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 qualitative researcher reviews data collected with a grief support group to develop a theory of how widows and widowers mourn. The researcher is using which qualitative research design?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grounded theory is the correct answer because it involves developing a theory based on analyzing data collected from participants. In this case, the researcher is reviewing data from a grief support group to identify patterns and themes, ultimately leading to the development of a theory on how widows and widowers mourn. Phenomenology focuses on understanding individuals' lived experiences, not developing theories. Case study involves an in-depth analysis of a single case, not suitable for developing a theory. Hypothesis generation is part of quantitative research, not qualitative research design.
Question 3 of 9
Cover letters:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a cover letter should express genuine interest in the employer and show that you have taken the time to understand their organization. This demonstrates professionalism and a tailored approach. Choice B is incorrect because handwritten letters are rarely used in the digital age, and legibility is not a primary concern. Choice C is incorrect as cover letters should provide sufficient information to showcase qualifications, not limited to one paragraph. Choice D is incorrect because revealing desired salary, shift, and area of practice is typically done during the interview process, not in the initial application.
Question 4 of 9
According to the Quality Chasm report:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Proactive care emphasizes prevention and early intervention. 2. The Quality Chasm report advocates for patient-centered care. 3. Being proactive ensures better health outcomes and lower costs. 4. Reactive care may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Summary: B: Focusing on common needs ignores individual preferences, contradicting patient-centered care. C: Limiting medical information to one provider is not patient-centered and hinders care coordination. D: Allowing specialized providers to control decisions may not consider the holistic needs of the patient.
Question 5 of 9
A group of nurses meet with a state representative to explain the importance of allowing registered nurses the right to sign death certificates for patients who were under their care. As constituents and nurses, they requested that the senator vote against the bill restricting this practice. These nurses are serving as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: lobbyists. The nurses are acting as lobbyists by advocating for a specific cause (allowing RNs to sign death certificates) to the state representative. They are not policymakers (B) because they are not directly making decisions or creating policies. They are also not officials with regulatory power (C) as they are not in a position to enforce regulations. Lastly, they are not advocating for the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (D) specifically in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse manager wants his nursing unit to be a place where all nurses want to work, where patient satisfaction is high, and care is innovative and interdisciplinary. Staff are encouraged to chair taskforces to improve quality of care and he counsels staff in areas of measuring patient outcomes. Other managers want to mimic this manager's approach to improve their own units. This nurse is which type of leader?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transformational. This nurse manager is focused on creating a positive work environment, encouraging innovation, empowering staff, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate followers to achieve high levels of performance by emphasizing shared vision, personal growth, and values. This nurse manager's approach aligns with the characteristics of a transformational leader. Incorrect Choices: B: Transactional leaders focus on rewards, punishments, and exchanges with followers based on performance. This nurse manager's approach goes beyond transactional interactions. C: Laissez-faire leaders are hands-off and provide little guidance or direction. This nurse manager is actively involved in guiding and supporting staff. D: Authoritative leaders make decisions independently and expect followers to follow orders. This nurse manager encourages staff involvement and input in decision-making processes.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse working in a factory performs routine hearing tests for employees. The factory uses 90 dB as the safe limit for an 8-hour day's exposure to machine noise rather than 85 dB as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The nurse is functioning in the role of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: occupational health nurse. This is because an occupational health nurse specializes in promoting health and safety in the workplace, including monitoring employees' exposure to occupational hazards like noise. By conducting hearing tests and recognizing the discrepancy between the factory's safe noise level and OSHA's recommendation, the nurse is fulfilling the role of an occupational health nurse. Choice A (quality management) is incorrect as it involves ensuring high-quality care and services, not specifically focused on workplace health and safety. Choice B (informatics nurse specialist) is incorrect as it pertains to using technology and data to improve healthcare outcomes, not directly related to workplace health monitoring. Choice D (case manager) is incorrect as it involves coordinating care for individual patients, not overseeing workplace health and safety practices.
Question 8 of 9
A team of experienced nurses work together to develop algorithms that are converted into checklists to ensure standardization of commonly performed procedures. The focus of this team is primarily on which Institute of Medicine (IOM) competency?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Safety. The team of nurses developing algorithms and checklists aims to ensure standardization of procedures, which directly relates to patient safety. Safety is a fundamental competency in healthcare, as it involves minimizing harm to patients. Standardization through checklists helps reduce errors and promote consistency in care delivery. Timely care (B) focuses on providing care promptly, equitable care (C) emphasizes fairness and eliminating disparities, and patient-centered care (D) prioritizes individual preferences and needs. While these competencies are important in healthcare, in this scenario, the team's primary focus on standardization aligns with the safety competency.
Question 9 of 9
An older adult is unable to reach the telephone and is found dead at home several hours later. The son of the deceased person arrives at the hospital and asks, "Can I just please stay and hold my dad's hand? He was so afraid of dying alone." Which response by the nurse shows empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging the son's request and providing support. By closing the door to allow privacy and promising to check back, the nurse shows understanding and compassion for the son's emotional needs. Choice A is incorrect as it is insensitive and blames the son. Choice B is inappropriate as it shifts the focus to purchasing a cell phone rather than addressing the son's emotional state. Choice D is also incorrect as it redirects the attention to the nurse's personal experience, failing to address the son's specific request.