ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A consumer is learning about electronic health records at a local health fair and states, "I am worried that someone can read my health information and I really don't understand the difference between privacy and confidentiality." The nurse explains that an example of confidentiality would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because locking medical records in cabinets to prevent unauthorized users from accessing patient information exemplifies confidentiality. This practice ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive health data, maintaining patient privacy. Choice A is about a pledge of confidentiality, not an actual practice. Choices B and C involve patients withholding information, which is related to privacy but not confidentiality.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse executive is concerned that the mortality rate in his or her hospital exceeds the national average and searches the literature finding Aiken's 2011 Survey on the effects of nurse staffing and education on mortality, including work environment. If Aiken's recommendations are followed, which change would be most effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing staffing ratios to include more nurses of all levels of educational preparation on all shifts. Aiken's survey emphasized the importance of adequate nurse staffing in improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. By increasing staffing ratios with nurses of all educational levels, the hospital can ensure better patient care, effective coordination, and timely interventions. This approach addresses the key factors highlighted in Aiken's survey - nurse staffing and education. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the issue of nurse staffing, which was the primary focus of Aiken's survey. Employing bachelor's prepared nurses participating in interprofessional rounds (B) may improve communication but does not solely address the staffing concerns. Ensuring nurse managers have a master's degree (C) may improve leadership but does not directly impact frontline staffing. Encouraging unlicensed assistive personnel to attend educational programs (D) may enhance skills but does not address the need for more nurses in the staffing ratios
Question 3 of 9
A nurse groups patients with criteria such as "high risk for falls," "infection protocols," and "special communication needs" to determine the mix and number of staff needed on a telemetry unit. The nurse is using:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A nurse grouping patients with specific criteria to determine staffing needs aligns with a patient classification system. This system helps allocate appropriate staff levels based on patient acuity and needs for safe and effective care. It focuses on matching patient needs with staff expertise to ensure quality care. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to determining staffing levels based on patient criteria. B refers to billing, C to coordination of care, and D to specific care plans.
Question 4 of 9
The primary purpose of licensure for RNs is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Licensure ensures RNs meet minimum standards to practice. 2. Protects the public from incompetent or unqualified nurses. 3. Ensures RNs adhere to ethical and legal standards. 4. Maintains accountability and promotes safe patient care. Summary: A: Incorrect, as licensure is not primarily about title protection. B: Incorrect, as while RNs demonstrate knowledge, licensure is broader. D: Incorrect, as enhancing recognition is not the primary goal of licensure.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse has been asked to serve as the charge nurse on the evening shift. The agency where the nurse is employed is considering unionization. If the charge nurse position is accepted, this nurse:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Charge nurses are typically considered part of the nursing staff, not part of the management team. Step 2: Since charge nurses are not considered part of the management team, they are eligible to be represented by the union. Step 3: Being part of the union means the charge nurse can benefit from collective bargaining activities and have a voice in workplace decisions. Step 4: Choice A is correct as it aligns with the general understanding of charge nurses' roles and their eligibility for union representation. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because charge nurses are not typically considered part of the management team, so union participation would not necessarily be a conflict of interest. Choice C is incorrect because union representation does not automatically mean filing grievances that will be arbitrated. Choice D is incorrect because charge nurses can participate in collective bargaining activities related to unfair labor practices if they are represented by the union.
Question 6 of 9
A consumer is learning about electronic health records at a local health fair and states, "I am worried that someone can read my health information and I really don't understand the difference between privacy and confidentiality." The nurse explains that an example of confidentiality would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because locking medical records in cabinets to prevent unauthorized users from accessing patient information exemplifies confidentiality. This practice ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive health data, maintaining patient privacy. Choice A is about a pledge of confidentiality, not an actual practice. Choices B and C involve patients withholding information, which is related to privacy but not confidentiality.
Question 7 of 9
During orientation, an RN learns that LPN/LVNs in the facility receive additional training to perform some tasks such as hanging continuously infusing intravenous fluids that have no additives. It is important for the RN to understand that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (B - LPN/LVNs are licensed, and accountability for their own practice rests with each LPN/LVN): 1. LPN/LVNs are licensed professionals, accountable for their own scope of practice as outlined by the state nursing board. 2. Accountability ensures that LPN/LVNs are responsible for their actions and decisions in providing patient care. 3. LPN/LVNs must adhere to the state's nursing practice act and regulations, ensuring safe and competent care delivery. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: The health care facility cannot override the state practice act as licensure requirements are set by the state nursing board. C: UAPs, although important in the care team, do not have the same level of accountability as licensed nurses. D: The nurse practice act and state regulations related to delegation are essential in guiding delegation practices, but they do not necessarily override organization policies.
Question 8 of 9
Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) provided the delegatee has had experience and training?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because obtaining a sterile urine sample from a patient with a Foley catheter connected to a closed drainage system is a task that can be safely delegated to UAP who have experience and training. Here's the rationale: 1. Task Complexity: This task involves a straightforward procedure that does not require specialized medical knowledge. 2. Training and Experience: UAP can be trained to perform this task under supervision and with specific guidelines. 3. Minimal Risk: When performed correctly, obtaining a sterile urine sample carries minimal risk to the patient. 4. Routine Procedure: This task is a common and routine procedure that UAP can be trained to perform effectively. Other Choices: A: Evaluating the ability of a patient to swallow ice after a gastroscopy involves medical assessment and potential risk of aspiration, which should be done by a licensed healthcare professional. B: Assisting a postoperative hip replacement patient to ambulate for the first time requires monitoring for complications and assessing patient response, which should be done
Question 9 of 9
In orientation, a new graduate is surprised to learn of workplace violence in health care agencies and asks, "What kind of violence is common in hospitals?" The educator describes workplace violence as: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because workplace violence in health care agencies commonly includes violence towards staff by patients or visitors, especially in cases where patients are victims of domestic violence. This type of violence can manifest as physical aggression, verbal abuse, or threatening behavior. The other choices are incorrect because B describes workplace sabotage, C focuses on personal development unrelated to workplace violence, and D describes a scenario unrelated to violence towards staff in a healthcare setting.