ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A 13-year-old female is brought to the family planning clinic by her enraged father, who has just learned that she is pregnant. The pregnant client states, "I want to have this baby and give it up for adoption." However, the father is adamant that she will disgrace the family and demands that the health care providers tell his daughter that she has a physical condition that would prohibit her from carrying this baby to a viable stage. The nurse realizes that this is a conflict that involves the ethical principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: autonomy. Autonomy refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse treatment. In this scenario, the 13-year-old female has expressed her desire to have the baby and give it up for adoption. By respecting her autonomy, healthcare providers must support her decision, even if it goes against her father's wishes. A: Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties. While autonomy is a principle within deontology, the main focus in this scenario is on respecting the patient's autonomy rather than following a specific moral rule. B: Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling. While honesty is important in healthcare, the main issue in this scenario is respecting the patient's autonomy rather than truth-telling. D: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and promote the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, respecting the patient's autonomy is
Question 2 of 9
The crisis communication officer may first inform the public or health care facility of a disaster or an act of terrorism. This representative has the responsibility to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the crisis communication officer's primary responsibility is to provide clear and factual information about the event within the facility and potentially to the news media. This helps to ensure transparency, maintain credibility, and prevent misinformation. Choice A is incorrect as containing facts within the administration group limits transparency. Choice B is incorrect as inciting panic is counterproductive. Choice D is incorrect as withholding information until confirmed by state and federal agencies may lead to unnecessary delays in communication.
Question 3 of 9
A staff nurse states, "I really enjoyed having dinner with the Chief of Medical Staff and the President of the hospital. We hope to meet again soon." Which source of power does this nurse possess?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Connection. The nurse's power comes from her ability to network and build relationships with influential individuals like the Chief of Medical Staff and the President of the hospital. This grants her access to information, resources, and opportunities not available to others. This power is based on who she knows rather than her expertise (A), position (B), or ability to offer rewards (D). The nurse's statement implies that her influence stems from her connections, making choice C the most appropriate answer.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse plans to move to an area that is rich in immigrants from several countries and is concerned about respecting others' cultural beliefs. The nurse's first step to ensure cultural competence and sensitivity is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: conduct a cultural self-assessment. This is the first step to ensure cultural competence because it allows the nurse to reflect on their own beliefs, biases, and cultural background, which can impact interactions with culturally diverse clients. By understanding one's own cultural identity, the nurse can better appreciate and respect the beliefs of others. Choice A is incorrect because enrolling in a nursing theories course may provide knowledge but does not address the nurse's own biases. Choice B is also incorrect as immersion in nursing literature may increase knowledge but does not promote self-awareness. Choice C is incorrect as focusing on health assessment variations does not necessarily address cultural sensitivity in interactions. Conducting a cultural self-assessment is essential for building a foundation of cultural competence and respect.
Question 5 of 9
A physician bills the insurance company for a computed tomography (CT) scan, laboratory tests, chest x-ray, and an extended visit and receives revenue for each procedure billed. This type of payment system is a payment system.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: capitated. In a capitated payment system, the physician receives a fixed amount per patient regardless of the services provided. This incentivizes cost-effective care and promotes preventive measures. In this scenario, the physician is receiving revenue for each procedure billed, which is not characteristic of capitated payment. A: Prospective payment is when a fixed amount is determined in advance for specific services rendered. This is not the case in the scenario provided. B: Retrospective payment involves reimbursement after the services are provided, which is not reflected in the scenario given. C: Diagnosis-related group (DRG) is a payment system used in hospitals based on the diagnosis and procedures performed, not applicable to individual physician billing as presented in the question.
Question 6 of 9
Nurses and community officials are working together to ensure that churches and schools have needed supplies to provide shelter for large numbers of individuals in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. These activities represent which phase of a disaster continuum?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preparedness. In this scenario, nurses and community officials are proactively planning and organizing resources to be ready for a disaster. Preparedness involves activities such as training, drills, and stockpiling supplies to ensure an effective response. Relief response (B) occurs during or immediately after a disaster to provide immediate assistance. Recovery (C) focuses on restoring community infrastructure and services post-disaster. Crisis intervention (D) is a short-term, immediate response to individuals in distress. In this case, the focus is on prevention and readiness, fitting the preparedness phase.
Question 7 of 9
Which nurse best portrays nursing as a "knowledge worker"?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse in matched scrubs with a lab coat and minimal jewelry portrays professionalism and adherence to safety standards. The lab coat signifies a commitment to infection control and respect for the clinical environment. The hair being pulled back ensures cleanliness and prevents hair from falling into a patient's wound. Small stud earrings are safe and do not pose a risk of injury to the nurse or patient. Choice B is incorrect because mismatched scrubs and large hoop earrings may not reflect professionalism or attention to detail, which are crucial in nursing practice. Choice C is incorrect as the nurse in a white uniform with apron and no jewelry may seem traditional but lacks the modern approach and attention to safety standards displayed by choice A. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse with nose and eyebrow piercings, despite wearing a starched white uniform and cap, may not be perceived as a professional and may not adhere to conservative workplace standards.
Question 8 of 9
When assessing an ethical issue, the nurse must first:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.
Question 9 of 9
The task of completing and signing the initial assessment on a newly admitted patient who is about to undergo minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis can be delegated to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the registered nurse (RN). This task requires clinical judgment and critical thinking skills, which are within the scope of practice of an RN. The RN is trained to assess the patient comprehensively, identify potential risks, and communicate effectively with other healthcare team members. LPNs/LVNs may not have the same level of assessment skills as RNs. UAPs do not have the clinical knowledge or skills required for this task. Option D is incorrect as completing and signing the initial assessment requires active patient assessment, which is a dynamic process and not just about past information.