ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is informed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has determined that a bomb has been detected and is in the possession of a known terrorist group. The government buildings in the local community are the target. This situation is termed a(n):
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: credible threat. In this scenario, a credible threat refers to a specific and tangible indication that a harmful event may occur. The information provided by the FBI about a bomb in possession of a known terrorist group targeting government buildings is a clear example of a credible threat. This term is specifically used in emergency management to indicate a situation where there is a realistic possibility of harm. A is incorrect because an all-hazards approach involves preparing for and responding to a wide range of potential disasters, not specifically a bomb threat. B is incorrect because a biologic event refers to an outbreak of a biological agent, not a bomb threat. D is incorrect because a natural disaster involves events caused by natural forces, not intentional acts by terrorist groups.
Question 2 of 9
A patient's spouse was just diagnosed with lung cancer although there was no history of tobacco use. The spouse states, "I am so mad. How can you get cancer without smoking?" Which statement by the nurse represents empathy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging and validating the spouse's feelings of anger. By stating, "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis," the nurse shows compassion and understanding towards the spouse's emotional response. This response helps to build trust and rapport with the patient's spouse during a difficult time. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses more on providing information rather than acknowledging the spouse's emotions. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the spouse's feelings of anger and is not relevant to the situation. Choice D is incorrect as it comes across as confrontational and may make the spouse feel defensive.
Question 3 of 9
An RN makes the following assignments at the beginning of the shift. Which assignment would be considered high-risk delegation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it involves a high-risk delegation. Mixing insulin is a complex task that requires precise measurements and understanding of the patient's condition. A novice RN may lack the experience and knowledge to safely perform this task, leading to potential harm for the patient. Choice B involves wound care, which is within an LPN's scope of practice and not as high-risk as insulin administration. Choice C involves basic ambulation assistance, which is appropriate for an unlicensed assistive person under supervision. Choice D involves caring for a patient with low white blood cell count, which may be challenging but not as high-risk as insulin mixing for a novice RN.
Question 4 of 9
When deciding which staffing option to use on a nursing unit that will open soon, the manager realizes that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Continuity of care is enhanced with longer shifts because nurses have more time to build relationships with patients and understand their needs. Step 2: Working consecutive days per week reduces handoffs, which can lead to errors and miscommunications. Step 3: 12-hour shifts allow nurses to have more days off, reducing burnout and fatigue. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as part-time nurses may not provide consistent care. Choice C is incorrect as staff satisfaction doesn't always translate to patient satisfaction. Choice D is incorrect as the work environment can impact the quality of care provided by nurses.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse managers of an organization are meeting with administration to plan the budget. The above graph shows last year's 2011 expenditures, and the team will trend the upcoming budget knowing that, with the slowdown in the economy, patient census will be lower. Which budget approach is being used?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zero-based. Zero-based budgeting requires starting from scratch each budget cycle, meaning all expenses must be justified regardless of previous budgets. In this scenario, the nurse managers are planning for a budget based on the expectation of lower patient census due to the economic slowdown. This aligns with the zero-based approach as they will need to re-evaluate and justify all expenses to accommodate the changes in patient volume. A: Incremental budgeting involves making adjustments to the previous budget, which is not suitable for significant changes like a decrease in patient census. C: Productivity metrics focus on measuring efficiency and performance, rather than the budgeting approach. D: Capital budgeting is related to long-term investments in assets, which is not the primary focus in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse learns in orientation that an incident report does not "blame" anyone but concisely documents the events leading up to an occurrence. Which events would warrant completion of an incident report? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it involves a medical error that could potentially harm the patient. An incident report is necessary to document such events for quality improvement and patient safety. Choice A does not involve a preventable adverse event, so it does not require an incident report. Choice C is related to communication issues and can be resolved without an incident report. Choice D involves a patient fall, which is a reportable event, but the client was informed not to get up alone, making it less urgent for an incident report compared to a medication error.
Question 7 of 9
As a patient's condition moves toward their impending death, which nursing intervention demonstrates how the focus of palliative care change?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because as a patient approaches death, the focus of palliative care shifts towards providing comfort and symptom management to improve their quality of life. Identifying and addressing the patient's comfort needs becomes crucial in ensuring a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience. A: While discussing spiritual needs can be important, the primary focus shifts towards physical comfort in the final stages of life. B: Educating the patient about physical changes is important, but it may not be the priority as the focus shifts towards comfort care. C: Advance care planning is essential but may have already been addressed before the patient reaches the impending death stage.
Question 8 of 9
Medicare would be responsible for: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because Medicare covers hospital stays for individuals aged 65 and older, which would include a 70-year-old client. Choice B is incorrect because Medicare typically covers dialysis for individuals with end-stage renal disease, not nursing home costs. Choice C is incorrect because Medicare does not typically cover rehabilitation care for individuals under 65. Choice D is incorrect because AFDC is a separate program from Medicare that provides assistance for low-income families, and prescription costs for the young mother would likely be covered under a different program.
Question 9 of 9
Hospitals surveyed nurses who terminated their employment to determine why they chose to leave. One of the most common reasons for leaving was:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.