ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A group of nurses are interested in the how to improve teaching effectiveness for patients who have a hearing impairment and lack family involvement while hospitalized. They believe "hearing loss decreases the teaching effectiveness while hospitalized." The group plans to evaluate teaching effectiveness using a 10-point Likert scale pre-post teaching, perform a hearing test to determine degree of hearing loss on admission, and have social work evaluate the impact of hearing impairment on patient's ability to safely live alone prior to discharge. The group is working in which step of the scientific process?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Method. In the scientific process, the method refers to designing and planning the research study. In this scenario, the group of nurses is planning how to improve teaching effectiveness for patients with hearing impairment, which involves designing the study by using a Likert scale pre-post teaching evaluation, conducting a hearing test, and involving social work for evaluation. This step focuses on determining how the research will be carried out, including data collection methods and procedures. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Hypothesis - This step involves formulating a testable prediction based on observations or existing knowledge. C: Results - This step involves analyzing the data collected and drawing conclusions. D: Evaluation - This step involves assessing the effectiveness or outcomes of the research study.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is concerned about safe staffing levels at a facility and observes that several units have no RN coverage but instead have RNs who float among several units. In determining whether this staffing concern should be reported to an outside agency, the nurse understands that, with whistle-blowing:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reporting unsafe staffing levels to The Joint Commission is an appropriate course of action for addressing concerns about patient safety. The Joint Commission is an independent organization that accredits healthcare facilities and promotes high-quality care standards. Whistleblower protection laws safeguard employees who report violations of laws, regulations, or standards that threaten public health or safety. Reporting to The Joint Commission can lead to an investigation and potential improvement in staffing levels to ensure patient safety. Incorrect answers: B: Keeping copies of documented inappropriate staffing patterns in the nurse's personal file is not illegal, but it may not be the most effective way to address the issue. C: Recording personal thoughts on outcomes is not as effective as taking action to report concerns to the appropriate regulatory body. D: Seeking guidance is important, but in cases of unsafe staffing levels, it is crucial to report the issue to the appropriate regulatory agency for resolution.
Question 3 of 9
The key to organizational success for health care facilities is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: retaining professional nurses. Retaining professional nurses is crucial for organizational success in healthcare facilities as it ensures continuity of care, promotes staff morale, reduces turnover costs, and maintains high-quality patient outcomes. By retaining experienced and skilled nurses, organizations can benefit from their expertise, knowledge, and commitment to providing excellent patient care. A: Hiring younger, more energetic nurses may bring new perspectives and energy but does not guarantee the same level of experience and expertise as professional nurses. B: Offering incentives like sign-on bonuses may attract new hires, but it does not address the underlying issues that lead to nurse turnover. C: Hiring highly qualified advanced practice nurses is beneficial, but it does not address the importance of retaining all professional nurses within the organization.
Question 4 of 9
A new nurse decides to use the Internet to apply for possible positions. How does applying online compare to applying by more traditional methods? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because regardless of the method of application, it is crucial to check the resume for correctness to present oneself professionally. This step is essential to avoid any errors or mistakes that could negatively impact the application process. Choice B is incorrect because the timeframe for follow-up does not solely depend on the method of application; it varies by company and industry. Choice C is incorrect as researching the mission and philosophy of the agency is important for both online and traditional applications to tailor the application to the specific organization. Choice D is incorrect as the importance of having the resume and cover letter reviewed for grammar and writing skills applies to both online and traditional applications to make a positive first impression.
Question 5 of 9
A 13-year-old female is brought to the family planning clinic by her enraged father, who has just learned that she is pregnant. The pregnant client states, "I want to have this baby and give it up for adoption." However, the father is adamant that she will disgrace the family and demands that the health care providers tell his daughter that she has a physical condition that would prohibit her from carrying this baby to a viable stage. The nurse realizes that this is a conflict that involves the ethical principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: autonomy. Autonomy refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse treatment. In this scenario, the 13-year-old female has expressed her desire to have the baby and give it up for adoption. By respecting her autonomy, healthcare providers must support her decision, even if it goes against her father's wishes. A: Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties. While autonomy is a principle within deontology, the main focus in this scenario is on respecting the patient's autonomy rather than following a specific moral rule. B: Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling. While honesty is important in healthcare, the main issue in this scenario is respecting the patient's autonomy rather than truth-telling. D: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and promote the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, respecting the patient's autonomy is
Question 6 of 9
A community health nurse has been visiting a postpartum client who suffered domestic violence throughout the pregnancy, and now the infant may be at risk. The nurse assisted the client in finding shelter and legal protection. The nurse's role and the conceptual framework involved are:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: case manager, according to Peplau's interpersonal relations model. In this scenario, the nurse is coordinating resources and services for the client, which aligns with the role of a case manager. Peplau's model emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and client, focusing on understanding the client's needs and providing support. The nurse in this situation is not just providing direct care (caregiver), advocating for change (change agent), or focusing solely on cultural aspects (translator). The nurse's role as a case manager involves addressing the client's complex needs, coordinating care, and advocating for the client's well-being, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.
Question 7 of 9
The practice of public health nursing and the Henry Street Settlement are credited to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lillian Wald. Lillian Wald is credited with founding the Henry Street Settlement in New York City in 1893, which pioneered the practice of public health nursing in the United States. She emphasized the importance of providing healthcare services to underserved populations in their own communities. Mary Breckenridge, known for establishing the Frontier Nursing Service, is not associated with the Henry Street Settlement. Mary Seacole was a British-Jamaican nurse known for her work during the Crimean War, not for public health nursing in the US. Clara Barton is known for founding the American Red Cross, not the Henry Street Settlement. Therefore, the correct answer is D, Lillian Wald.
Question 8 of 9
In deciding whether to say no to a request that involves a time commitment, the professional nurse must consider:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Cost-benefit ratio involves weighing the benefits of saying yes against the costs of the time commitment. 2. Professional nurses must consider the impact on patient care, workload, and personal well-being. 3. By evaluating the cost-benefit ratio, nurses can make informed decisions aligned with professional responsibilities and ethical standards. Summary: Choice A is correct because it emphasizes a systematic approach to decision-making based on evaluating the overall impact of the time commitment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the essential consideration of weighing costs and benefits in decision-making.
Question 9 of 9
A client involved in a motor vehicle accident is blinded. The nurse helps the client obtain a guide dog so the client may continue grocery shopping and visiting friends and family. This enables the client to cope with the handicap and perform activities of daily living. Which nursing theory can be applied to this scenario?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Watson's philosophy and science of caring and humanistic nursing. This theory emphasizes the importance of the nurse-client relationship, caring, and holistic care. In this scenario, obtaining a guide dog for the client reflects the nurse's caring actions to promote the client's independence and well-being. By helping the client cope with the handicap and continue daily activities, the nurse embodies the essence of caring and humanistic nursing. Incorrect Choices: B: Mishel's uncertainty in illness - This theory focuses on how individuals respond to uncertainty in illness situations, which does not directly apply to the scenario of obtaining a guide dog for a blinded client. C: Orem's self-care deficit - This theory emphasizes the nurse's role in assisting clients with self-care activities when they are unable to do so independently. While related to the scenario, it does not capture the essence of caring and humanistic nursing demonstrated in the client's situation. D: Rogers' science of unitary human beings - This