ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse caring for a patient with anemia and heart failure prepares to hang a unit of packed red blood cells and realizes her break is in 5 minutes. She decides it is not necessary to have another nurse check the blood against the patient's information since the patient's blood type is O+ which she incorrectly remembered to be the universal donor. She hangs the blood, noting the patient is "reading and vital signs normal." She leaves the floor for her break and does not report leaving or ask anyone to perform required vital signs. Upon returning she meets a family friend who is visiting and time "just flies." She returns to the patient's room after admitting a new patient. The patient is hypotensive and color is cyanotic and anxious. She reports the findings to the charge nurse, who then contacts the physician. A blood reaction occurrence is noted. The nurse providing care is charged:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: with criminal negligence. The nurse displayed a reckless disregard for the patient's safety by not verifying the blood type, leaving for an extended break without ensuring proper monitoring, and failing to report her absence. These actions were highly irresponsible and demonstrated a severe lack of care and attention to the patient's well-being. Criminal negligence involves a conscious disregard for the consequences of one's actions, which in this case resulted in a serious adverse event for the patient. Choices A and B do not fully capture the gravity of the nurse's actions, as they imply a lesser degree of fault. Choice D, under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, would be inappropriate in this scenario as the nurse's actions directly contributed to the adverse outcome.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing an ethical issue, the nurse must first:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.
Question 3 of 5
A 13-year-old female is brought to the family planning clinic by her enraged father, who has just learned that she is pregnant. The pregnant client states, "I want to have this baby and give it up for adoption." However, the father is adamant that she will disgrace the family and demands that the health care providers tell his daughter that she has a physical condition that would prohibit her from carrying this baby to a viable stage. The nurse realizes that this is a conflict that involves the ethical principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: autonomy. Autonomy refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse treatment. In this scenario, the 13-year-old female has expressed her desire to have the baby and give it up for adoption. By respecting her autonomy, healthcare providers must support her decision, even if it goes against her father's wishes. A: Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties. While autonomy is a principle within deontology, the main focus in this scenario is on respecting the patient's autonomy rather than following a specific moral rule. B: Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling. While honesty is important in healthcare, the main issue in this scenario is respecting the patient's autonomy rather than truth-telling. D: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and promote the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, respecting the patient's autonomy is
Question 4 of 5
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.
Question 5 of 5
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.