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Nursing Codes of Ethics, Exam Bank
Table of Contents
Topic: Foundations and Principles of the Nursing Code of Ethics....................................................2
Topic: Ethical Decision-Making, Advocacy, and Professional Relationships in Nursing.................11
Topic: Social Justice, Global Health, and the Nurse’s Ethical Role in Society.................................20
Topic: Ethical Practice in Leadership, Education, and Research in Nursing...................................30
Topic: Ethical Issues in Technology, Confidentiality, and Informed Consent.................................39
Topic: Ethics in End-of-Life Care, Pain Management, and Spiritual Support.................................49
Topic: Ethical Advocacy, Conflict Resolution, and Interprofessional Collaboration.......................58
Topic: Ethics in Public Health, Community Engagement, and Global Nursing Practice....68
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Topic: Foundations and Principles of the Nursing Code of Ethics
1. What is the primary purpose of the Nursing Code of Ethics?
A. To regulate hospital funding
B. To enforce mandatory certifications
C. To provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice
D. To define billing procedures
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The Code of Ethics serves as a guide for nurses to make ethical decisions, ensuring
integrity, compassion, and accountability in patient care.
2. According to the Code of Ethics, the nurse’s primary commitment is to:
A. The hospital administrator
B. The physician’s orders
C. The patient, whether individual, family, or community
D. Institutional policies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Provision 2 of the Code emphasizes that the nurse’s primary commitment is to
the patient, which includes individuals and communities.
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3. Provision 1 of the Code of Ethics focuses on:
A. Leadership in management
B. Advocacy for healthcare reform
C. Respect for human dignity and the patient’s right to self-determination
D. Legal obligations in documentation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Provision 1 underlines the nurse’s obligation to treat all patients with respect and
dignity, recognizing their autonomy and worth.
4. Which ethical principle supports a nurse’s obligation to maintain
confidentiality?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Fidelity involves faithfulness to commitments, including the responsibility to
maintain the confidentiality and trust of patients.
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5. Veracity in nursing refers to:
A. Avoiding unnecessary communication
B. Telling the truth and being honest with patients
C. Always following the patient’s demands
D. Minimizing patient involvement in care decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Veracity involves honesty and truth-telling, essential for building trust and
promoting informed patient decisions.
6. The principle of autonomy is best demonstrated when a nurse:
A. Chooses the patient’s medication
B. Forces compliance with treatment
C. Supports a patient’s informed decision to refuse treatment
D. Delegates care decisions to a supervisor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Autonomy means respecting patients’ rights to make their own decisions, even if
those decisions differ from healthcare recommendations.
7. Provision 5 in the Code emphasizes the nurse’s responsibility to:
A. Avoid continuing education
B. Remain passive in ethical discussions
Nursing Codes of Ethics, Exam Bank
Table of Contents
Topic: Foundations and Principles of the Nursing Code of Ethics....................................................2
Topic: Ethical Decision-Making, Advocacy, and Professional Relationships in Nursing.................11
Topic: Social Justice, Global Health, and the Nurse’s Ethical Role in Society.................................20
Topic: Ethical Practice in Leadership, Education, and Research in Nursing...................................30
Topic: Ethical Issues in Technology, Confidentiality, and Informed Consent.................................39
Topic: Ethics in End-of-Life Care, Pain Management, and Spiritual Support.................................49
Topic: Ethical Advocacy, Conflict Resolution, and Interprofessional Collaboration.......................58
Topic: Ethics in Public Health, Community Engagement, and Global Nursing Practice....68
, 2
Topic: Foundations and Principles of the Nursing Code of Ethics
1. What is the primary purpose of the Nursing Code of Ethics?
A. To regulate hospital funding
B. To enforce mandatory certifications
C. To provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice
D. To define billing procedures
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The Code of Ethics serves as a guide for nurses to make ethical decisions, ensuring
integrity, compassion, and accountability in patient care.
2. According to the Code of Ethics, the nurse’s primary commitment is to:
A. The hospital administrator
B. The physician’s orders
C. The patient, whether individual, family, or community
D. Institutional policies
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Provision 2 of the Code emphasizes that the nurse’s primary commitment is to
the patient, which includes individuals and communities.
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3. Provision 1 of the Code of Ethics focuses on:
A. Leadership in management
B. Advocacy for healthcare reform
C. Respect for human dignity and the patient’s right to self-determination
D. Legal obligations in documentation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Provision 1 underlines the nurse’s obligation to treat all patients with respect and
dignity, recognizing their autonomy and worth.
4. Which ethical principle supports a nurse’s obligation to maintain
confidentiality?
A. Justice
B. Beneficence
C. Fidelity
D. Veracity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Fidelity involves faithfulness to commitments, including the responsibility to
maintain the confidentiality and trust of patients.
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5. Veracity in nursing refers to:
A. Avoiding unnecessary communication
B. Telling the truth and being honest with patients
C. Always following the patient’s demands
D. Minimizing patient involvement in care decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Veracity involves honesty and truth-telling, essential for building trust and
promoting informed patient decisions.
6. The principle of autonomy is best demonstrated when a nurse:
A. Chooses the patient’s medication
B. Forces compliance with treatment
C. Supports a patient’s informed decision to refuse treatment
D. Delegates care decisions to a supervisor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Autonomy means respecting patients’ rights to make their own decisions, even if
those decisions differ from healthcare recommendations.
7. Provision 5 in the Code emphasizes the nurse’s responsibility to:
A. Avoid continuing education
B. Remain passive in ethical discussions
