Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Utilitarianism is defined as what?

1. Doing the least harm

2. Taking into account all individuals' rights

3. What results in the best consequences for the greatest number

4. Prioritizing personal values over societal needs

The correct answer is: What results in the best consequences for the greatest number

Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that advocates for actions that result in the greatest overall good for the greatest number of people. This approach is fundamentally concerned with the outcomes of actions and focuses on maximizing positive consequences while minimizing negative ones. The core principle is that the rightness of an action is determined by its ability to produce favorable results for the majority. In the context of healthcare, utilitarianism can guide decision-making, such as resource allocation, where nurses and other healthcare professionals aim to provide the most benefit to the largest number of patients. For instance, when considering treatments or interventions, a utilitarian approach would seek to maximize health benefits across a population rather than focusing on individual preferences or rights. Conversely, the other options emphasize different ethical considerations. While doing the least harm might align with a harm reduction approach, it does not capture the essence of maximizing benefits for the majority. Taking into account all individuals' rights pertains to a rights-based ethical approach, which may conflict with utility when individual rights can limit overall good. Prioritizing personal values over societal needs reflects a more individualistic perspective and could result in actions that don't benefit the wider community. Thus, the focus on consequences for the majority distinctly embodies the utilitarian philosophy.