PHIL 380
Biomedical Ethics
Proctored Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2026
1
,1. A patient refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious
beliefs. Which ethical principle primarily supports respecting the
patient's decision?
a) Beneficence
b) Autonomy
c) Justice
d) Non-maleficence
Answer: b) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy respects a patient's right to make decisions
about their own body, even if it conflicts with medical advice.
2. In a clinical trial, the principle of "equipoise" ensures:
a) Participants receive placebo instead of treatment
b) Genuine uncertainty exists about which treatment is better
c) Financial benefits are equally distributed
d) Only severe cases are enrolled
Answer: b) Genuine uncertainty exists about which treatment is
better
Rationale: Equipoise means there is no known superior treatment,
ethically justifying randomization.
3. A nurse suspects that a colleague is diverting medication but is
afraid to report it. What ethical principle supports reporting this
concern?
a) Fidelity
b) Non-maleficence
c) Justice
d) Confidentiality
Answer: b) Non-maleficence
Rationale: Reporting prevents harm to patients, reflecting the
commitment to avoid causing harm.
2
, 4. Which of the following best describes "therapeutic privilege"?
a) Deceiving the patient for their benefit
b) Withholding information to prevent harm
c) Prioritizing research over treatment
d) Allowing family to make decisions
Answer: b) Withholding information to prevent harm
Rationale: Therapeutic privilege involves withholding information if
disclosing it may cause significant harm.
5. The principle of justice in healthcare most directly involves:
a) Ensuring all patients receive equal resources regardless of need
b) Fair allocation of scarce medical resources
c) Respecting patient confidentiality
d) Always prioritizing life-saving treatments
Answer: b) Fair allocation of scarce medical resources
Rationale: Justice addresses fairness and equity, especially when
resources are limited.
True/False (T/F)
6. True or False: Informed consent must include information about
risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed treatment.
Answer: True
Rationale: Ethical informed consent requires full disclosure including
risks, benefits, and alternatives.
7. True or False: Patients under 18 years of age are never considered
competent to give informed consent.
Answer: False
Rationale: Some minors can give consent in specific situations
depending on jurisdiction and maturity (emancipated minors).
3
Biomedical Ethics
Proctored Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2026
1
,1. A patient refuses a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious
beliefs. Which ethical principle primarily supports respecting the
patient's decision?
a) Beneficence
b) Autonomy
c) Justice
d) Non-maleficence
Answer: b) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy respects a patient's right to make decisions
about their own body, even if it conflicts with medical advice.
2. In a clinical trial, the principle of "equipoise" ensures:
a) Participants receive placebo instead of treatment
b) Genuine uncertainty exists about which treatment is better
c) Financial benefits are equally distributed
d) Only severe cases are enrolled
Answer: b) Genuine uncertainty exists about which treatment is
better
Rationale: Equipoise means there is no known superior treatment,
ethically justifying randomization.
3. A nurse suspects that a colleague is diverting medication but is
afraid to report it. What ethical principle supports reporting this
concern?
a) Fidelity
b) Non-maleficence
c) Justice
d) Confidentiality
Answer: b) Non-maleficence
Rationale: Reporting prevents harm to patients, reflecting the
commitment to avoid causing harm.
2
, 4. Which of the following best describes "therapeutic privilege"?
a) Deceiving the patient for their benefit
b) Withholding information to prevent harm
c) Prioritizing research over treatment
d) Allowing family to make decisions
Answer: b) Withholding information to prevent harm
Rationale: Therapeutic privilege involves withholding information if
disclosing it may cause significant harm.
5. The principle of justice in healthcare most directly involves:
a) Ensuring all patients receive equal resources regardless of need
b) Fair allocation of scarce medical resources
c) Respecting patient confidentiality
d) Always prioritizing life-saving treatments
Answer: b) Fair allocation of scarce medical resources
Rationale: Justice addresses fairness and equity, especially when
resources are limited.
True/False (T/F)
6. True or False: Informed consent must include information about
risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed treatment.
Answer: True
Rationale: Ethical informed consent requires full disclosure including
risks, benefits, and alternatives.
7. True or False: Patients under 18 years of age are never considered
competent to give informed consent.
Answer: False
Rationale: Some minors can give consent in specific situations
depending on jurisdiction and maturity (emancipated minors).
3
