ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A concerned nursing student calls the office of an elected official to voice support for the bill to ban smoking in all public places. The secretary asks, "Are you a constituent?" What does the term constituent mean?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a constituent refers to a citizen who is registered and eligible to vote for a representative. In this scenario, the nursing student is calling the office of an elected official, indicating that they are a citizen who can vote for that official. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to a member of a professional organization, not a citizen eligible to vote. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to an elected official, not a citizen. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a member of the House of Representatives, not a citizen eligible to vote.
Question 2 of 9
A hospital converts to a system of care delivery in which RNs, LPNs, and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are responsible for implementing a specific task, such as medication administration or personal hygiene, for the entire nursing unit. This type of delivery system is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: functional nursing. In functional nursing, tasks are divided among different levels of nursing staff based on their skills and qualifications. This system is task-oriented, with each staff member responsible for a specific function, such as medication administration or personal hygiene, for the entire unit. This allows for efficient and specialized care delivery. A: Total patient care involves one nurse providing all aspects of care to a group of patients. C: Team nursing involves a team of healthcare professionals working collaboratively to provide care to a group of patients. D: Primary nursing assigns one nurse to oversee the care of a group of patients from admission to discharge.
Question 3 of 9
Which statement made by an RN regarding delegation indicates the need for additional teaching? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Delegating the assessment of vital signs during the first 5 minutes of a blood transfusion to UAPs is not appropriate. This is because a reaction can occur within the first few minutes of a blood transfusion, making it crucial for a registered nurse to assess the patient during this critical period. UAPs do not have the education or training to recognize and manage potential adverse reactions promptly. Choice B is incorrect because an LPN/LVN can indeed administer a PPD if there is no history of a positive result. Choice C is incorrect because LPN/LVNs should not administer medications that have a high potential for adverse effects, such as dopamine. Choice D is incorrect as transferring a patient who is being discharged home requires skilled nursing assessment and intervention, not just training in transferring techniques.
Question 4 of 9
A hospital is concerned that the number of medication errors has increased significantly in the past year. A project revealed four causes of medication errors. The above chart was used to help staff and administration know where to focus efforts to reduce errors. Which process improvement tool is used in this situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pareto chart. A Pareto chart is a quality improvement tool used to prioritize and focus efforts on the most significant causes of a problem. In this case, the hospital used the chart to identify the main causes of medication errors, helping them to allocate resources efficiently. The Pareto principle states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes, making it a powerful tool for process improvement. A: Run chart is used to track data over time but does not prioritize causes like a Pareto chart. C: Flowcharts are used to map out processes and are helpful for understanding the sequence of activities, not for prioritizing causes. D: Cause-and-effect diagrams (Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram) are used to identify and organize potential causes of a problem but do not prioritize them like a Pareto chart. In summary, the Pareto chart is the most appropriate tool in this situation because it helps focus efforts on the most significant causes
Question 5 of 9
The RN instructs the LPN to "Give an enema to the patient in room 327 who is being discharged but is complaining of being constipated. Then be sure to document on the medication administration record when given." Which of the five rights was missing in this situation? The right of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: direction and communication. The RN failed to provide clear direction to the LPN regarding the specific type of enema to be administered and the amount. Furthermore, there was a lack of communication regarding the patient's current condition and the rationale for the enema. The other choices are incorrect because: B: task - The task of administering the enema was clearly communicated. C: person - The patient was identified by room number, so the person was specified. D: circumstances - While the circumstances of the patient's complaint were mentioned, the specific details related to the enema administration were lacking.
Question 6 of 9
Which statement regarding informed consent is correct? Informed consent:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informed consent requires the registered nurse (RN) to communicate all necessary information to the patient so they can make an informed decision. This includes explaining the procedure, potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and any other pertinent information. The RN plays a crucial role in ensuring that the patient understands the information provided before giving consent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because informed consent is not solely mandated by federal law, must disclose risks as well as benefits, and should not involve concealing any known risks.
Question 7 of 9
An RN delegates to an experienced LPN/LVN the task of administering oral medications to a group of patients. The LPN/LVN accepts the assignment, and the RN knows that the LPN/LVN has had the training and has acquired the skills needed to complete the task. The RN then observes the LPN/LVN recording a patient's medication administration just before entering the patient's room. The priority intervention by the RN is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of his actions in a nonjudgmental manner. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate issue of potentially incorrect documentation and allows for clarity and understanding between the RN and LPN/LVN. It promotes open communication and a chance to correct any errors that may have occurred. Choice A is incorrect because checking the drug packages after the fact does not address the issue of potentially incorrect documentation and missed medications. Choice C is incorrect as it is an extreme response that does not promote a collaborative and educational approach to resolving the situation. Choice D is incorrect as calling the pharmacy for replacement medications is not necessary at this stage and does not address the immediate concern of potentially incorrect documentation.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is interviewing for a job and recently read the American Nurses Association's (ANA) recommendation for questions to ask regarding before accepting employment. Which questions should the nurse ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because understanding the mission of the parent organization is crucial for aligning personal values with the organizational goals. This knowledge can help the nurse assess if their values and beliefs are in line with the organization's mission, leading to better job satisfaction and performance. A: Flexible scheduling is important but not specified in ANA's recommendations. B: Advancement expectations are important, but not a priority in ANA's recommendations. C: Staff retention is relevant, but not emphasized in ANA's recommendations.
Question 9 of 9
A prospective nursing student who researches universities that offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing would want to ensure that the program is accredited by the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This accreditation ensures the nursing program meets national standards for quality and effectiveness. CCNE evaluates curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, and more. The American Nurses Association (A) is a professional organization, not an accrediting body. The National Institutes of Health (C) focuses on biomedical research, not nursing education accreditation. The National Nursing Council (D) is a fictitious organization and does not accredit nursing programs. In summary, choosing an accredited program by CCNE ensures the nursing student receives a quality education that meets national standards.