ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is assigned to a unit other than the one she is normally assigned due to increased census on the alternate unit. She is assigned to care for seven patients and participates in walking rounds where the patient's condition and needs are discussed between oncoming and off-going shifts of the interdisciplinary team. The nurse carefully makes notes of all pending orders and prioritizes needs. The nurse enters the cafeteria later and the notes accidentally fall from her pocket, which contain the above information that contains patient sensitive datThe liabilities arising from this incident would be covered under:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Choice A is correct: 1. The scenario involves the accidental disclosure of patient-sensitive data. 2. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) specifically addresses the protection of patient information. 3. HIPAA requires healthcare providers to safeguard patient data and maintain confidentiality. 4. In this case, the nurse's unintentional disclosure of patient information falls under HIPAA violations. 5. Therefore, the liabilities arising from this incident would be covered under HIPAA. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. The ANA Scope and Practice Act focuses on the scope of nursing practice and does not specifically address patient data protection like HIPAA. C. Affirmative duty failing to question order relates to a nurse's responsibility to question unsafe orders, not patient data protection. D. Personal liability with floating and cross-training does not cover the accidental disclosure of patient information, which falls under HIPAA.
Question 2 of 9
Which task is most likely to be considered in a state's practice act as appropriate to delegate to a LPN/LVN if the patient's condition is stable and competence in the task has been established?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Teaching a patient how to instill eye drops for glaucoma is a task that can be appropriately delegated to an LPN/LVN when the patient is stable and competence has been established. Here's the rationale: 1. Teaching is within the scope of practice for LPN/LVNs as it involves providing education and instructions to patients. 2. Administering medications IV (option B) requires a higher level of assessment and monitoring skills, making it inappropriate for delegation to an LPN/LVN. 3. Developing a plan of care (option C) involves critical thinking and decision-making skills beyond the scope of an LPN/LVN. 4. Administering an enema (option A) may involve assessing the patient's condition and response, which is beyond the typical scope of an LPN/LVN.
Question 3 of 9
During a community health fair the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) informs participants that every community must be ready to provide disaster care. A participant asks, "In a disaster, the local community cannot possibly be effective, so why not have a plan to call federal agencies immediately to provide relief?" The correct response by the DMAT is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because communities are indeed the first responders in any disaster. Local resources are typically the first to mobilize and provide immediate assistance due to their proximity to the affected area. Federal agencies may take time to arrive on the scene, so it is crucial for communities to have their own disaster response plans in place. Choice A is incorrect because the federal government can become involved in disasters even without known terrorist activities, especially in large-scale disasters. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the roles of different agencies in disaster response. Choice D is incorrect because state and federal agencies may still provide assistance even if local health care facilities are operational.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
Time can be maximized to produce the best outcomes by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because starting the workday productively sets a positive tone, leading to better focus and efficiency. By utilizing the first hour effectively, one can tackle important tasks when energy and concentration levels are at their peak. This approach helps in prioritizing and accomplishing key objectives early on, maximizing productivity throughout the day. Choice B is incorrect because completing trivial tasks first can waste valuable time and energy that could be better spent on more significant tasks. Choice C is incorrect as recreational activities can provide necessary mental breaks, leading to increased productivity and overall well-being. Choice D is incorrect because breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout, ultimately enhancing productivity in the long run.
Question 6 of 9
Mandatory overtime and reduction in RN staff have resulted in decreased client satisfaction and a sentinel event. Management is unwilling to discuss a change in staffing, and collective bargaining interest is sparked. During the pre-election period, what actions by management are prohibited? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because seeking individuals to spy on coworkers who are possible union supporters is a violation of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). This action is considered an unfair labor practice as it interferes with employees' rights to engage in protected concerted activities, including discussing unionization. It creates a hostile work environment and undermines the employees' right to organize. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly violate the NLRA. Photographing employees participating in union-related activities may be considered intimidating but is not explicitly prohibited. Visiting managers outside of work to gain their perception of union popularity is not inherently illegal, as long as it does not coerce or intimidate them. Threatening to relocate the company if the union wins is considered an unfair labor practice, but in this scenario, it is mentioned that there is no intention to relocate, so it does not apply.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
A group of new graduate nurses is asked to speak to a group of politicians to describe the current state of professional nursing and how best to alleviate the nursing shortage. Which statements accurately portray professional nursing today and tomorrow? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the current trend in nursing education shows an increasing number of registered nurses (RNs) attaining a bachelor's degree compared to an associate degree or diploma. This shift is supported by research indicating that BSN-prepared nurses have better patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect because while there is indeed a trend towards more outpatient and home health care, it does not necessarily mean that more RNs practice in these settings than in acute care. Choice C is incorrect as nurse practitioner is the most popular advanced practice specialty, not nurse anesthesia. Choice D is incorrect as it makes a broad and unsubstantiated statement based on ethnicity, which does not accurately represent the trends in nursing education and graduate studies.
Question 9 of 9
What historical event first led to the recognition of the contribution of blacks to nursing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Mary Seacole's efforts to care for soldiers during the Crimean War. Mary Seacole was a Jamaican nurse who provided medical care to soldiers during the Crimean War. Her contributions highlighted the important role that black individuals played in nursing. This event marked the first significant recognition of the contributions of blacks to the nursing profession. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Florence Nightingale's acceptance of black nurses into the first nursing school - While Florence Nightingale is known as a pioneer of modern nursing, her acceptance of black nurses into nursing schools did not specifically lead to the recognition of the contribution of blacks to nursing. B: The contributions of black nurses at the Pennsylvania Hospital, the first hospital in America - While black nurses may have made contributions at Pennsylvania Hospital, this event did not lead to the initial recognition of the contribution of blacks to nursing. D: The work done by wives of wealthy black nobles who carried food and medicine from