ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A care provider sacrifices an animal and waves an herb-filled sack over a client who is complaining of painful joints and chest pain with exertion. This ritual represents health care during:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the prehistoric period. During this time, people relied heavily on spiritual beliefs and rituals for healing. Sacrificing animals and using herbs in rituals to treat ailments was common practice. In contrast, early civilization in Egypt (B) had more advanced medical practices, the Renaissance (C) saw a shift towards scientific medicine, and the Middle Ages (D) had a mix of spiritual and medical practices, but not as primitive as the prehistoric period.
Question 2 of 9
According to the Palliative Performance Scale which patient is considered to possess 70% of normal function?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Palliative Performance Scale assesses functional status in palliative care. A patient with 70% normal function would have a score of 70 on the scale, indicating that they are still able to ambulate but with limitations due to their illness. Choice A is incorrect because inability to hold a job does not directly correlate with functional status. Choice B is incorrect as spending most of the day in bed suggests a lower level of functioning. Choice D is incorrect as being bed bound indicates a more severe impairment in function compared to a patient who can still ambulate with limitations.
Question 3 of 9
When choosing to delegate, the nurse should delegate the task to the most qualified person or to the person he or she wishes to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: develop. When delegating tasks, it is important for the nurse to choose the most qualified person to ensure safe and effective care. By delegating tasks to someone who needs development, the nurse can provide opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. This benefits both the individual being delegated to and the overall team. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because promoting, punishing, or rewarding someone based on task delegation can lead to bias, unfairness, or inappropriate incentives, which are not conducive to effective delegation practices.
Question 4 of 9
It is important for nurses to know the functions of the branches of the federal government. At a local meeting of the state nurses' association, an officer reminds members that the branch that is capable of originating major policy initiatives is thebranch.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: legislative. The legislative branch, which consists of Congress, is responsible for creating and enacting laws, including major policy initiatives. This branch has the power to propose, debate, and pass legislation that shapes public policy. The executive branch (choice A) enforces laws, the judicial branch (choice C) interprets laws, and the administrative branch (choice D) oversees the implementation of laws. In this context, the legislative branch is the primary entity for originating major policy initiatives, making it crucial for nurses to understand its functions.
Question 5 of 9
When deciding which staffing option to use on a nursing unit that will open soon, the manager realizes that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Continuity of care is enhanced with longer shifts because nurses have more time to build relationships with patients and understand their needs. Step 2: Working consecutive days per week reduces handoffs, which can lead to errors and miscommunications. Step 3: 12-hour shifts allow nurses to have more days off, reducing burnout and fatigue. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as part-time nurses may not provide consistent care. Choice C is incorrect as staff satisfaction doesn't always translate to patient satisfaction. Choice D is incorrect as the work environment can impact the quality of care provided by nurses.
Question 6 of 9
A group of registered nurses with ADN degrees are concerned that the minimum educational standard for licensure as a registered nurse is being raised to the bachelor's (BSN) level. After contacting the American Nurses Association, they learn they will be "grandfathered" in. Under the "grandfather clause," nurses with associate degrees will:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. The "grandfather clause" typically allows individuals to maintain current status or privileges despite changes in requirements. 2. The clause ensures that nurses with ADN degrees can continue using the title "registered nurse" without needing to upgrade to a BSN. 3. This aligns with the principle of honoring past qualifications while moving forward with new standards. 4. Choice A is incorrect as it introduces additional requirements beyond what the clause typically allows. 5. Choice C is incorrect as it imposes a strict time limit, which is not a common practice under grandfather clauses. 6. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests using a new title, which contradicts the purpose of grandfathering in existing qualifications.
Question 7 of 9
While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their nursing excellence, empowering nurses with autonomy and self-governance. This fosters a positive work environment and improves patient outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because being a Magnet hospital does not guarantee revenue retention, but rather focuses on nursing excellence. Choice C is incorrect as Magnet hospitals do not require all RNs to have a master's degree. They do emphasize ongoing education and professional development, but not at a specific degree level. Choice D is incorrect because Magnet status is not related to the availability of diagnostic equipment but rather on nursing quality and excellence.
Question 8 of 9
Medicare would be responsible for: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because Medicare covers hospital stays for individuals aged 65 and older, which would include a 70-year-old client. Choice B is incorrect because Medicare typically covers dialysis for individuals with end-stage renal disease, not nursing home costs. Choice C is incorrect because Medicare does not typically cover rehabilitation care for individuals under 65. Choice D is incorrect because AFDC is a separate program from Medicare that provides assistance for low-income families, and prescription costs for the young mother would likely be covered under a different program.
Question 9 of 9
A patient's spouse was just diagnosed with lung cancer although there was no history of tobacco use. The spouse states, "I am so mad. How can you get cancer without smoking?" Which statement by the nurse represents empathy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging and validating the spouse's feelings of anger. By stating, "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis," the nurse shows compassion and understanding towards the spouse's emotional response. This response helps to build trust and rapport with the patient's spouse during a difficult time. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses more on providing information rather than acknowledging the spouse's emotions. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the spouse's feelings of anger and is not relevant to the situation. Choice D is incorrect as it comes across as confrontational and may make the spouse feel defensive.