ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse has been asked to serve as the charge nurse on the evening shift. The agency where the nurse is employed is considering unionization. If the charge nurse position is accepted, this nurse:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Charge nurses are typically considered part of the nursing staff, not part of the management team. Step 2: Since charge nurses are not considered part of the management team, they are eligible to be represented by the union. Step 3: Being part of the union means the charge nurse can benefit from collective bargaining activities and have a voice in workplace decisions. Step 4: Choice A is correct as it aligns with the general understanding of charge nurses' roles and their eligibility for union representation. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because charge nurses are not typically considered part of the management team, so union participation would not necessarily be a conflict of interest. Choice C is incorrect because union representation does not automatically mean filing grievances that will be arbitrated. Choice D is incorrect because charge nurses can participate in collective bargaining activities related to unfair labor practices if they are represented by the union.
Question 2 of 9
An experienced nurse working in oncology is shocked to realize that he feels little empathy when a patient explains, "I developed cancer from having to work in the dry cleaning industry since I was only 8 years old to help support my younger siblings during the depression. Now they have all moved away and refuse to help me financially, and it takes everything I have to pay for my chemotherapy medicine." The nurse is experiencing:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional and physical exhaustion that healthcare providers may experience from caring for patients in distressing situations over a prolonged period. In this scenario, the nurse's lack of empathy despite the patient's heart-wrenching story indicates emotional exhaustion and desensitization, which are common symptoms of compassion fatigue. This nurse has likely become overwhelmed by the emotional toll of consistently supporting patients facing difficult circumstances, leading to a diminished capacity for empathy. Incorrect choices: A: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. While the nurse may be experiencing emotional exhaustion, the specific lack of empathy in response to the patient's situation aligns more closely with compassion fatigue. C: Reality shock typically refers to the discrepancy between the expectations of a new role and the actual experiences encountered. This term does not accurately describe the nurse's emotional response to the patient's situation. D: Horizontal hostility refers to negative
Question 3 of 9
The forensic nurse would most likely be involved in:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because forensic nurses specialize in caring for victims of violence and abuse, including sexual assault. They are trained to perform detailed assessments of rape victims, collect forensic evidence like DNA samples, and provide compassionate care. This role is crucial in helping the victim receive appropriate medical treatment and support, as well as ensuring the evidence is properly collected for legal proceedings. Choice B is incorrect because it involves triaging patients in an emergency department based on their presenting symptoms, which is typically done by emergency department staff, not forensic nurses. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a scenario more suited to a cardiac nurse or a telehealth nurse, not a forensic nurse. Choice D is incorrect because it involves providing pediatric life support at the scene of an accident, which is the role of emergency medical services personnel or emergency department staff, not forensic nurses.
Question 4 of 9
What was the purpose of the Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002 aimed to address the nursing shortage by focusing on nurse retention and safety enhancement grants. This legislation provided funding for programs to support nurses in their roles, improve working conditions, and ultimately retain experienced professionals in the field. This choice aligns with the primary goal of the act and its intended impact on the nursing workforce. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the main purpose of the Nurse Reinvestment Act. Choice A is not mentioned in the act and does not address the broader issue of nursing shortage. Choice B promotes unlicensed caregivers, which goes against the act's focus on professional nurses. Choice D is specific to pediatric nursing training grants and does not encompass the Act's comprehensive approach to nurse retention and safety enhancement.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse has been asked to serve as the charge nurse on the evening shift. The agency where the nurse is employed is considering unionization. If the charge nurse position is accepted, this nurse:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Charge nurses are typically considered part of the nursing staff, not part of the management team. Step 2: Since charge nurses are not considered part of the management team, they are eligible to be represented by the union. Step 3: Being part of the union means the charge nurse can benefit from collective bargaining activities and have a voice in workplace decisions. Step 4: Choice A is correct as it aligns with the general understanding of charge nurses' roles and their eligibility for union representation. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because charge nurses are not typically considered part of the management team, so union participation would not necessarily be a conflict of interest. Choice C is incorrect because union representation does not automatically mean filing grievances that will be arbitrated. Choice D is incorrect because charge nurses can participate in collective bargaining activities related to unfair labor practices if they are represented by the union.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is preparing a presentation using different websites to collect information. The nurse is concerned that contact information and the author's credentials are not listed for one of the websites reviewed. Which criterion required to establish a reputable website is missing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Authority. Authority refers to the credibility and expertise of the source or author of the information. Without listing contact information and author credentials, the website lacks transparency regarding who is providing the information, which undermines its credibility. This can lead to potential inaccuracies or biases in the content. Objectivity (B) pertains to presenting information without bias, Usability (C) relates to how easily users can navigate and access information, and Currency (D) refers to the timeliness of the information. While these are important criteria, the missing authority undermines the overall reliability and trustworthiness of the website.
Question 7 of 9
When preparing a portfolio, the nurse should include: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because including copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities provides evidence of the nurse's education and qualifications. This helps to showcase the nurse's academic achievements and credibility to potential employers. Choice B (copies of college transcripts) may not be necessary as diplomas are a more concise representation of education attainment. Choice C (personal photograph) is not typically required in a professional portfolio and may introduce bias in the selection process. Choice D (letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests) are not essential for demonstrating nursing skills and qualifications relevant to the job.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse performing a history and physical on a newly admitted Hispanic patient learns the patient has just used the services of a savador to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a "salvador" is typically a spiritual healer or medium in Hispanic culture who helps communicate with deceased family members. This aligns with the scenario of the patient seeking the services of a salvador to communicate with a family member who recently died. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Determining herbs for hot flashes is typically done by an herbalist or healthcare provider. C: Treating lower back pain usually involves medical professionals like doctors or physical therapists. D: Acupuncture for smoking cessation is typically provided by licensed acupuncturists or healthcare professionals, not a salvador.
Question 9 of 9
Which statement concerning the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examination is correct?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Graduates from all three types of nursing programs (diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate degree) take the same examination 1. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). 2. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that candidates possess the knowledge and skills necessary to practice safely as entry-level registered nurses. 3. Since the exam serves as a licensure requirement, it must be fair and consistent for all candidates, regardless of their educational background. 4. Therefore, graduates from all types of nursing programs, including diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate degree programs, take the same NCLEX-RN examination to demonstrate their competency. 5. This standardization ensures that all candidates are held to the same standards and competencies, regardless of the educational pathway they have chosen to become a registered nurse. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: The