ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse gives Dilantin intravenously with lactated Ringer's solution containing multivitamins. The drug precipitates and obstructs the only existing line. When the team leader informs the nurse that these drugs cannot be mixed, the nurse states, "Everyone just pushes the medicine slowly. No one checks for compatibility. There isn't even a compatibility chart on the unit." Which type of logical fallacy has influenced the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Appeal to common practice. The nurse's argument that "everyone just pushes the medicine slowly" and that "no one checks for compatibility" is based on the common practice in the unit rather than on scientific evidence or guidelines. This logical fallacy assumes that just because something is commonly done, it must be correct. In this case, the nurse is disregarding the importance of checking drug compatibility and following proper protocols. Incorrect choices: A: Ad hominem abusive - This choice involves attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself, which is not evident in the scenario. C: Appeal to emotion - This choice would involve using emotions to manipulate the audience rather than relying on logic or evidence, which is not the case in the scenario. D: Appeal to tradition - This choice would involve arguing that something is right or good because it has been done that way for a long time, which is not explicitly stated in the scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A physician complains to administration that the nurse working last evening is unethical, based on observing the nurse educate the patient about a new medication ordered. The physician demanded the nurse be reprimanded and reminded that only physicians have the educational background to teach patients about new medications. Which comment and action by the administrator would be most effective in changing nurse-physician relationships in this instance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The administrator acknowledges the physician's concern to maintain a professional relationship. Step 2: The administrator educates the physician that patient education on medications falls within the nurse's scope of practice. Step 3: The administrator addresses the nurse and physician to ensure both are informed of the resolution. Step 4: This approach promotes mutual understanding and respect between nurse and physician. Summary: Option C is the correct answer as it acknowledges the physician's concern, educates on scope of practice, and fosters communication between both parties. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they either punish the nurse unjustly, fail to educate the physician, or involve unrelated parties in the decision-making process.
Question 3 of 5
During a health history interview, the nurse listens to a patient relating the precipitating events that led to the onset of chest pain. She focuses her attention on the patient, makes eye contact, and acknowledges what the patient has to say. The nurse is exhibiting:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: active listening. Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, making eye contact, acknowledging what they are saying, and showing genuine interest in their words. In this scenario, the nurse is attentively listening to the patient's account of the events leading to chest pain, demonstrating active listening skills by being present in the moment and engaging with the patient's narrative. A: Assertive communication involves expressing one's thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is not actively expressing her thoughts or feelings in this situation. C: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. While empathy is important in nursing care, the nurse in this scenario is primarily engaged in listening rather than specifically expressing empathy. D: Passive communication is characterized by a lack of assertiveness and active engagement in the conversation. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is actively listening and engaging with the patient's narrative.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is interested in practicing in a faith-based community; when researching the role of the parish nurse, the nurse finds that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the role of a parish nurse primarily focuses on health promotion and disease prevention within a faith-based community. Parish nurses typically work to integrate spiritual care with traditional healthcare services. This choice aligns with the core responsibilities of a parish nurse and accurately reflects the primary focus of their practice. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect. While certification may be available for parish nurses, the process and requirements are not solely defined by state regulations; it usually involves additional training in faith-based healthcare practices. C: Incorrect. The role of a parish nurse is typically guided by professional standards and organizational protocols rather than being solely dictated by the doctrines of a specific denomination. D: Incorrect. While the ANA may acknowledge the role of parish nursing, it does not have specific practice guidelines for this specialty.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is delegating to the newly hired nursing unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) the task of assisting with oral hygiene, knowing that this assignment "does not require decisions based on the nursing process." The nurse is correctly using which of the five rights of delegation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Person Rationale: - The five rights of delegation are Right Task, Right Circumstances, Right Person, Right Direction/Communication, and Right Supervision. - In this scenario, choosing the Right Person means delegating tasks to individuals with appropriate skills and abilities, such as UAP assisting with oral hygiene. - This choice is correct as the nurse is delegating a task that falls within the UAP's scope of practice without requiring nursing process decisions.