ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A new graduate desires a position in labor and delivery; however, no position is available. What is the best advice for this nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it offers a practical solution. By accepting another nursing position and transferring to labor and delivery when a position is available, the nurse can gain experience, maintain employment, and potentially build a relationship with the organization. This approach shows flexibility and commitment. A: Continuing to study is important, but it may not guarantee a position in labor and delivery. B: Returning to college is unnecessary and may delay entering the workforce. D: Practicing skills in a simulation lab is beneficial, but it does not address the immediate need for employment in the desired field.
Question 2 of 9
A new graduate is excited about finding the first job but doesn't want to make the costly mistake of taking the first job offered or taking a job that doesn't meet her career goals. She learns the best way to know the culture of the potential employer is networking with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area. Networking with alumni who graduated from the same school and work in the area is the best way to know the culture of the potential employer because they can provide insider insights based on their own experiences. Alumni are likely to offer honest and firsthand information about the work environment, company culture, and career growth opportunities. They can also provide valuable advice on how to navigate the hiring process and make an informed decision. Networking with executives at a competing agency (choice A) may not provide accurate information about the potential employer's culture. Nurses currently working in the agency (choice C) may not have a comprehensive view of the overall culture. Friends or people who have been patients at the agency (choice D) are unlikely to provide relevant insights into the work culture.
Question 3 of 9
A nursing student scores 95% on the written examination for the adult health course. To be successful in this course, this same student must then perform an indwelling catheter insertion and wound care in a simulated environment meeting core competencies. The student asks, "What are core competencies?" The nursing instructor replies, "Core competencies are:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: those skills necessary for safe, competent nursing practice. Core competencies refer to the essential skills and knowledge required for safe and competent nursing practice. In the scenario provided, the nursing student needs to demonstrate proficiency in indwelling catheter insertion and wound care to meet these core competencies. These skills are crucial for providing quality patient care and ensuring patient safety. Choice A is incorrect because core competencies are not about reducing attrition but rather about ensuring students possess the necessary skills for nursing practice. Choice C is incorrect as core competencies focus on skills required for practice, not on educational remediation. Choice D is incorrect because core competencies are not about improving reading and math skills but about the specific nursing skills needed for practice.
Question 4 of 9
An RN is counseled by the nurse manager regarding inappropriate delegation when the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delegating the task of completing a plan of care to a float LPN/LVN for a stable patient is inappropriate. LPNs/LVNs have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and should not be assigned tasks related to developing care plans. This task requires critical thinking skills and assessment that are within the RN's scope of practice. A: A is incorrect because delegating the task of greeting and showing ambulatory surgery patients to their rooms is appropriate for a nursing assistant. B: B is incorrect because delegating the task of collecting a sputum specimen, once trained, is appropriate for a nursing assistant under the supervision of an RN. D: D is incorrect because delegating the task of performing a dressing change to a competent LPN/LVN is appropriate, as long as it falls within their scope of practice.
Question 5 of 9
A new graduate desires a position in labor and delivery; however, no position is available. What is the best advice for this nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it offers a practical solution. By accepting another nursing position and transferring to labor and delivery when a position is available, the nurse can gain experience, maintain employment, and potentially build a relationship with the organization. This approach shows flexibility and commitment. A: Continuing to study is important, but it may not guarantee a position in labor and delivery. B: Returning to college is unnecessary and may delay entering the workforce. D: Practicing skills in a simulation lab is beneficial, but it does not address the immediate need for employment in the desired field.
Question 6 of 9
The primary purpose of the Social Security Act of 1935 was to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: ensure health care for older adults through a national insurance system. The Social Security Act of 1935 established social insurance programs to provide financial support for retired and elderly individuals. This was done through the implementation of Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance. The Act aimed to address the economic insecurity faced by older adults and their families by providing a safety net through a national insurance system. Incorrect answers: A: Increasing research on minority groups was not the primary purpose of the Social Security Act of 1935. B: Providing medical care for chemically impaired persons was not the primary focus of the Act. D: Decreasing the public's financial burden by limiting services offered by local health departments was not the primary goal of the Act.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse on the unit is heard saying, "I am not going to document that I used four catheters to start that IV; it doesn't matter anyway." What action can help the staff nurse understand the financial budget goals of the unit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because asking the nurse to represent the unit on the budget planning committee will directly expose them to the financial budget goals. This involvement will provide insight into the importance of accurate documentation and resource utilization. It offers a practical understanding of how decisions impact the unit's financial health. Summary: A: Working in payroll does not directly connect the nurse to the unit's financial goals. B: Personal finance CEUs are not specific to the unit's budget goals. D: Monitoring supplies is important but does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the unit's financial budget goals.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse learns in orientation that an incident report does not "blame" anyone but concisely documents the events leading up to an occurrence. Which events would warrant completion of an incident report? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it involves a medical error that could potentially harm the patient. An incident report is necessary to document such events for quality improvement and patient safety. Choice A does not involve a preventable adverse event, so it does not require an incident report. Choice C is related to communication issues and can be resolved without an incident report. Choice D involves a patient fall, which is a reportable event, but the client was informed not to get up alone, making it less urgent for an incident report compared to a medication error.
Question 9 of 9
Hospitals surveyed nurses who terminated their employment to determine why they chose to leave. One of the most common reasons for leaving was:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.