ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male nurse hired to work in the emergency department is observed throwing a contaminated needle into the trash can. The team leader reprimands the nurse for not appropriately disposing of sharps. The nurse states, "You don't care that I threw the needle in the trash. You just want an all-female staff," putting the team leader in a defensive position. This communication technique is known as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: red herring. In this scenario, the male nurse deflects the issue of improper sharps disposal by accusing the team leader of having ulterior motives related to gender discrimination. This is a classic example of a red herring, where the nurse introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original issue. The nurse's response does not address the concern raised about sharps disposal but instead shifts the focus to an unrelated accusation. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the communication technique used in the scenario. A straw man involves misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, slippery slope is a form of logical fallacy, and confusing cause and effect refers to a mistaken understanding of the relationship between two events.
Question 2 of 5
A group of nurses are meeting to decide how to staff the upcoming holidays. Each of the four members freely expresses thoughts about fair staffing but is willing to listen to other thoughts and reconsider their first recommendations. The nurses are avoiding conflict and supporting professional communication through:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: supportiveness. In this scenario, the nurses are engaging in a collaborative process, listening to each other's perspectives, and being open to reconsidering their initial recommendations. Supportiveness involves actively encouraging others, showing understanding, and fostering a positive and constructive environment. Empathy (A) involves understanding and sharing others' feelings, which is important but not the primary focus in this context. Positiveness (B) is about having a positive attitude, which is beneficial but does not capture the essence of the nurses' behavior. Accommodation (D) involves making concessions, which is not the main theme in this situation where the nurses are aiming for mutual understanding and collaboration.
Question 3 of 5
Which task is most likely to be considered in a state's practice act as appropriate to delegate to a LPN/LVN if the patient's condition is stable and competence in the task has been established?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Teaching a patient how to instill eye drops for glaucoma is a task that can be appropriately delegated to an LPN/LVN when the patient is stable and competence has been established. Here's the rationale: 1. Teaching is within the scope of practice for LPN/LVNs as it involves providing education and instructions to patients. 2. Administering medications IV (option B) requires a higher level of assessment and monitoring skills, making it inappropriate for delegation to an LPN/LVN. 3. Developing a plan of care (option C) involves critical thinking and decision-making skills beyond the scope of an LPN/LVN. 4. Administering an enema (option A) may involve assessing the patient's condition and response, which is beyond the typical scope of an LPN/LVN.
Question 4 of 5
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 5 of 5
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.