ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A Mexican-American patient is attacked and beaten. This patient is at risk for "fright disease," which is known as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: susto. Susto is a cultural-bound syndrome in Mexican-American culture characterized by emotional distress due to a frightening or traumatic experience. This patient, having been attacked and beaten, is at risk for susto due to the emotional impact of the incident. Empacho refers to indigestion, bilis to anger, and mal ojo to the evil eye, none of which are directly related to the emotional distress caused by a traumatic event like in the case of susto.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse develops a new nursing theory related to stress and viability. The nurse determines the theory accounts for historical events in which soldiers suffering from the stress of inadequate clothing to protect them from the cold and lack of correspondence from home had an increased mortality related to gunshot wounds. The theory will predict gunshot victims' need for proper clothing and letters from significant others as they serve in Iraq. Which criterion for theory acceptance is being validated?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Accuracy. The nurse's theory is being validated based on its ability to accurately predict the need for proper clothing and letters from significant others for soldiers serving in Iraq. This criterion is essential for theory acceptance as it demonstrates the theory's ability to make accurate predictions based on historical events. Inclusiveness (A) refers to the theory's ability to encompass a wide range of phenomena, which is not explicitly demonstrated in this scenario. Consistency (B) refers to the theory's internal coherence and agreement with existing knowledge, which is not the focus of the nurse's validation process in this case. Simplicity (D) refers to the theory's clarity and parsimony, which is not the primary criterion being validated here. In summary, accuracy is the most relevant criterion being validated in this scenario as the nurse's theory is being assessed based on its predictive accuracy in relation to the soldiers' needs in Iraq.
Question 3 of 9
An RN delegates to an experienced LPN/LVN the task of administering oral medications to a group of patients. The LPN/LVN accepts the assignment, and the RN knows that the LPN/LVN has had the training and has acquired the skills needed to complete the task. The RN then observes the LPN/LVN recording a patient's medication administration just before entering the patient's room. The priority intervention by the RN is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of his actions in a nonjudgmental manner. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate issue of potentially incorrect documentation and allows for clarity and understanding between the RN and LPN/LVN. It promotes open communication and a chance to correct any errors that may have occurred. Choice A is incorrect because checking the drug packages after the fact does not address the issue of potentially incorrect documentation and missed medications. Choice C is incorrect as it is an extreme response that does not promote a collaborative and educational approach to resolving the situation. Choice D is incorrect as calling the pharmacy for replacement medications is not necessary at this stage and does not address the immediate concern of potentially incorrect documentation.
Question 4 of 9
In February 2010, Congress passed legislation to support universal health care for all Americans. At a local health fair, an individual asks about the difference between universal health care and a single payer system. The nurse explains the difference is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in a universal health care system, one universal payer (often the government) is responsible for covering all health care expenses for all citizens. This means that everyone, regardless of income or eligibility, is covered under the same system. Choice B is incorrect because a single-payer system does not necessarily limit health care access based on income; it simply means there is one entity responsible for paying health care costs. Choice C is incorrect because single-payer systems do not rely on insurance companies to pay fees; instead, the single payer itself covers the costs directly. Choice D is incorrect because it does not specify that the one payer in a universal health care system is usually the government, which is a key distinction in this context.
Question 5 of 9
An RN is consistently late to work, causing reassignment of patient care and the need for repeated shift reports. The nurse, who receives a warning for repeated tardiness, states, "My husband left me, I have no car, no family close by, and the bus is always late, which makes me late. The nurse manager doesn't care how hard I try to get here, and I am raising a child by myself." The nurse is using which type of logical fallacy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Appeal to emotion. The nurse is trying to justify their repeated tardiness by appealing to the emotions of the nurse manager, by invoking pity and sympathy. This type of logical fallacy involves using emotional manipulation to distract from the real issue of consistently being late to work. The nurse's personal circumstances are valid but do not excuse the behavior. Summary of other choices: B: Appeal to tradition - This fallacy involves justifying a belief or action based on the fact that it has been done that way in the past. This is not evident in the nurse's response. C: Hasty generalization - Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence. The nurse's explanation is specific to their own situation and not a broad generalization. D: Confusing cause and effect - Mistaking the cause of a situation for the effect or vice versa. The nurse is trying to use their personal circumstances as the cause of being consistently late, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.
Question 6 of 9
When using the ABC system of managing time, those items coded A include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in the ABC system, tasks coded as A are considered the most important and urgent. Calling the pharmacy to check drug availability for a patient directly impacts patient care and safety, making it a priority. B, checking a ventilator alarm, is important but not as urgent as ensuring medication availability. C, organizing the medication cart, is important but not necessarily urgent like patient-related tasks. D, writing memos for a birthday gift, is neither urgent nor directly related to patient care. Therefore, A is the correct choice for being the most critical task in the ABC system.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is approached to sign a union authorization card. If signed, the card:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Answer A: Signing a union authorization card authorizes the union to serve as the nurse's legal representative in labor negotiations and other matters. By signing, the nurse is indicating consent for the union to act on their behalf. This is a crucial step in the unionization process. Summary of Other Choices: B: Requesting additional information about collective bargaining does not require signing a union authorization card. C: Sharing information about grievances does not necessarily require signing a union authorization card. D: Deducting union dues from pay is a separate process that typically requires a separate authorization form, not the union authorization card.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse who functions in the role of team leader can be held negligent for matters involving:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: delegation of client care tasks. A team leader nurse can be held negligent for improper delegation as they are responsible for assigning tasks to appropriate staff ensuring safe and effective care. This is crucial for patient safety. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because inadequate training, lack of policies, and failure to discipline unsafe workers are not directly related to the nurse's role in delegation and immediate patient care responsibilities.
Question 9 of 9
The Health Care Reform Act provides insurance for all U.S. citizens and legal residents presenting far-reaching ethical considerations related to diverse individual patient health care beliefs for those delivering nursing care. Nurses must consider their civil rights under the rights of conscience and how new health care agendas such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) could affect their practice in situations that may conflict with their own belief system. Today's practicing nurse must:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Professional duty: Nurses have a duty to provide patient-centered care regardless of personal beliefs. 2. Legal liability: Withholding treatment based on personal beliefs can lead to legal consequences. 3. Ethical considerations: Nurses must prioritize patient care over personal beliefs. 4. Rights of conscience: Nurses may have the right to refuse to participate in certain treatments, but they must still ensure patient care. 5. Patient-centered care: Nurses must respect patient autonomy and provide care based on the patient's wishes. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B. Irrelevant to the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care. C. Nurses should not impose their beliefs on patients but should respect and support their choices. D. Suggesting the hospital not accept federal funding does not address the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care.