Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which of the following reflects a utilitarian approach in healthcare ethics?

1. Focusing on the rights of the individual

2. Maximizing overall good while minimizing harm

3. Ensuring every individual receives equal treatment

4. Prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable

The correct answer is: Maximizing overall good while minimizing harm

The utilitarian approach in healthcare ethics is centered on the principle of maximizing overall good while minimizing harm. This ethical framework is based on the idea that the best action is one that results in the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. In the context of healthcare, this means making decisions that are aimed at improving outcomes for the population as a whole, rather than just for individual patients. For instance, when allocating resources, a utilitarian perspective would consider how best to distribute limited medical resources to achieve the highest possible health benefit. This could involve prioritizing interventions that provide the most significant positive impact on public health, allowing healthcare professionals to make choices that lead to better health outcomes on a larger scale. In contrast, focusing on the rights of the individual emphasizes personal autonomy and individual rights, which is more aligned with deontological ethics rather than a utilitarian philosophy. Ensuring every individual receives equal treatment pertains to principles of justice and fairness, which again do not specifically align with the utilitarian focus on overall outcomes. Prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable is a compassionate approach, often associated with care ethics, but it does not inherently reflect a utilitarian evaluation of maximizing benefits across the entire population.