1. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic pain. Which ethical principle is the nurse primarily addressing by ensuring the patient's pain is managed effectively?
o A) Autonomy
o B) Beneficence
o C) Justice
o D) Nonmaleficence
Answer: B) Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence involves actions...
Questions 1-15: Ethical Principles in Pain Management
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic pain. Which ethical principle is the
nurse primarily addressing by ensuring the patient's pain is managed effectively?
o A) Autonomy
o B) Beneficence
o C) Justice
o D) Nonmaleficence
Answer: B) Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence involves actions that promote the well-being of patients,
including effective pain management.
2. Which ethical principle emphasizes the patient's right to make informed decisions
regarding their pain management?
o A) Autonomy
o B) Beneficence
o C) Fidelity
o D) Veracity
Answer: A) Autonomy
Rationale: Autonomy refers to respecting a patient's right to make decisions
about their own healthcare, including pain management options.
3. A nurse advocates for a patient who is not receiving adequate pain relief due to
hospital policies. This action is an example of which ethical principle?
o A) Justice
o B) Nonmaleficence
o C) Advocacy
o D) Fidelity
Answer: C) Advocacy
Rationale: Advocacy involves supporting and representing the patient’s needs
and preferences, particularly in pain management.
4. Which of the following is an example of nonmaleficence in pain management?
o A) Educating a patient about the risks of opioid therapy
o B) Prescribing medication without consulting the patient
o C) Ignoring a patient's report of pain
o D) Ensuring a pain medication is administered as ordered
Answer: A) Educating a patient about the risks of opioid therapy
Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the obligation to avoid harm, which includes
providing necessary information to prevent potential harm.
5. The nurse is assessing a patient’s pain. Which action reflects the ethical principle of
justice?
o A) Providing pain relief equally to all patients
o B) Prioritizing pain management for the most critical patients
o C) Offering additional support for patients with insurance
o D) Ignoring a patient’s complaints if they are known to exaggerate pain
Answer: A) Providing pain relief equally to all patients
Rationale: Justice involves fairness and equality in the distribution of healthcare
resources and treatment.
, 6. When discussing pain management with a patient, which is the best approach to
ensure ethical communication?
o A) Provide the patient with all possible treatment options
o B) Only discuss treatment options that the nurse is familiar with
o C) Allow the patient to choose a treatment without providing information
o D) Use medical jargon to explain complex treatments
Answer: A) Provide the patient with all possible treatment options
Rationale: Providing complete information respects the patient's autonomy and
facilitates informed decision-making.
7. A nurse discovers that a colleague has been altering pain medication records. Which
ethical obligation must the nurse fulfill?
o A) Ignore the behavior
o B) Report the colleague to a supervisor
o C) Discuss the issue with the colleague first
o D) Document the behavior in the patient’s chart
Answer: B) Report the colleague to a supervisor
Rationale: Nurses have an ethical obligation to report unethical behavior to
protect patient safety and integrity.
8. Which situation demonstrates a violation of the ethical principle of fidelity?
o A) A nurse promises to check on a patient’s pain level and does not return
o B) A nurse administers pain medication as prescribed
o C) A nurse listens attentively to a patient’s concerns
o D) A nurse educates a patient about pain management options
Answer: A) A nurse promises to check on a patient’s pain level and does not
return
Rationale: Fidelity involves keeping promises and commitments to patients,
which includes following up on care.
9. In the context of pain management, which of the following actions would best
demonstrate respect for patient autonomy?
o A) Making pain management decisions without patient input
o B) Educating the patient about their treatment options
o C) Forcing the patient to take a specific medication
o D) Overriding a patient’s decision against certain treatments
Answer: B) Educating the patient about their treatment options
Rationale: Respecting autonomy involves informing patients and allowing them
to make their own choices regarding their care.
10. A nurse is assessing a terminally ill patient’s pain and wishes to ensure ethical pain
management. Which action should the nurse take first?
o A) Review the patient’s medication history
o B) Consult with the healthcare team about advanced pain management strategies
o C) Ask the patient about their pain experience and preferences
o D) Administer the highest dose of pain medication available
Answer: C) Ask the patient about their pain experience and preferences
Rationale: Understanding the patient's experience and preferences is crucial in
providing ethical and individualized care.
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