ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is part of the policy committee for a hospital. The committee is provided with statistics indicating that patients participating in a satisfaction survey felt they lacked sufficient information about new drugs started while hospitalized and continued after discharge. In addition, charts noted high recidivism rates. The committee recommended that a formalized patient education plan be instituted to reconcile all medications and provide patient information about new medications. The committee is using which component of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2011 message?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Policy is based on data, which provides the groundwork for decision making. This is the correct answer because the scenario describes the policy committee using statistics about patient satisfaction and recidivism rates to make recommendations for a patient education plan. By utilizing data, the committee is following the IOM 2011 message of basing decisions on evidence and information. A: Nurses achieving higher levels of education is not directly related to the scenario and the committee's decision-making process. B: The requirement of a master's degree for nurses on policy committees is not mentioned in the scenario and is not relevant to the decision-making process described. C: Comparing nurse pay to physicians' pay is not relevant to the scenario or the IOM 2011 message of using data for decision making.
Question 2 of 5
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 3 of 5
With the crisis in health care and the nursing shortage, why is the image of nursing still important?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because during times of uncertainty in healthcare, patients rely on nurses for care and support. The image of nursing as trustworthy and competent can strengthen the nurse-patient relationship. This fosters a sense of security and confidence in patients. Option B is incorrect because nursing has its own distinct body of knowledge, including theories, principles, and skills that guide practice. Option C is incorrect because while presenting a unified image is important, it is not the sole factor in establishing nursing as a profession. Option D is incorrect because while technologic competence is essential in modern healthcare, the caring aspect of nursing remains crucial, especially during times of crisis.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse executive is concerned that the mortality rate in his or her hospital exceeds the national average and searches the literature finding Aiken's 2011 Survey on the effects of nurse staffing and education on mortality, including work environment. If Aiken's recommendations are followed, which change would be most effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing staffing ratios to include more nurses of all levels of educational preparation on all shifts. Aiken's survey emphasized the importance of adequate nurse staffing in improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. By increasing staffing ratios with nurses of all educational levels, the hospital can ensure better patient care, effective coordination, and timely interventions. This approach addresses the key factors highlighted in Aiken's survey - nurse staffing and education. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the issue of nurse staffing, which was the primary focus of Aiken's survey. Employing bachelor's prepared nurses participating in interprofessional rounds (B) may improve communication but does not solely address the staffing concerns. Ensuring nurse managers have a master's degree (C) may improve leadership but does not directly impact frontline staffing. Encouraging unlicensed assistive personnel to attend educational programs (D) may enhance skills but does not address the need for more nurses in the staffing ratios
Question 5 of 5
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.