients?**

Accepted Answer

**Non-maleficence**

Answer

**Beneficence**

Answer

**Autonomy**

Answer

**Justice**

Question 19

**A patient's right to refuse treatment, even if it could save their life, exemplifies which ethical principle?**

Accepted Answer

**Autonomy**

Answer

**Beneficence**

Answer

**Non-maleficence**

Answer

**Justice**

Question 20

**When healthcare professionals disclose confidential patient information without the patient's consent, they are violating the principle of:**

Accepted Answer

**Autonomy**

Answer

**Justice**

Answer

**Non-maleficence**

Answer

**Beneficence**

Question 21

**A doctor treating a patient with a highly contagious disease has a duty to:**

Accepted Answer

**Protect the public health**

Answer

**Inform the patient but not take any action**

Answer

**Treat the patient without regard to their wishes**

Answer

**Ignore the public health**

Question 22

**Which ethical principle is most relevant to the fair allocation of scarce medical resources?**

Accepted Answer

**Justice**

Answer

**Beneficence**

Answer

**Non-maleficence**

Answer

**Autonomy**

Question 23

Which principle holds the highest regard for the patient's decision-making authority over their own healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 24

Which principle prohibits actions or interventions that could cause harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 25

Which principle emphasizes the fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources, ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary medical care?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 26

In a scenario where a patient with full capacity refuses life-sustaining treatment, which principle should take precedence in guiding the healthcare team's decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 27

Which factor is NOT essential to ensuring the validity of informed consent, a key component of ethical medical practice?

Accepted Answer

The patient's relationship to the healthcare professional

Answer

The patient's understanding of the procedure or treatment

Answer

The patient's voluntary agreement to the procedure or treatment

Answer

The patient's ability to communicate their decision clearly

Question 28

Which ethical principle is particularly relevant when considering decisions about end-of-life care, where patient autonomy and quality of life are paramount?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 29

Which ethical issue arises when healthcare professionals face conflicting obligations towards the individual patient and society as a whole?

Accepted Answer

Conflict of Obligations

Answer

Informed Consent

Answer

Medical Malpractice

Answer

Professionalism

Question 30

Which principle should guide the allocation of scarce medical resources, such as organ transplants or life-saving treatments, when demand exceeds supply?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 31

Which ethical framework focuses on maintaining the integrity and ethical conduct of the healthcare profession, guiding healthcare professionals in their interactions with patients and colleagues?

Accepted Answer

Professionalism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Casuistry

Answer

Utilitarianism

Question 32

Which ethical principle prioritizes a patient's choices and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 33

Which ethical principle emphasizes acting in a way that benefits the patient?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 34

Which ethical principle centers on minimizing harm to patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 35

Which ethical principle focuses on fair and equitable distribution of resources among patients?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 36

Which of the following is essential for informed consent?

Accepted Answer

The patient's comprehension and voluntary agreement

Answer

Legal documentation

Answer

Witness signature

Answer

Doctor's recommendation

Question 37

Which ethical principle is closely linked to patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 38

Which professional organization develops ethical guidelines for US physicians?

Accepted Answer

American Medical Association

Answer

American Nurses Association

Answer

National Council on Bioethics

Answer

World Medical Association

Question 39

In a scenario where a patient's wishes to withdraw life support conflict with a doctor's belief that continuing support is best, which ethical principle is primarily at stake?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 40

Which ethical principle is a doctor primarily considering when using an experimental therapy on a patient with an unproven treatment option?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 41

In resource allocation decisions, such as when allocating a new expensive medication, which ethical principle takes precedence?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 42

When a doctor refuses a patient's request for an unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment, which ethical principle is primarily guiding their decision?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 43

Respecting a patient's decision to refuse a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs exemplifies which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 44

Encouraging a patient with a chronic illness to participate in support groups exemplifies which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 45

A terminally ill patient decides to discontinue treatment. Which ethical principle supports the patient's right to make this choice?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 46

A physician is recommending a treatment plan they believe is in the patient's best interests, but the patient is concerned about potential side effects. Which ethical principle should guide the physician's response?

Accepted Answer

Shared Decision-Making

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Paternalism

Question 47

During a busy shift, a nurse mistakenly administers the wrong medication to a patient. Which ethical principle has the nurse violated?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 48

A hospital with limited resources must decide how to allocate a life-saving treatment among multiple eligible patients. Which ethical principle should guide this decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 49

A physician is treating a patient with a highly infectious disease, recognizing the risks to their own health. Which ethical principle guides the physician's obligation to provide care despite the potential personal risks?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 50

A patient requests that their physician withhold their medical information from their family. The physician complies with the patient's wishes. This scenario primarily exemplifies which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Beneficence

Question 51

A doctor provides complete information about a surgical procedure, including potential risks and benefits, to a patient before obtaining consent. Which ethical principle is the primary consideration in the doctor's actions?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Fidelity

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 52

In caring for a patient experiencing significant pain, a nurse hesitates to administer the full prescribed dose of pain medication due to concerns about potential side effects, despite the patient's repeated requests. Which two ethical principles are potentially at odds in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence and Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence and Confidentiality

Answer

Veracity and Fidelity

Answer

Autonomy and Justice

Question 53

An interdisciplinary healthcare team is developing a policy for organ transplantation. Which ethical principle should serve as the primary basis for determining how to allocate scarce organs?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 54

When determining whether to provide medical care to a family member, which ethical principle should primarily guide a physician's decision?

Accepted Answer

Professional Boundaries

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy