Ethical Issues in Biomedical Research and Healthcare, Exams of Nursing

Download Ethical Issues in Biomedical Research and Healthcare and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! PHI3200 Ethics in Healthcare COMPLETED EXAM 2024 1. A patient with terminal cancer requests euthanasia from his doctor, who is morally opposed to the practice. The doctor refers the patient to another doctor who is willing to perform euthanasia. What ethical principle is the first doctor following? a) Autonomy b) Beneficence c) Non-maleficence d) Justice *Answer: a) Autonomy. The first doctor is respecting the patient's right to make his own decisions about his end-of-life care, even if he disagrees with them.* 2. A nurse notices that a colleague is frequently taking narcotics from the hospital's supply and suspects that he is addicted to them. The nurse reports the colleague to the supervisor, who initiates an investigation. What ethical principle is the nurse following? a) Autonomy b) Beneficence c) Non-maleficence d) Justice *Answer: d) Justice. The nurse is ensuring that the hospital's resources are distributed fairly and that the colleague is held accountable for his actions.* 3. A researcher conducts a clinical trial on a new drug for Alzheimer's disease and obtains informed consent from the participants, who are elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. However, the researcher does not disclose that the drug has a high risk of causing severe side effects, such as seizures and strokes. What ethical principle is the researcher violating? a) Autonomy b) Beneficence c) Non-maleficence d) Justice *Answer: b) Beneficence. The researcher is not acting in the best interests of the participants and is exposing them to unnecessary harm.* his suffering. However, the nursing staff notice that the patient sometimes smiles and responds to music and touch, and they wonder if he still has some quality of life. What ethical principle is in conflict in this case? a) Autonomy b) Beneficence c) Non-maleficence d) Justice *Answer: b) Beneficence. The nursing staff may question whether the son's decision is in the best interests of the patient, who may still have some capacity for enjoyment and communication.* 10. A researcher wants to study the effects of a new drug for depression on a group of college students. She recruits 100 students who have been diagnosed with depression and randomly assigns them to either the experimental group, who will receive the drug, or the control group, who will receive a placebo. She also asks them to complete a questionnaire about their mood and well-being before and after the intervention. What ethical principle is the researcher following? a) Autonomy b) Beneficence c) Non-maleficence d) Justice *Answer: d) Justice. The researcher is following the principle of randomization, which ensures that the participants are treated equally and that the results are valid and generalizable.* PART B: Question: Discuss the ethical implications of genetic engineering and its applications in the 21st century. Answer: Genetic engineering raises numerous ethical concerns, such as the potential for creating "designer babies." It challenges the concept of natural selection and raises questions about consent and autonomy. Additionally, it may exacerbate social inequalities and discrimination based on genetic traits, leading to ethical debates about fairness and equal opportunities. 2. Question: Evaluate the ethical considerations associated with the use of stem cells in biomedical research and therapy. Answer: Stem cell research raises ethical questions regarding the destruction of human embryos, as well as concerns about the potential misuse or commodification of human tissue. It also involves considerations of informed consent, privacy, and the fair distribution of the benefits and risks associated with these technologies. 3. Question: Analyze the ethical implications of neuroenhancement techniques, such as cognitive-enhancing drugs and brain-computer interfaces. Answer: Neuroenhancement technologies raise ethical concerns related to fairness, competitive advantage, and personal identity. They challenge notions of authenticity and may lead to social disparities in cognitive abilities. Additionally, misuse or unregulated use of such techniques could have unforeseen consequences for individuals and society as a whole. 4. Question: Discuss the ethical challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare decision-making and diagnostic processes. Answer: AI raises concerns about algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, and accountability in healthcare decision-making. Ethical debates revolve around the potential for dehumanization of patient care and the erosion of doctor-patient relationships. Privacy, data security, and the potential for unintended consequences are additional ethical considerations. 5. Question: Evaluate the ethical implications of emerging technologies such as 3D printing for the production of human organs and tissues. Answer: 3D printing of human organs and tissues raises ethical concerns related to the creation of synthetic life, patent rights, and access to healthcare. It also challenges traditional notions of what it means to be human and the sanctity of life. 11. Question: Analyze the ethical implications of reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Answer: Reproductive technologies raise ethical concerns about the commodification of human life, the creation and disposal of embryos, and the potential for creating or perpetuating social inequalities based on reproductive traits. Additionally, questions arise about the distinction between therapeutic and enhancement purposes in these technologies. 12. Question: Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding the use of wearable health technologies, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, in the collection and storage of personal health data. Answer: Ethical concerns related to wearable health technologies include privacy, data security, and potential misuse of personal health information by third parties. There is also a question about the accuracy and reliability of these devices and the potential psychological and emotional impact on individuals. 13. Question: Evaluate the ethical implications of organ transplantation and the challenges associated with organ scarcity and transplantation tourism. Answer: Organ transplantation raises ethical questions related to organ trafficking, exploitation of vulnerable populations, and the fair allocation of organs. There are also considerations regarding public policy, consent, and the use of living donors. The socio-economic disparities in access to organ transplantation are important ethical issues as well. 14. Question: Analyze the ethical challenges posed by human clinical trials of new drugs and medical interventions, including issues of informed consent, risk-to-benefit ratio, and conflicts of interest. Answer: Human clinical trials raise ethical questions regarding informed consent, ensuring that participants fully understand the risks and benefits of participation. Additionally, questions arise regarding the distribution of benefits and burdens, protection of vulnerable populations, and conflicts of interest among researchers or sponsors. 15. Question: Discuss the ethical considerations associated with end-of- life decision-making, including euthanasia, assisted suicide, and palliative care. Answer: End-of-life decision-making raises ethical concerns regarding autonomy, the right to die with dignity, and potential abuses of power. The allocation of healthcare resources, cultural and religious beliefs, and the role of healthcare professionals in providing palliative care are important ethical considerations in this context. 1. What is the main difference between consequentialism and deontology? Provide an example of a biomedical dilemma that could be solved using each approach. (5 marks) Answer: Consequentialism is the ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on its consequences, while deontology is the ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on its adherence to universal moral rules. An example of a biomedical dilemma that could be solved using consequentialism is euthanasia, where the action of ending a patient's life could be justified by the outcome of relieving their suffering. An example of a biomedical dilemma that could be solved using deontology is organ donation, where the action of taking a person's organs without their consent could be condemned by the rule of respecting autonomy. 2. What are the four principles of biomedical ethics proposed by Beauchamp and Childress? Explain each principle and how they can be applied to biomedical decision-making. (10 marks) Answer: The four principles of biomedical ethics are respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Respect for autonomy means that patients have the right to make informed and voluntary decisions about their own health care, and that health care providers should respect their choices and values. Beneficence means that health care providers should act in the best interests of their patients and promote their well-being. Non-maleficence means that health care providers should avoid harming their patients or exposing them to unnecessary risks. Justice means that health care resources should be distributed fairly and equitably among all patients, and that no one should be discriminated against on the basis of irrelevant factors. Answer: Paternalism is the interference with a person's autonomy for their own good, usually without their consent or knowledge. Some arguments for paternalism in biomedical ethics are that it protects patients from harm or ignorance, promotes their best interests or welfare, respects their implicit or hypothetical preferences, or upholds social values or norms. Some arguments against paternalism in biomedical ethics are that it violates the patient's autonomy, dignity, or rights, undermines their trust or confidence in their health care provider, deprives them of the opportunity to learn or grow from their own choices, or imposes the health care provider's values or judgments on them. An example of a situation where paternalism could be justified is when a health care provider withholds a terminal diagnosis from a patient who is mentally unstable or suicidal, in order to prevent them from harming themselves or losing hope. An example of a situation where paternalism could be criticized is when a health care provider performs a blood transfusion on a patient who is a Jehovah's Witness, in violation of their religious beliefs and preferences. 7. What is the difference between confidentiality and privacy in biomedical ethics? What are some exceptions or limitations to the duty of confidentiality? (10 marks) Answer: Confidentiality is the obligation of health care providers to keep the personal and medical information of their patients secret and not disclose it to anyone without their consent, while privacy is the right of patients to control who has access to their personal and medical information and how it is used. Some exceptions or limitations to the duty of confidentiality are when the patient gives consent to disclose their information, when the disclosure is required by law or court order, when the disclosure is necessary to protect the patient or others from serious harm, or when the disclosure is in the public interest or for public health purposes. 8. What is the difference between euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide? What are some ethical arguments for and against each practice? (10 marks) Answer: Euthanasia is the deliberate ending of a patient's life by a health care provider, usually by administering a lethal injection, while physician- assisted suicide is the deliberate ending of a patient's life by themselves, usually by ingesting a lethal dose of medication prescribed by a health care provider. Some ethical arguments for euthanasia and physician- assisted suicide are that they respect the patient's autonomy, dignity, or quality of life, relieve their suffering or pain, prevent their deterioration or loss of function, or fulfill their last wishes or preferences. Some ethical arguments against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are that they violate the sanctity or value of life, harm the patient or their family, abuse the power or role of the health care provider, undermine the trust or integrity of the medical profession, or have negative social or legal consequences. 9. What is abortion and what are some ethical arguments for and against it? What are some factors that influence the moral status of the fetus? (10 marks) Answer: Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb, either by natural causes or by medical intervention. Some ethical arguments for abortion are that it respects the woman's autonomy, rights, or interests, protects her health or well-being, prevents her from bearing an unwanted child, or avoids bringing an impaired child into the world. Some ethical arguments against abortion are that it violates the fetus's right to life, potentiality, or personhood, harms the fetus or its future interests, disrespects its inherent value or dignity, or contradicts natural law or divine will. Some factors that influence the moral status of the fetus are its stage of development, viability, sentience, genetic makeup, relationship to its mother, or social recognition. 10. What is genetic engineering and what are some ethical issues raised by it? What are some possible benefits and risks of genetic engineering for human health? (10 marks) Answer: Genetic engineering is the manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its traits or functions, either by adding, removing, modifying, or transferring genes. Some ethical issues raised by it are its safety and efficacy, its impact on human identity and diversity, its implications for human rights and dignity, its potential for abuse or misuse, its regulation and oversight, and its social and environmental consequences. Some possible benefits of genetic engineering for human health are that it could cure or prevent genetic diseases, enhance human abilities or capacities, improve human well-being or quality of life, or create new medical treatments or therapies. Some possible risks of genetic engineering for human health are that it could cause harm or side effects to individuals or populations, create new diseases or disorders, reduce human diversity or variation, undermine human autonomy or responsibility, violate human rights or dignity, Question 4: Application of Hippocratic Principles in Modern Medicine Question: Evaluate the contemporary relevance of the Hippocratic principles, such as beneficence, non- maleficence, and respect for patient autonomy, in guiding ethical decision-making and medical practice in the modern healthcare landscape. Answer: The Hippocratic principles continue to inform ethical decision- making in modern medicine by underpinning the commitment to promoting patient well-being, avoiding harm, and honoring patient autonomy. These enduring principles guide the development of medical ethics codes, inform the practice of evidence-based medicine, and uphold the ethical standards of patient care, reflecting a commitment to the enduring values of patient dignity and individual well-being. Question 5: Judeo-Christian Ethics and End-of-Life Care Question: Discuss the influence of Judeo-Christian ethical teachings on end-of-life care and the ethical considerations surrounding issues such as palliative care, euthanasia, and the preservation of patient dignity in the face of terminal illness. Answer: Judeo-Christian ethics emphasize the sanctity of life and the compassionate care of individuals, informing ethical considerations in end-of-life care. These teachings guide healthcare professionals in providing palliative care to alleviate suffering, upholding the dignity of the dying patient, and addressing ethical dilemmas related to end-of-life decisions, promoting a holistic and compassionate approach to patient care at the end of life. Question 6: Patient-Centered Care and Human Dignity Question: Analyze the relationship between patient-centered care and the preservation of human dignity in healthcare, highlighting the ethical imperatives of respecting patient autonomy, promoting shared decision- making, and addressing the individual needs and values of patients. Answer: Patient-centered care prioritizes the individual patient's values, preferences, and autonomy, aligning with the ethical imperative of upholding human dignity. By recognizing and respecting the unique worth of each patient, patient-centered care facilitates shared decision- making, fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers, and promotes the delivery of care that is respectful, responsive, and tailored to the individual, thereby preserving and affirming the patient's inherent dignity. Question 7: Ethical Considerations in Reproductive Medicine Question: Examine the ethical implications of reproductive medicine, including assisted reproductive technologies and genetic interventions, in light of the Hippocratic and Judeo-Christian traditions' emphasis on the dignity and worth of human life. Answer: Reproductive medicine raises ethical considerations related to the creation, manipulation, and protection of human life, which intersect with the Hippocratic and Judeo-Christian traditions' emphasis on the inherent dignity of humanity. These traditions inform ethical deliberations on issues such as reproductive autonomy, the status of the embryo, and the ethical boundaries of genetic interventions, guiding healthcare professionals and policymakers in navigating the complex ethical landscape of reproductive medicine.