ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is brought in who testifies that a professional with the knowledge and skill of an RN should understand that, before administering this drug, potassium level and pulse level is always checked to prevent such an occurrence. The nurse's testimony as to what constitutes reasonable care is based on:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the legal definition of standard of care. In healthcare, the standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare professional would provide in similar circumstances. Checking potassium level and pulse before administering a drug is considered standard practice to prevent adverse reactions. The nurse's testimony is based on this standard of care requirement to ensure patient safety and avoid potential harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the concept of standard of care in healthcare practice. B pertains to patient consent, C to the doctrine of "the thing speaks for itself," and D to immunity from liability for certain actions.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who just consented to an elective abortion. The nurse is unsure of his or her own values as they relate to this issue. The nurse must:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Understanding one's values: It is essential for the nurse to know their own values and how these impact their nursing practice. 2. Relationship to beliefs and nursing philosophy: Knowing one's values helps align with the ethical principles and philosophy of nursing. 3. Ethical decision-making: By understanding personal values, the nurse can make informed and ethical decisions in the care of the client. 4. Professional integrity: Being aware of personal values promotes professional integrity and ensures the nurse's actions are in line with ethical standards. Summary: - Option B is incorrect as the focus should be on understanding and reconciling one's values rather than eliminating them. - Option C is incorrect as ignoring one's values can lead to ethical dilemmas and compromise the quality of care. - Option D is incorrect as values are subject to change and can be influenced by various factors, including professional experiences and education.
Question 3 of 5
Three illegal immigrants with no health insurance or money sustained life-threatening injuries during an automobile accident. Two of these individuals had head trauma and lacerated internal organs. The decision was made to provide extended care in the trauma center after emergency surgery was performed to save their lives. The third individual received only minor injuries, which were treated in the emergency department. The care of the two critical clients was based on the ethical principle of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical principle that focuses on maximizing overall well-being and minimizing harm. In this scenario, the decision to provide extended care to the two critical individuals with life-threatening injuries aligns with utilitarianism as it prioritizes saving the most lives and reducing suffering. By choosing to allocate resources to those with the most severe injuries, the healthcare providers are aiming to maximize the overall benefit to society. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Deontology focuses on following rules and duties regardless of the consequences. In this case, the decision to provide care based on severity of injuries goes against a strict deontological approach. C: Autonomy emphasizes respecting individuals' rights to make their own decisions about their care, which is not the primary consideration in this scenario. D: Veracity pertains to honesty and truthfulness in communication, which is not directly relevant to the decision-making process in this healthcare scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A client is in extreme pain after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident, and morphine has been ordered every hour for pain. The nurse injects saline into the client's IV line and takes the morphine for herself. The nurse is violating which principle of ethics?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beneficence. Beneficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interest of the client and to do good. In this scenario, the nurse is not acting in the best interest of the client by withholding the prescribed medication for personal gain. This action goes against the principle of beneficence as it is causing harm to the client by denying them the necessary pain relief. Summary: A: Autonomy is the right of the client to make their own decisions, which is not the main issue in this scenario. B: Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall good for the greatest number of people, which is not directly applicable here. D: Dilemmas do not represent a specific ethical principle being violated in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is admitting a Mexican-American child, and the mother comments that the child was exposed to mal ojo. The nurse should expect to find which symptom associated with this exposure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nervous tension. Mal ojo, commonly known as the evil eye, is a belief in many Latin American cultures that certain people have the power to cause harm with their gaze. Symptoms associated with mal ojo typically include nervous tension, irritability, and restlessness. Fever (choice A) is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Bruising (choice C) is also not typically associated with mal ojo. Somnolence (choice D) refers to excessive sleepiness, which is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the cultural belief and expected symptoms of mal ojo.