Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: Ethical Principles for Nurses

Question 1

What is the primary focus of the ethical principle of beneficence in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Promoting the patient's well-being

Answer

Preventing harm to the patient

Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy

Answer

Providing full information to the patient

Question 2

A nurse discovers a medication error on a patient's chart. In accordance with the principle of nonmaleficence, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Inform the patient and prescribing physician about the error

Answer

Correct the error without informing the patient

Answer

Document the error and continue administering the medication

Answer

Disregard the error as it falls outside the nurse's scope of responsibility

Question 3

In caring for a patient experiencing pain, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Regularly assess the patient's pain and administer medication as needed

Answer

Administer pain medication only upon the patient's request

Answer

Withhold pain medication until the pain becomes severe

Answer

Disregard the patient's pain as it is not the nurse's responsibility

Question 4

Ethical decision-making in nursing involves:

Accepted Answer

Considering multiple factors and perspectives

Answer

Clear-cut choices that are always straightforward

Answer

Relying solely on personal beliefs

Answer

Avoiding input from others

Question 5

When faced with a dilemma involving beneficence and nonmaleficence, which approach prioritizes the patient's specific circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Considering the individual patient's values, preferences, and overall situation

Answer

Always prioritizing beneficence, as it promotes positive outcomes

Answer

Always prioritizing nonmaleficence, as it prevents potential harms

Answer

Consulting solely with the medical team to determine the best course of action

Question 6

Is it accurate to state that beneficence and nonmaleficence are always in direct conflict?

Accepted Answer

False, as they can coexist in many nursing situations

Answer

True, as they represent opposing ethical principles

Question 7

What is the primary role of ethical guidelines for nurses?

Accepted Answer

To provide guidance in addressing complex ethical issues

Answer

To ensure nurses make flawless decisions in all situations

Answer

To eliminate ethical dilemmas completely from nursing practice

Answer

To hold nurses legally accountable for their ethical choices

Question 8

Question: Which of the following outcomes is NOT typically associated with violating the principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

C: Improved patient health

Answer

A: Physical harm to the patient

Answer

B: Emotional distress

Answer

D: Eroded trust in healthcare professionals

Question 9

Question: When faced with the choice between administering pain medication that could potentially lead to addiction or withholding it, which principle should guide the nurse's decision?

Accepted Answer

C: Both beneficence and nonmaleficence

Answer

A: Beneficence alone

Answer

B: Nonmaleficence alone

Answer

D: Neither beneficence nor nonmaleficence

Question 10

Question: In the context of informed consent, which action demonstrates the nurse's respect for patient autonomy?

Accepted Answer

A: Thoroughly explaining the procedure and answering the patient's questions

Answer

B: Assuming the patient understands the risks and benefits without asking

Answer

C: Pressuring the patient to consent

Answer

D: Emphasizing that the procedure is in the patient's best interest

Question 11

Question: When caring for a patient with a history of drug abuse, which action is most aligned with the principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

A: Monitoring the patient closely for signs of relapse

Answer

B: Reporting the patient's drug use to authorities

Answer

C: Withholding pain medication

Answer

D: Leaving the patient unsupervised in the hospital room

Question 12

To foster a work environment that prioritizes beneficence and nonmaleficence, what is the most effective action for nurses?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrate ethical behavior and encourage open communication

Answer

Focus solely on addressing patients' immediate medical needs

Answer

Report unethical behavior only to supervisors

Question 13

When faced with a patient experiencing severe, unrelieved pain, which ethical principle would most strongly guide a nurse to intervene?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 14

The ethical principle of nonmaleficence primarily emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding harm to patients

Answer

Prioritizing patient wishes

Answer

Providing only necessary care

Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Question 15

In situations where both beneficence and nonmaleficence seem to conflict, what is the most appropriate response for a nurse?

Accepted Answer

Seek guidance from colleagues or an ethics committee

Answer

Prioritize beneficence over nonmaleficence

Answer

Prioritize nonmaleficence over beneficence

Answer

Make the decision based solely on personal judgment

Question 16

A patient with a terminal illness requests life-sustaining treatments that are considered medically futile. The nurse's most ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Consult with a physician and ethics committee for guidance

Answer

Respect the patient's wishes and provide the treatments

Answer

Refuse to provide the treatments and explain the futility

Answer

Administer the treatments despite personal beliefs

Question 17

A nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of falls. Which intervention aligns best with the principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

Placing an alarm on the patient's bed

Answer

Leaving the patient unsupervised in the bathroom

Answer

Restraining the patient to the bed

Answer

Asking the patient's family to stay with them

Question 18

A patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has decided to forgo life-sustaining treatment. Which action is most consistent with the principle of beneficence?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's decision

Answer

Trying to convince the patient to change their mind

Answer

Offering the patient experimental treatments

Answer

Withholding pain medication from the patient

Question 19

Nonmaleficence in nursing practice means:

Accepted Answer

Avoiding causing harm to the patient

Answer

Protecting the patient's confidentiality

Answer

Always following physician orders

Answer

Acting solely in the patient's best interests

Question 20

Which ethical theory places a strong emphasis on preventing harm?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Care ethics

Question 21

The primary objective of nonmaleficence in nursing is to:

Accepted Answer

Minimize potential harm to patients

Answer

Maximize patient well-being

Answer

Ensure patient autonomy

Answer

Promote patient satisfaction

Question 22

How can you differentiate between beneficence and nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence focuses on actively promoting well-being, while nonmaleficence emphasizes avoiding harm

Answer

Nonmaleficence takes precedence over beneficence in medical decision-making

Answer

Beneficence and nonmaleficence are interchangeable concepts

Answer

Nonmaleficence applies solely to medical interventions

Question 23

The role of nurses in upholding beneficence and nonmaleficence includes:

Accepted Answer

Advocating for the patient's best interests

Answer

Making unilateral decisions on behalf of patients

Answer

Prioritizing personal interests over patient well-being

Answer

Uncritically following physician orders

Question 24

In the principle of beneficence, what is the primary action nurses should take?

Accepted Answer

Act to benefit and do good for patients

Answer

Avoid causing harm or injury to patients

Answer

Respect patients' self-governance and choices

Answer

Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of patients

Question 25

A nurse witnesses a coworker giving a patient an incorrect dosage of medication. Which ethical principle should primarily guide the nurse's response?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Autonomy (respecting patient choices)

Answer

Justice (fair and equitable treatment)

Question 26

In a situation where a patient refuses a medically necessary blood transfusion due to religious beliefs, which principle may conflict with beneficence?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy (respecting patient choices)

Answer

Nonmaleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Justice (fair and equitable treatment)

Answer

Veracity (being truthful and honest)

Question 27

What is the fundamental obligation of nurses in relation to the principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

To actively prevent and minimize harm to patients

Answer

To always prioritize patients' well-being and happiness

Answer

To honor patients' choices and decisions

Answer

To safeguard patients' confidential information

Question 28

When a patient in severe pain requests a higher dose of pain medication, but the nurse knows it could be harmful, which ethical principle should take precedence?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Autonomy (respecting patient choices)

Answer

Justice (fair and equitable treatment)

Question 29

When a patient with a terminal illness requests euthanasia, which ethical principle is primarily relevant to this request?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy (respecting patient choices)

Answer

Nonmaleficence (avoiding harm)

Answer

Beneficence (doing good)

Answer

Justice (fair and equitable treatment)

Question 30

Which ethical principle mandates that nurses act in the best interests of their patients?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Question 31

The primary goal of nonmaleficence is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent or minimize harm

Answer

Maximize patient benefits

Answer

Respect patient autonomy

Answer

Promote justice

Question 32

Unintentionally causing harm to a patient through nursing actions raises ethical concerns related to:

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Maleficence

Answer

Negligence

Answer

Assault

Question 33

Which consequence is NOT associated with violating the principle of beneficence?

Accepted Answer

Improved patient outcomes

Answer

Harm to the patient

Answer

Loss of patient trust

Answer

Legal liability

Question 34

A nurse's role in adhering to beneficence and nonmaleficence involves:

Accepted Answer

Weighing the potential benefits and risks of interventions, prioritizing beneficence.

Answer

Always acting in the patient's best interests, even if it causes harm.

Answer

Never taking actions that could potentially harm the patient.

Answer

Ignoring nonmaleficence when it conflicts with beneficence.

Question 35

A nurse's ethical obligation upon discovering a colleague's violation of beneficence is to:

Accepted Answer

Report it to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Ignore it, as it is not their responsibility.

Answer

Confront the colleague directly.

Answer

Keep it confidential to protect the colleague's reputation.

Question 36

Define beneficence in nursing ethics.

Accepted Answer

Promoting the patient's well-being and preventing harm

Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy and decision-making

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality and privacy

Answer

Providing fair and equitable care

Question 37

Which ethical principle is most relevant when a patient's family requests a higher dose of pain medication to hasten their death?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 38

Which action violates the principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

Administering a contraindicated medication

Answer

Providing emotional support

Answer

Educating a patient about their condition

Answer

Respecting a patient's wish to refuse treatment

Question 39

Identify an example of beneficence in nursing practice.

Accepted Answer

Providing pain relief

Answer

Respecting a patient's decision to refuse treatment

Answer

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Answer

Advocating for a patient's rights

Question 40

Which ethical principle should guide a nurse's decision when a homeless patient without insurance needs medical treatment?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Question 41

The primary objective of the ethical principle of beneficence is to:

Accepted Answer

Promote the patient's well-being

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy

Answer

Ensure justice in healthcare distribution

Answer

Prevent harm to the patient

Question 42

When a patient refuses a potentially life-saving treatment, the nurse's primary role is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's decision and provide support

Answer

Attempt to persuade the patient to accept treatment

Answer

Report the patient's decision without comment

Answer

Overrule the patient's decision and administer treatment

Question 43

Which of the following is not a benefit of applying ethical principles in nursing?

Accepted Answer

Reduced healthcare costs

Answer

Improved patient outcomes

Answer

Enhanced patient satisfaction

Answer

Legal protection for healthcare professionals

Question 44

Identify the component of beneficence that involves acting in the best interests of the patient.

Accepted Answer

Promoting the patient's well-being

Answer

Withholding information from the patient

Answer

Respecting the patient's autonomy

Answer

Preventing harm to the patient

Question 45

Which of the following actions exemplifies beneficence in nursing care?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support to a patient experiencing distress

Answer

Administering medications without patient consent

Answer

Withholding information about a patient's condition

Question 46

The ethical principle that prohibits nurses from causing harm to patients is known as:

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 47

Which action demonstrates a nurse's adherence to the principle of nonmaleficence while caring for a patient with an infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

Implementing appropriate infection control measures

Answer

Refusing to care for the patient

Answer

Exposing other patients to the infection

Answer

Ignoring the patient's concerns about isolation

Question 48

Identify the scenario that presents an ethical conflict between beneficence and nonmaleficence.

Accepted Answer

Administering pain medication to a patient with a risk of addiction

Answer

Respecting a patient's refusal of life-sustaining treatment

Answer

Providing palliative care to a terminally ill patient

Question 49

Which of the following is the primary obligation of nurses under the principle of nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding actions that can harm patients

Answer

Promoting patient well-being

Answer

Acting in the best interests of the healthcare team

Answer

Respecting patient autonomy

Question 50

Which of the following nurse actions demonstrates beneficence in the context of end-of-life care?

Accepted Answer

Providing comfort and emotional support to both the patient and their family

Answer

Deliberately misleading the patient about their prognosis

Answer

Disregarding the patient's end-of-life wishes

Question 51

Which action by a nurse is considered a breach of the duty to prevent harm?

Accepted Answer

Dismissing a patient's concerns

Answer

Adhering to established protocols

Answer

Observing patients regularly

Answer

Communicating effectively with patients

Question 52

Which of the following actions by a nurse exemplifies the combined application of beneficence and nonmaleficence?

Accepted Answer

Providing support and emotional care to a suicidal patient while ensuring their safety

Answer

Restraining a patient without their consent

Answer

Ignoring a patient's suicidal thoughts