ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is concerned about safe staffing levels at a facility and observes that several units have no RN coverage but instead have RNs who float among several units. In determining whether this staffing concern should be reported to an outside agency, the nurse understands that, with whistle-blowing:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because reporting unsafe staffing levels to The Joint Commission is an appropriate course of action for addressing concerns about patient safety. The Joint Commission is an independent organization that accredits healthcare facilities and promotes high-quality care standards. Whistleblower protection laws safeguard employees who report violations of laws, regulations, or standards that threaten public health or safety. Reporting to The Joint Commission can lead to an investigation and potential improvement in staffing levels to ensure patient safety. Incorrect answers: B: Keeping copies of documented inappropriate staffing patterns in the nurse's personal file is not illegal, but it may not be the most effective way to address the issue. C: Recording personal thoughts on outcomes is not as effective as taking action to report concerns to the appropriate regulatory body. D: Seeking guidance is important, but in cases of unsafe staffing levels, it is crucial to report the issue to the appropriate regulatory agency for resolution.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is interviewing for a job and recently read the American Nurses Association's (ANA) recommendation for questions to ask regarding before accepting employment. Which questions should the nurse ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because understanding the mission of the parent organization is crucial for aligning personal values with the organizational goals. This knowledge can help the nurse assess if their values and beliefs are in line with the organization's mission, leading to better job satisfaction and performance. A: Flexible scheduling is important but not specified in ANA's recommendations. B: Advancement expectations are important, but not a priority in ANA's recommendations. C: Staff retention is relevant, but not emphasized in ANA's recommendations.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is approached to sign a union authorization card. If signed, the card:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Answer A: Signing a union authorization card authorizes the union to serve as the nurse's legal representative in labor negotiations and other matters. By signing, the nurse is indicating consent for the union to act on their behalf. This is a crucial step in the unionization process. Summary of Other Choices: B: Requesting additional information about collective bargaining does not require signing a union authorization card. C: Sharing information about grievances does not necessarily require signing a union authorization card. D: Deducting union dues from pay is a separate process that typically requires a separate authorization form, not the union authorization card.
Question 4 of 5
A concern that nurses were being asked to perform tasks that went beyond the state's nurse practice act was brought to the union's attention. Nurses were informed that either mediation or binding arbitration will be used to resolve the issue. A novice nurse asks about the difference between these techniques and is informed that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because binding arbitration involves a formal discussion where the arbitrator's recommendations are compulsory, meaning both parties must abide by the decision. This ensures a resolution to the issue at hand. A is incorrect because mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB for formal discussions. C is incorrect because mediation does not typically result in a legally binding plan; it is a negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. D is incorrect because binding arbitration does not specifically focus on the least destructive approach or self-governance by employees; it is about reaching a binding decision by a neutral third party arbitrator.
Question 5 of 5
A hospital refused to purchase a better grade of utility gloves, even after learning that the cheaper utility gloves are easily punctured during routine use. This unsafe situation led nurses to seek unionization. During the pre-election phase for unionization, which actions by union representatives are prohibited by the National Labor Relations Board? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because distributing nondocumented information about gender-based performance evaluations violates the National Labor Relations Act, which prohibits making false statements about an employer. This action could potentially mislead employees and interfere with the election process. Choices A, C, and D are not prohibited actions by the National Labor Relations Board. Choice A involves a legal and common method of gauging interest in unionization. Choice C involves providing information about union benefits and grievances, which is a protected activity. Choice D is permissible as long as it does not contain false or coercive statements.