Sayra Feng Wu

Prof. Raghda Alraei

HNSC 3270 Professional Development in Nutrition and Dietetics
05/09/2022
Ethics Assignment Questions
1. A private practice dietitian was contacted by a pharmaceutical company, and was offered
a gift in order to endorse a particular brand of vitamins and other supplements and
promote their products to her patients. What is the issue of concern?
a. Competence
b. Respect
c. Conflict of Interest
d. Justice

2. Which AND ethical principle could be violated in this case?

a. Competence and professional development in practice (Non-maleficence)
b. Integrity in personal and organizational behaviors and practices (Autonomy)
c. Professionalism (Beneficence)
d. Social responsibility for local, regional, national, global nutrition and well-being
(Justice)

3. Explain your answer for question 2

The dietitian violated the Autonomy ethical principle because a dietetic practitioner
should “disclose any conflicts of interest, including any financial interests in products or
services that are recommended. Refrain from accepting gifts or services which potentially
influence or which may give the appearance of influencing professional judgment.”
(Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2018).
4. A registered dietitian started a page on Facebook to provide nutrition information about
weight management, and started promoting the ketogenic diet. Few people voiced their
concern that the ketogenic diet does not work well for them, and that they experienced
some side effects. The dietitians continued to push for following the diet stating that this
is the best diet for weight loss, ignoring the concerns of some members. What ethical
issue is of concern in this case? Note that there might be more than one answer.
a. Autonomy
b. Competence
c. Professionalism
d. Justice

5. Explain your answer for question 4.

1
 This case has violated several ethical principles such as Non-maleficence, Beneficence,
and Justice. The dietitian should “demonstrate in depth scientific knowledge of food,
human nutrition, and behavior,” “refrain from communicating false, fraudulent,
deceptive, misleading, disparaging or unfair statements or claims,” and “promote fairness
and objectivity with fair and equitable treatment.” (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,
2018).

References:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2018, June). Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics

Profession. Commission on Dietetic Registration.

https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-ethics/

codeofethicshandout.pdf