ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A family requests that no additional heroic measures be instituted for their terminally ill mother who has advance directives in place. The nurse respects this decision in keeping with the principle of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the family's request to honor the terminally ill mother's advance directives aligns with the principle of autonomy as it acknowledges her right to make decisions about her own care. Accountability (A) pertains to taking responsibility for one's actions, nonmaleficence (C) involves avoiding harm, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness. While these principles are important in healthcare, in this specific case, autonomy takes precedence as it respects the patient's wishes.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is having difficulty managing assignments at work, which results in a feeling of "failure" and tasks that are not completed or that are not completed satisfactorily. The mentor suggests some tips for time management. These include: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. Planning for tomorrow today allows the nurse to set clear goals and prioritize tasks in advance. 2. By planning ahead, the nurse can allocate time efficiently, reducing the feeling of overwhelm. 3. This approach fosters better organization and focus, enhancing productivity and task completion. 4. Planning helps in identifying potential obstacles and developing strategies to overcome them. 5. Ultimately, effective planning leads to better time management and a sense of accomplishment. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Focusing on activities rather than objectives can lead to a lack of direction and prioritization. C: Making the last hours most productive neglects the importance of consistent time management throughout the day. D: Maintaining a log of time spent can be helpful but does not address the proactive approach of planning ahead for better time management.
Question 3 of 9
A patient experiences migraine headaches that are not relieved by traditional Western medical practices. The family physician suggests acupuncture, which: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because acupuncture is indeed based on the belief that meridians, energy pathways in the body, are vital for life and when they are out of balance, pain occurs. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of these meridians to alleviate pain. Explanation: 1. Acupuncture theory is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasizes the flow of energy (Qi) along meridians. 2. By inserting needles at specific points along the meridians, acupuncturists aim to restore the balance of Qi and alleviate pain. 3. Meridian theory is fundamental to the practice of acupuncture and differentiates it from other pain relief modalities. 4. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the core principles of acupuncture and how it works. Summary: Option A is correct because it aligns with the foundational principles of acupuncture, focusing on meridians and energy balance. Options B, C, and D are
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is seeking to become culturally competent in regard to obtaining information during health history and when performing physical diagnosis. The nurse is aware that which biologic variation is found in all of the following ethnicities: blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and American Indians?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sickle cell anemia. This genetic disorder is found in individuals of African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin. This condition is more prevalent in these ethnic groups due to historical reasons and natural selection against malaria. A: Mongolian spots are common in Asian infants but not in all the mentioned ethnicities. C: Lactose intolerance is more common in individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent but not specifically in American Indians. D: Thalassemia is more prevalent in individuals of Mediterranean, African, and Southeast Asian descent, not in all the mentioned ethnicities.
Question 5 of 9
An elderly person, age 80, is finding it difficult to live alone and the family is considering long-term care. The elderly person is reasonably healthy, with only normal aging declines, and maintains a healthy appetite. All medications are administered orally and require only minimal assistance. She is financially secure with an income based on retirement from both the military and factory from her deceased husband and herself. The family contacts long- term care and is told that, based on this patient's information:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Medicare will pay for home health services should these additional services meet the needs of the individual. 1. Medicare covers home health services for individuals who meet specific criteria, which may include being homebound, needing skilled nursing care, and having a care plan established by a healthcare provider. 2. In this scenario, the elderly person is reasonably healthy and only requires minimal assistance with oral medications, indicating that she may benefit from home health services rather than long-term care. 3. Since the elderly person is financially secure, it is likely that she does not meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid, which is a need-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. 4. Medicare does not cover long-term care in a nursing home unless specific criteria are met, such as requiring skilled services on a short-term basis. In this case, the elderly person's need for assistance with oral medications does not necessarily qualify as a skilled service for nursing home care. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A
Question 6 of 9
A new graduate nurse is applying for the exciting first position and states, "I am only applying to Magnet hospitals because those work environments:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their ability to not only attract but also retain professional nurses. These hospitals create a positive work environment that values and supports nursing staff, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Choice A is incorrect because while Magnet hospitals may attract top healthcare providers, it's not solely focused on physicians. Choice B is incorrect as certification is not a mandatory requirement for all RNs in Magnet hospitals. Choice D is incorrect as Magnet hospitals actually encourage nurses to advance their education and professional development.
Question 7 of 9
A novice nurse is in the "rejection phase" of stress and wonders if she made the right decision when deciding nursing was her chosen career. Which strategy would help the novice nurse cope with transition into practice and reduce stress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates a proactive and thoughtful approach to decision-making. By stopping to consider the request and assessing its safety implications before accepting it based on patient acuity levels, the novice nurse is prioritizing patient safety and her own capabilities. This strategy helps her cope with the transition into practice by promoting critical thinking and confidence in her decision-making skills. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Refusing to eat anywhere but the hospital cafeteria may lead to social isolation and restrict the novice nurse's ability to engage with others outside of work. C: Ignoring coworkers' problems or staffing ideas can create a negative work environment and hinder teamwork, potentially increasing stress levels for the novice nurse. D: Focusing on winning over hostile coworkers may detract from the novice nurse's professional growth and cause unnecessary stress from seeking validation from others.
Question 8 of 9
Nurses in a unionized hospital are paid "compensatory pay" when working holidays equal to the number of hours worked with no extra compensation. Although they have suggested changes during the annual survey of employee satisfaction, management refuses to consider another system for compensatory pay. A trained member listened to both nurses and management to make recommendations that were not legally binding. This type of settlement is termed:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: mediation. In this scenario, a trained member listened to both parties (nurses and management) and made recommendations that were not legally binding. Mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating communication and negotiation between conflicting parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. It is non-binding, unlike binding arbitration, where a decision is imposed on the parties. Picketing involves organized striking by employees to protest against employer practices. Grievance is a formal complaint process within an organization. Mediation is the appropriate term for this non-binding settlement process in this context.
Question 9 of 9
A nursing unit is comparing team nursing to the partnership model and finds that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the leadership abilities of the RN are crucial in both team nursing and the partnership model. In team nursing, the RN coordinates care provided by team members. In the partnership model, the RN collaborates with a partner to deliver care effectively. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of an RN is essential in both models to ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality care. Choice C is incorrect because the RN's role in teaching how to apply the nursing process is not specific to team nursing or the partnership model but is a general nursing responsibility. Choice D is incorrect because in team nursing, the RN is responsible for coordinating care for the patient, including working with the family or significant others, rather than solely caring for the patient while others work with the family.