ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A novice nurse is stressed due to always being behind with her assignments. She is overheard saying, "No one here worries about checking nasogastric tube placement before they give medications and hang feedings. Skipping that step would save me an extra 30 minutes to be used for charting. If they can do it, so can I." This nurse is experiencing which stage of reality shock?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, "native." In this scenario, the nurse is rationalizing skipping a crucial safety step by justifying it with the actions of others, indicating a lack of understanding regarding the importance of the procedure. The "native" stage of reality shock occurs when individuals start to adopt the norms and behaviors of their workplace without questioning or critically evaluating them. This nurse is displaying a mindset of conforming to unsafe practices to fit in with her colleagues, which aligns with the characteristics of the "native" stage. Incorrect choices: A: "loner" does not apply as the nurse is not isolating herself but rather seeking to emulate the actions of others. B: "rutter" does not fit as this stage involves feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the job, not justifying unsafe practices. C: "change agent" is not relevant as the nurse is not actively seeking to instigate change but rather conforming to existing practices.
Question 2 of 9
Nurses in a nonprofit hospital have expressed an interest in forming a union to secure fair wages and ensure client safety. To form a core support group of nurses, the union organizer can conduct meetings to gather initial information:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because conducting meetings at the worksite with respected staff nurses allows for direct engagement with potential union supporters. This approach fosters a sense of unity and trust among the nurses, making it easier to form a core support group. Additionally, meeting at the worksite enables easy access for all nurses and ensures a safe and neutral environment for discussions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Meeting away from the worksite with managers may create a conflict of interest and could lead to a biased understanding of the situation. C: Meeting in homes or local businesses may not provide a professional setting for discussions and may not be convenient for all nurses to attend. D: Photographing management meetings and discussing their strategies is unethical and could potentially harm the relationship between nurses and management.
Question 3 of 9
A patient has fallen at home and complains that joints are very painful when trying to climb stairs. The patient desires to use an alternative complementary medicine rather than pain medication. The practitioner begins treatment with touch consisting of rocking, rhythmical motions to loosen tense, sore muscles and joints. The patient is receiving which type of treatment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Trager approach. This treatment involves gentle rocking and rhythmic motions to release tension in muscles and joints. The goal is to improve mobility and reduce pain. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Swedish massage focuses on kneading and rubbing muscles, not specifically on rhythmic motions to release tension. B: Rolfing is a deep tissue manipulation technique aimed at realigning the body's structure, not specifically utilizing rocking and rhythmic motions. D: Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, or ears to promote healing, not utilizing rocking and rhythmic motions.
Question 4 of 9
While performing a job search, a nurse reviews the list of Magnet hospitals of the American Nurses Credentialing Center because:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their nursing excellence, empowering nurses with autonomy and self-governance. This fosters a positive work environment and improves patient outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because being a Magnet hospital does not guarantee revenue retention, but rather focuses on nursing excellence. Choice C is incorrect as Magnet hospitals do not require all RNs to have a master's degree. They do emphasize ongoing education and professional development, but not at a specific degree level. Choice D is incorrect because Magnet status is not related to the availability of diagnostic equipment but rather on nursing quality and excellence.
Question 5 of 9
A group of registered nurses with ADN degrees are concerned that the minimum educational standard for licensure as a registered nurse is being raised to the bachelor's (BSN) level. After contacting the American Nurses Association, they learn they will be "grandfathered" in. Under the "grandfather clause," nurses with associate degrees will:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. The "grandfather clause" typically allows individuals to maintain current status or privileges despite changes in requirements. 2. The clause ensures that nurses with ADN degrees can continue using the title "registered nurse" without needing to upgrade to a BSN. 3. This aligns with the principle of honoring past qualifications while moving forward with new standards. 4. Choice A is incorrect as it introduces additional requirements beyond what the clause typically allows. 5. Choice C is incorrect as it imposes a strict time limit, which is not a common practice under grandfather clauses. 6. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests using a new title, which contradicts the purpose of grandfathering in existing qualifications.
Question 6 of 9
What effect did the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest have on health care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" raised awareness about the mistreatment of vulnerable populations in mental health institutions. It highlighted the need to uphold the rights of such individuals. A is incorrect because the movie did not specifically lead to an increase in funding for mental health care or a shift to institutional care. C is incorrect because while the movie portrayed nurses advocating for patients, it did not necessarily lead to a widespread perception of nurses as advocates for vulnerable populations. D is incorrect because there is no evidence to suggest that funding for nursing traineeships was eliminated as a direct result of the movie.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse manager determines that four RNs, five LPN/LVNs, and two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are required per shift to meet the needs of the patient population on the unit, according to acuity and census. The nurse manager is concerned with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: staffing. The nurse manager's concern is related to ensuring adequate numbers of RNs, LPN/LVNs, and UAPs per shift to meet patient needs. Staffing refers to the appropriate allocation of personnel to provide safe and effective care. Assignments (A) are specific tasks given to staff, output (C) is the end result of a process, and productivity (D) is efficiency in completing tasks - these are not the primary focus of the nurse manager's concern in this scenario. Staffing directly addresses the crucial aspect of having the right mix and number of staff members to deliver quality care.
Question 8 of 9
Health care is one of the major stories in newspaper and television and a group of nurses are interested in how the economy impacts their nursing practice. The group critiques the relationship between contemporary economic trends and professional nursing practice and finds:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because pay for performance initiatives incentivize nurses to improve patient outcomes by reducing errors and following best practices. This directly links economic incentives to nursing practice. Choice A is incorrect because the DRG system primarily affects hospital reimbursement, not nursing shortages. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the type of care, not the economic impact on nursing practice. Choice D is incorrect as economic factors like funding, resources, and reimbursement significantly influence nursing practice.
Question 9 of 9
When deciding which staffing option to use on a nursing unit that will open soon, the manager realizes that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Continuity of care is enhanced with longer shifts because nurses have more time to build relationships with patients and understand their needs. Step 2: Working consecutive days per week reduces handoffs, which can lead to errors and miscommunications. Step 3: 12-hour shifts allow nurses to have more days off, reducing burnout and fatigue. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as part-time nurses may not provide consistent care. Choice C is incorrect as staff satisfaction doesn't always translate to patient satisfaction. Choice D is incorrect as the work environment can impact the quality of care provided by nurses.