What is a limitation of the Code of Ethics?

• A. It is overly detailed
• B. It changes too frequently
• C. It is abstract and incomplete, not addressing every situation
• D. It conflicts with patient preferences

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that professional ethics codes provide broad principles rather than a step-by-step manual for every situation. This broad design makes the Code of Ethics a flexible framework that applies across different clinical settings and as technology and practice evolve. Because it aims to be universally applicable, it can’t spell out exact actions for every possible scenario, so it comes across as abstract and incomplete in specific, real‑world cases. Clinicians fill those gaps by using their judgment, institutional policies, and patient values to guide decisions. The other options don’t fit as well: the code isn’t meant to be overly detailed, changes aren’t made so often that it becomes unstable, and while it respects patient preferences, its purpose isn’t to conflict with them but to guide professional conduct within ethical duties.