ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse caring for a Hispanic child admitted with diarrhea notices the child is wearing red yarn around the wrist. The nurse compliments the child's "jewelry," knowing it is believed to prevent:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mal ojo. In Hispanic culture, red yarn around the wrist is believed to protect against mal ojo, or "evil eye." This belief stems from the idea that envy or admiration can lead to negative energy being directed at a person, particularly children, causing harm or illness. By complimenting the child's "jewelry," the nurse is acknowledging and respecting the cultural belief in warding off mal ojo. Summary: - A: Mal ojo is the correct answer as the red yarn is believed to protect against it. - B: Susto is a condition related to fright or soul loss, not associated with red yarn. - C: Bilis refers to bile and is not relevant to the red yarn. - D: Empacho is a digestive illness, unrelated to the red yarn tradition.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is submitting a grant application to improve access to health care and mortality for minority groups. The grant focuses on the six causes of death that are identified as priorities for minorities, which include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is because COPD is a leading cause of death among minority groups due to factors like smoking, pollution exposure, and healthcare disparities. This aligns with the grant's goal of improving health outcomes for minorities. Malnutrition (B) is not a top cause of death for minorities. Cirrhosis of the liver (C) is more common in certain populations but not a top priority for this grant. Cancer (D) is a significant concern, but COPD is more prevalent among minority groups.
Question 3 of 9
When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Delegating to peers." This response shows self-awareness and willingness to improve by acknowledging a common weakness for novice nurses - difficulty in delegating tasks to peers. It demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow in the role. A: "I have no weaknesses." - This answer lacks self-awareness and does not show a willingness to improve. It comes across as overconfident. B: "Are you trying to set me up?" - This response is defensive and unprofessional. It does not address the question directly. D: "Caring requires weakness." - This answer is vague and does not provide a specific weakness or show a proactive approach to self-improvement.
Question 4 of 9
A patient informs the nurse, "I can't sit in the yard for even 10 minutes without my skin turning red and tender." The nurse would assess for the use of which complementary alternative medicine (CAM)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Feverfew. Feverfew is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce skin sensitivity to sunlight, which could be the cause of the patient's skin turning red and tender. St. John's wort is used for depression, Ginkgo biloba for memory, and Echinacea for immune support, none of which are directly related to the patient's symptom.
Question 5 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 6 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 7 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.
Question 8 of 9
Care delivery using the team-based approach is used on a telemetry nursing unit. The team consists of one registered nurse (RN), two licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and one unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Staff have been charged to improve quality of care while ensuring cost containment. Which assignments would meet both criteria?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it aligns with improving quality of care and cost containment. LPNs are trained to perform sterile procedures like dressing changes and IV tubing changes, which can enhance patient outcomes. This assignment allows the RN to focus on tasks that require their specialized skills, promoting quality care. Furthermore, utilizing LPNs for these tasks is more cost-effective than having an RN perform them. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Having the RN administer all medications to all patients is not utilizing the team effectively. LPNs and UAPs can handle medication administration under appropriate supervision. C: While experienced UAPs can assist with attaching telemetry electrodes, this task does not fully utilize the skills of the LPNs and RN to improve care quality. D: Administering an enema is within the scope of an LPN's practice, and assigning this task to the RN is not the most efficient use of resources.
Question 9 of 9
Time is becoming crucial for the nurse to address issues related to sponsoring programs to include hearing aid costs as part of Medicare coverage. The nurse involved in grassroots political actions realizes that the least timely method of reaching elected officials would be via:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: letter. Writing a physical letter and sending it through traditional mail is the least timely method of reaching elected officials. It takes longer for letters to be delivered and processed compared to other electronic forms of communication like telephone, email, and fax. Elected officials may not receive and respond to letters in a timely manner, especially when time is crucial. Telephone, email, and fax offer quicker and more direct communication, allowing for faster responses and action. Therefore, choosing to reach out to elected officials via a letter would be the least timely method in this scenario.