End-of-Life Care: Ethical Considerations for Nurses

Question 1

Which definition accurately describes palliative care in the context of end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Care focused on relieving symptoms and enhancing quality of life for patients facing life-limiting illnesses

Answer

Treatment focused on curing the underlying disease leading to end-of-life

Answer

Withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment to hasten death

Answer

Providing spiritual and emotional support to grieving family members

Question 2

How do cultural and religious beliefs impact ethical choices in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Cultural and religious beliefs can lead to ethical conflicts.

Answer

Cultural and religious beliefs have no influence on ethical choices.

Answer

Cultural and religious beliefs should always guide ethical choices.

Answer

Cultural and religious beliefs are irrelevant to healthcare choices.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an ethical principle guiding end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Equality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 4

Which of the following statements best describes the legal status of the right to die in the United States?

Accepted Answer

It is only legal in certain states and under specific conditions

Answer

It is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution

Answer

It is legal in all states and under all circumstances

Answer

It is illegal in all states

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Increased life expectancy

Answer

Improved quality of life

Answer

Reduced symptom burden

Answer

Enhanced communication between patients and families

Question 6

Ethical decision-making in end-of-life care should be based on:

Accepted Answer

A combination of all three

Answer

Personal values and beliefs

Answer

Religious or cultural norms

Answer

Evidence-based practices

Question 7

The primary role of a nurse in ethical decision-making during end-of-life care is to:

Accepted Answer

Advocate for the patient's rights and wishes

Answer

Enforce hospital policies and legal regulations

Answer

Make decisions on behalf of the patient and their family

Answer

Provide emotional support but not participate in decision-making

Question 8

The principle of double effect states that an action is justified if:

Accepted Answer

It has both intended and unintended consequences, but the intended consequence is more significant.

Answer

It has only positive consequences.

Answer

It is performed with good intentions.

Answer

It results in the least harm possible.

Question 9

In end-of-life care, which ethical principle holds the highest priority in guiding decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Respect for Patient Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-Maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 10

Which Supreme Court case established the legal right to refuse life-sustaining treatment?

Accepted Answer

Cruzan v. Missouri Department of Health

Answer

Roe v. Wade

Answer

Griswold v. Connecticut

Answer

Casey v. Planned Parenthood

Question 11

In end-of-life care, which ethical principle upholds the patient's right to make decisions about their own care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 12

Palliative care focuses primarily on:

Accepted Answer

Relieving symptoms and improving quality of life

Answer

Curing the underlying illness

Answer

Prolonging life at all costs

Answer

Providing only basic care

Question 13

As per a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, a nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Withhold CPR and allow the patient to pass away naturally

Answer

Initiate CPR immediately if the patient shows signs of distress

Answer

Contact the physician for instructions

Answer

Call emergency services (e.g., 911)

Question 14

Which communication skill is essential for nurses to effectively support patients and families during end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Active listening

Answer

Using medical jargon

Answer

Avoiding sensitive topics

Answer

Maintaining a strict professional distance

Question 15

The ethical principle of 'double effect' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Performing an action with both beneficial and harmful effects

Answer

Intentionally causing harm to achieve a greater good

Answer

Withholding treatment that could have both positive and negative outcomes

Answer

Allowing a patient to die without intervening

Question 16

What is the primary ethical responsibility of a nurse in ensuring that the patient's wishes are honored in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Advocating for the patient's preferences and choices

Answer

Disregarding the patient's wishes if they conflict with medical advice

Answer

Following physician's orders without question

Answer

Keeping the patient's wishes confidential

Question 17

In healthcare decision-making, the distribution of scarce medical resources should be guided by the ethical principle of:

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 18

Which of the following is a primary goal of palliative care?

Accepted Answer

To alleviate pain and suffering

Answer

To cure the underlying disease

Answer

To prolong life

Answer

To provide emotional support to the patient's caregivers

Question 19

In end-of-life care, which ethical principles should primarily guide healthcare professionals when deciding to withdraw life-sustaining treatment?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence

Answer

Respect for patient autonomy only

Answer

Beneficence and non-maleficence only

Question 20

What is the primary objective of palliative care in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Alleviating suffering and enhancing quality of life

Answer

Extending life indefinitely

Answer

Curing the underlying illness

Answer

Hastening the dying process

Question 21

What is the multifaceted role of the nurse in supporting families of dying patients?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support, education, and practical assistance

Answer

Making decisions on behalf of the patient

Answer

Advocating solely for the patient's wishes

Answer

Maintaining a strictly professional distance

Question 22

Which principle of beneficence requires respecting the patient's preferences and decisions?

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's wishes

Answer

Promote the well-being of the patient

Answer

Avoid harm to the patient

Answer

Act in the patient's best interests

Question 23

Palliative care primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Alleviating suffering and improving quality of life

Answer

Treating the underlying disease

Answer

Extending the patient's lifespan

Answer

Preventing death

Question 24

The legal and ethical basis for the right to die primarily rests on the principle of:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy and self-determination

Answer

Beneficence and non-maleficence

Answer

Justice and equality

Answer

Sanctity of life

Question 25

When a patient lacks decision-making capacity, who typically has the legal authority to make medical decisions?

Accepted Answer

The patient's legal guardian

Answer

The patient's spouse or children

Answer

The patient's physician

Answer

The ethics committee of the hospital

Question 26

Which factor is NOT typically considered in determining the ethical permissibility of euthanasia?

Accepted Answer

The patient's income level

Answer

The patient's level of suffering

Answer

The patient's medical prognosis

Answer

The availability of alternative treatments

Question 27

The principle of double effect permits healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Perform an action that has both positive and negative consequences

Answer

Intentionally cause harm to a patient

Answer

Ignore the potential consequences of their actions

Answer

Overrule the patient's wishes

Question 28

Select the fundamental ethical principle that guides end-of-life care, empowering patients to make decisions about their own healthcare:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy: respecting the patient's wishes and choices

Answer

Beneficence: acting in the best interests of the patient

Answer

Non-maleficence: avoiding harm to the patient

Answer

Justice: ensuring fair and equitable access to healthcare

Question 29

According to ethical guidelines, which of the following accurately defines the 'right to die'?

Accepted Answer

The right to refuse or discontinue life-sustaining treatments

Answer

The right to end one's own life without medical assistance

Answer

The right to choose the exact time and manner of one's death

Answer

The right to request a healthcare professional to end one's life

Question 30

In end-of-life care, what is the primary function of a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones

Answer

Administering medical interventions based on physician orders

Answer

Educating patients and families about medical treatments

Answer

Making end-of-life decisions on behalf of the patient

Question 31

Which communication skill is paramount for nurses to effectively address end-of-life concerns with patients and their families?

Accepted Answer

Active listening

Answer

Using technical medical jargon

Answer

Avoiding sensitive topics

Answer

Trying to persuade patients to accept specific treatments

Question 32

The ethical principle of non-maleficence in end-of-life care emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Harm or potential harm should be minimized or avoided

Answer

Actions should be taken primarily to benefit the patient

Answer

Patient autonomy should be respected above all else

Answer

Justice and fairness should be ensured for all

Question 33

In end-of-life care, which ethical consideration is imperative when dealing with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Respecting varying beliefs and practices related to death and dying

Answer

Disregarding cultural norms in favor of providing standardized care

Answer

Assuming that all cultures share the same values and perspectives

Answer

Focusing solely on the patient's preferences, regardless of cultural context

Question 34

Which ethical principle emphasizes respect for patient autonomy and self-determination?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 35

The concept of double effect refers to a situation where an action:

Accepted Answer

Has both intended and unintended consequences

Answer

Is always morally justified

Answer

Is only permissible if the intended consequences outweigh the unintended consequences

Answer

Is always unethical

Question 36

Which of the following factors should NOT be considered when making end-of-life decisions?

Accepted Answer

The cost of care

Answer

The patient's values and preferences

Answer

The patient's prognosis

Answer

The opinions of the patient's family

Question 37

The right to die is grounded in which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 38

Which ethical principle requires healthcare professionals to prioritize avoiding harm to their patients?

Accepted Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 39

Which ethical principle emphasizes the provision of care and comfort, even in situations where a cure is not achievable?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 40

Which ethical principle is the cornerstone of decision-making in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy: Respecting the patient's wishes and decisions

Answer

Beneficence: Doing what is best for the patient's well-being

Answer

Justice: Fairness in distributing resources and treatment

Answer

Non-maleficence: Preventing harm to the patient

Question 41

In palliative care, what ethical issue arises in balancing patient comfort with their decision-making autonomy?

Accepted Answer

Determining the appropriate level of pain relief without compromising the patient's ability to make decisions

Answer

Respecting the patient's wishes even if it means accepting severe pain

Answer

Prioritizing the patient's comfort above all other considerations

Answer

Administering pain medication to the point of sedation without the patient's consent

Question 42

What is the primary purpose of advance directives?

Accepted Answer

To express the patient's preferences and values to inform decision-making.

Answer

To legally bind healthcare providers to honor the patient's wishes regarding future medical care.

Answer

To ensure that the patient's family has the final say in all medical decisions.

Answer

To guarantee that the patient receives every possible medical intervention.

Question 43

What is the central goal of hospice care?

Accepted Answer

To provide comfort, support, and dignity during the final stages of life

Answer

To cure the underlying illness and prolong life

Answer

To hasten the patient's death through palliative sedation

Answer

To manage pain and symptoms without regard to the patient's quality of life

Question 44

Which ethical principle is considered paramount in decision-making during end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Promoting the autonomy of the patient

Answer

Doing what is believed to be in the patient's best interest

Answer

Avoiding causing the patient any harm

Answer

Ensuring fairness and equity in the allocation of healthcare resources

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT among the legal rights recognized under the Patient Self-Determination Act?

Accepted Answer

The right to physician-assisted suicide

Answer

The right to decline life-sustaining treatment

Answer

The right to request pain medication

Answer

The right to appoint a surrogate decision-maker

Question 46

Which ethical principle prioritizes respecting patient preferences and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 47

According to the principle of autonomy, patients have the right to:

Accepted Answer

Make informed decisions about their own medical treatment

Answer

Demand life-prolonging treatment, even if medically futile

Answer

Withhold consent for palliative care, even if it would improve their quality of life

Answer

Choose the specific method and timing of their own death

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT considered a goal of palliative care in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Curing the underlying illness

Answer

Relieving suffering and promoting comfort

Answer

Providing emotional support to patients and families

Answer

Respecting patient wishes and values

Question 49

Which ethical issue is raised by the use of artificial ventilation in patients with irreversible brain damage?

Accepted Answer

Respect for patient dignity and quality of life

Answer

Informed consent and patient autonomy

Answer

Allocation of scarce medical resources

Answer

Advance care planning and honoring patient wishes

Question 50

The ethical principle of beneficence requires healthcare professionals to:

Accepted Answer

Act in a way that is believed to benefit the patient most

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy and decisions

Answer

Avoid causing harm or potential risks

Answer

Distribute resources fairly and equitably

Question 51

Which of the following is an example of an advance directive?

Accepted Answer

A document that outlines a patient's end-of-life care preferences

Answer

A verbal agreement between a patient and a healthcare professional

Answer

A legal document that authorizes a healthcare proxy to make decisions for the patient

Answer

A form that authorizes an autopsy

Question 52

The concept of proportionality in end-of-life care refers to:

Accepted Answer

Balancing the potential benefits and burdens of medical interventions

Answer

Obtaining informed consent from the patient or their surrogate

Answer

Allocating healthcare resources among patients fairly

Answer

Ensuring that the patient's wishes are always followed

Question 53

The role of the nurse in ethical decision-making in end-of-life care includes:

Accepted Answer

Providing information and supporting patients and families in exploring their options

Answer

Making the final decision about treatment

Answer

Overriding the patient's wishes if they are believed to be harmful

Answer

Recommending a specific course of action to the patient

Question 54

Which of the following is a core goal of palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Providing comfort and reducing suffering

Answer

Curing an underlying disease

Answer

Prolonging life at all costs

Answer

Hastening a patient's death

Question 55

The primary role of a nurse in end-of-life care includes:

Accepted Answer

Providing physical and emotional support to patients and their families

Answer

Solely administering medications and performing procedures

Answer

Making critical decisions about medical treatment

Answer

Determining a patient's end-of-life wishes exclusively

Question 56

The concept of informed consent in end-of-life care essentially refers to:

Accepted Answer

A patient's inherent right to receive comprehensive information about their treatment options and associated risks

Answer

A physician's legal obligation to obtain consent before administering any form of medical treatment

Answer

A family's legal right to make decisions for a patient who lacks decision-making capacity

Answer

A nurse's sole responsibility to advocate for a patient's autonomy

Question 57

The primary function of an interdisciplinary team in end-of-life care is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide holistic and collaborative care to both the patient and their family

Answer

Solely make decisions regarding a patient's medical treatment

Answer

Provide emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their family

Answer

Educate the patient and their family solely about treatment options

Question 58

In end-of-life care, the ethical principle that emphasizes respect for a patient's right to make choices about their own healthcare is:

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 59

Palliative care focuses primarily on:

Accepted Answer

Providing comfort and relieving symptoms

Answer

Curing the underlying disease

Answer

Prolonging life at any cost

Answer

Making decisions about end-of-life care

Question 60

The role of the nurse in supporting patients during end-of-life care includes:

Accepted Answer

Offering emotional and spiritual support

Answer

Providing medical care only

Answer

Making decisions for the patient

Answer

Informing the family without the patient's consent

Question 61

The ethical principle of non-maleficence in healthcare requires practitioners to:

Accepted Answer

Maximize benefits while minimizing harm

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Promote justice and fairness

Answer

Ensure patient confidentiality

Question 62

The difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide is that:

Accepted Answer

Euthanasia involves a healthcare professional actively ending the patient's life, while assisted suicide provides the means for the patient to end their own life

Answer

Euthanasia is legal in the US, while assisted suicide is not

Answer

Assisted suicide is a passive form of euthanasia

Answer

There is no difference between these two terms

Question 63

Which ethical principle prioritizes respect for individuals' choices in end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 64

What is the primary objective of palliative care in end-of-life contexts?

Accepted Answer

Alleviating suffering and enhancing quality of life

Answer

Curing the underlying disease

Answer

Prolonging life by any means necessary

Answer

Providing emotional support solely to family members