A novice nurse is assigned a patient who has an order to draw blood for culture and sensitivity from a central line before antibiotic therapy is started. The novice reads and rereads the procedure manual. An hour later he stands at the bedside of the patient and stares at the central line, without knowing how to proceed. This phase of reality shock is termed:

Questions 113

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 9

A novice nurse is assigned a patient who has an order to draw blood for culture and sensitivity from a central line before antibiotic therapy is started. The novice reads and rereads the procedure manual. An hour later he stands at the bedside of the patient and stares at the central line, without knowing how to proceed. This phase of reality shock is termed:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: shock or rejection. This phase of reality shock is characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of how to proceed despite having knowledge. The novice nurse is experiencing a sense of rejection towards the situation due to the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This phase is common among new healthcare professionals as they transition from academic learning to real-world clinical practice. A: Honeymoon phase refers to the initial period of excitement and enthusiasm in a new role. C: Recovery phase is when the individual starts to adapt and become more comfortable with the new role. D: Resolution phase is the final stage where the individual fully integrates into the role and becomes confident and competent. In this scenario, the novice nurse is clearly struggling and feeling overwhelmed, indicating that they are in the shock or rejection phase, making choice B the correct answer.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse is reading about positive reinforcement with the goal of increasing staff motivation. Which action would demonstrate positive reinforcement?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because giving spur-of-the-moment recognition to an employee who has accomplished a goal is an example of positive reinforcement. This action immediately follows the desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of it being repeated. This instant feedback helps reinforce the employee's behavior positively. A: Thanking each employee every morning is a form of positive feedback, but it lacks the immediacy of reinforcement. B: Rotating a monthly recognition award does not provide immediate reinforcement for specific behaviors. C: Waiting for an annual review to recognize accomplishments does not provide timely feedback to reinforce desired behaviors.

Question 3 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 4 of 9

The length of the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examination is based on the:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the length of the NCLEX-RN exam is based on the location of testing. This is because different testing centers may have varying procedures, schedules, and regulations that can affect the overall length of the exam. The length is standardized by location to ensure fairness and consistency for all candidates. Incorrect Answers: A: The last four numbers of the candidate's social security number have no relevance to the length of the exam. C: The candidate's educational preparation may impact their readiness for the exam but does not determine the length of the exam. D: The performance of the candidate is assessed during the exam and does not determine the initial length of the exam.

Question 5 of 9

When preparing the education section of a resume:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because listing education in reverse chronological order helps emphasize recent and relevant qualifications first. It showcases academic progression and achievements. A is incorrect as high school is typically not included. B is incorrect as including all colleges, even without a degree, can clutter the resume. C is incorrect as omitting the university address may limit the employer's ability to verify information.

Question 6 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 7 of 9

A nurse studied a community to determine if there were clients who would benefit from a hospice program if one were developed. This type of research is:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: a needs assessment method. A needs assessment method is used to identify gaps or deficiencies in services, programs, or resources in a community. In this scenario, the nurse is determining if there is a need for a hospice program, which aligns with the purpose of a needs assessment. A survey (choice A) involves collecting data from a sample group to gather insights, but it doesn't necessarily focus on identifying specific needs. Quasi-experimental (choice B) and pilot study (choice D) are research designs used to test interventions or programs, which are not the primary goal in this case.

Question 8 of 9

In the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examination test plan, client needs form the organizing framework of the examination with questions in four categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiologic integrity. Certain processes are then integrated throughout the categories of client needs. Which process is integrated into all client need categories?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: 1. Infection control is crucial in ensuring safe and effective care for all clients. 2. Infection control measures are essential in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. 3. Infection control is relevant in promoting and maintaining health by preventing illness. 4. Psychosocial integrity can be compromised by infections, making infection control important in this category. 5. Physiologic integrity involves preventing and managing infections through proper protocols. 6. While teaching/learning, health promotion, and pharmacology are important, they are not integrated into all client need categories like infection control.

Question 9 of 9

In the near future, the largest segment of the population will be those over age 65 years. To advocate for this vulnerable population, a nurse was a strong supporter for the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D), which:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D) provided coverage for medications that constituted a huge expense for the elderly. This is crucial for the aging population as they often require multiple medications for chronic conditions. Choice A is incorrect because vision care benefits for legally blind individuals are usually covered under Medicare Part B. Choice B is incorrect as the act specifically focused on medication coverage, not mental health/substance abuse services. Choice D is incorrect as the act did not directly address expanding practice opportunities for APRNs, but rather focused on medication coverage for the elderly population.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days