ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
A nurse asks, "What is meant by 'internal' customers?" The correct response is: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: X-ray technicians. Internal customers refer to individuals or departments within the same organization who rely on each other's services to fulfill their roles effectively. X-ray technicians work within the healthcare facility and depend on other staff like nurses for patient care coordination. Insurance companies (A) and accreditors (B) are external entities. Clinical pharmacists (D) are also internal, but X-ray technicians have a direct service-dependency relationship with nurses in healthcare settings, making them the most relevant internal customers in this context.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse manager is mentoring a novice nurse manager in determining staffing needs. The mentor explains, "We must determine the acuity level of the patient by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because quantifying the amount and intensity of care required is essential to determine staffing needs based on patient acuity. This involves assessing the complexity and severity of patients' conditions, which directly impacts the level of care needed. Patient satisfaction (A) does not provide objective data on acuity. Examining skill mix (C) is important but not the primary factor in determining acuity. Hospital days (D) reflect length of stay, not acuity level.
Question 4 of 9
Which nurse best portrays nursing as a "knowledge worker"?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse in matched scrubs with a lab coat and minimal jewelry portrays professionalism and adherence to safety standards. The lab coat signifies a commitment to infection control and respect for the clinical environment. The hair being pulled back ensures cleanliness and prevents hair from falling into a patient's wound. Small stud earrings are safe and do not pose a risk of injury to the nurse or patient. Choice B is incorrect because mismatched scrubs and large hoop earrings may not reflect professionalism or attention to detail, which are crucial in nursing practice. Choice C is incorrect as the nurse in a white uniform with apron and no jewelry may seem traditional but lacks the modern approach and attention to safety standards displayed by choice A. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse with nose and eyebrow piercings, despite wearing a starched white uniform and cap, may not be perceived as a professional and may not adhere to conservative workplace standards.
Question 5 of 9
A student nurse is concerned about delegation practices and wonders why hospitals employ unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and LPN/LVNs. The student nurse refers to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and learns that the role of these personnel is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: aid the RN by performing appropriately delegated care tasks. UAP and LPN/LVNs are crucial in supporting the RN by carrying out tasks within their scope of practice under the RN's supervision. This is essential to ensure efficient patient care delivery and allow the RN to focus on more complex nursing assessments and interventions. A: Supplementing the staffing pattern when an RN is not available is incorrect because UAP and LPN/LVNs work alongside RNs, not as substitutes for them. C: Replacing the RN in long-term care settings is incorrect as UAP and LPN/LVNs provide valuable assistance but do not replace the RN's role. D: Providing patient teaching to allow more direct care by the RN is incorrect as UAP and LPN/LVNs focus on task-based care rather than patient education, which is typically within the RN's scope of practice.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is given a referral to make a home visit to a Russian immigrant. The nurse knows very little about the health beliefs of this ethnic group. To research this group, she can use an Internet search engine and enter the term "Russian cultures" or "Russian health beliefs." To obtain more generalized information, she could also search under:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: federally recognized minorities. This is because Russian immigrants are considered a federally recognized minority group in the United States. By searching under this category, the nurse can find specific and relevant information about the health beliefs and practices of this particular ethnic group. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically pertain to the Russian immigrant population. Marginalized populations (B) may include various minority groups but may not provide specific information about Russian immigrants. Similarly, Asian/Pacific Islander cultures (C) and Latino cultures (D) do not encompass the unique health beliefs and practices of Russian immigrants.
Question 7 of 9
Managers who exhibit an authoritative behavioral style are most likely to use which source of power?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coercive. Managers with an authoritative behavioral style tend to use coercive power, which involves the ability to influence others through threats or punishment. This style relies on fear and control to achieve compliance. Informal power (A) is based on relationships and influence, expert power (B) is derived from knowledge and expertise, and reward power (D) is based on the ability to provide incentives. However, coercive power aligns most closely with an authoritative style as it emphasizes control and dominance over subordinates.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse prepares to apply sterile gloves needed for a procedure. After introducing self and verifying patient information, the nurse performs hand hygiene. The nurse should open the outer package and then perform steps in which order. Put a comma and space between each answer choice (e.g., a, b, c, d).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct order is to first open the outer package to access the inner package containing the gloves. This ensures that the gloves remain sterile until they are needed. Opening the inner package first would expose the gloves to potential contamination. Putting on the gloves should be done after opening the inner package, starting with the nondominant hand to prevent contamination. Adjusting the gloves carefully should be the final step after both gloves are on to ensure a proper fit. Therefore, choice A is correct as it establishes the correct sequence for maintaining sterility throughout the process.
Question 9 of 9
A concern that nurses were being asked to perform tasks that went beyond the state's nurse practice act was brought to the union's attention. Nurses were informed that either mediation or binding arbitration will be used to resolve the issue. A novice nurse asks about the difference between these techniques and is informed that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because binding arbitration involves a formal discussion where the arbitrator's recommendations are compulsory, meaning both parties must abide by the decision. This ensures a resolution to the issue at hand. A is incorrect because mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB for formal discussions. C is incorrect because mediation does not typically result in a legally binding plan; it is a negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. D is incorrect because binding arbitration does not specifically focus on the least destructive approach or self-governance by employees; it is about reaching a binding decision by a neutral third party arbitrator.