ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is reading about positive reinforcement with the goal of increasing staff motivation. Which action would demonstrate positive reinforcement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because giving spur-of-the-moment recognition to an employee who has accomplished a goal is an example of positive reinforcement. This action immediately follows the desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of it being repeated. This instant feedback helps reinforce the employee's behavior positively. A: Thanking each employee every morning is a form of positive feedback, but it lacks the immediacy of reinforcement. B: Rotating a monthly recognition award does not provide immediate reinforcement for specific behaviors. C: Waiting for an annual review to recognize accomplishments does not provide timely feedback to reinforce desired behaviors.
Question 2 of 9
In the near future, the largest segment of the population will be those over age 65 years. To advocate for this vulnerable population, a nurse was a strong supporter for the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D), which:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D) provided coverage for medications that constituted a huge expense for the elderly. This is crucial for the aging population as they often require multiple medications for chronic conditions. Choice A is incorrect because vision care benefits for legally blind individuals are usually covered under Medicare Part B. Choice B is incorrect as the act specifically focused on medication coverage, not mental health/substance abuse services. Choice D is incorrect as the act did not directly address expanding practice opportunities for APRNs, but rather focused on medication coverage for the elderly population.
Question 3 of 9
Nurses in a nonprofit hospital have expressed an interest in forming a union to secure fair wages and ensure client safety. To form a core support group of nurses, the union organizer can conduct meetings to gather initial information:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because conducting meetings at the worksite with respected staff nurses allows for direct engagement with potential union supporters. This approach fosters a sense of unity and trust among the nurses, making it easier to form a core support group. Additionally, meeting at the worksite enables easy access for all nurses and ensures a safe and neutral environment for discussions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Meeting away from the worksite with managers may create a conflict of interest and could lead to a biased understanding of the situation. C: Meeting in homes or local businesses may not provide a professional setting for discussions and may not be convenient for all nurses to attend. D: Photographing management meetings and discussing their strategies is unethical and could potentially harm the relationship between nurses and management.
Question 4 of 9
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.
Question 5 of 9
When preparing the education section of a resume:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because listing education in reverse chronological order helps emphasize recent and relevant qualifications first. It showcases academic progression and achievements. A is incorrect as high school is typically not included. B is incorrect as including all colleges, even without a degree, can clutter the resume. C is incorrect as omitting the university address may limit the employer's ability to verify information.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is interested in practicing in a faith-based community; when researching the role of the parish nurse, the nurse finds that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the role of a parish nurse primarily focuses on health promotion and disease prevention within a faith-based community. Parish nurses typically work to integrate spiritual care with traditional healthcare services. This choice aligns with the core responsibilities of a parish nurse and accurately reflects the primary focus of their practice. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect. While certification may be available for parish nurses, the process and requirements are not solely defined by state regulations; it usually involves additional training in faith-based healthcare practices. C: Incorrect. The role of a parish nurse is typically guided by professional standards and organizational protocols rather than being solely dictated by the doctrines of a specific denomination. D: Incorrect. While the ANA may acknowledge the role of parish nursing, it does not have specific practice guidelines for this specialty.
Question 7 of 9
A nursing student scores 95% on the written examination for the adult health course. To be successful in this course, this same student must then perform an indwelling catheter insertion and wound care in a simulated environment meeting core competencies. The student asks, "What are core competencies?" The nursing instructor replies, "Core competencies are:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: those skills necessary for safe, competent nursing practice. Core competencies refer to the essential skills and knowledge required for safe and competent nursing practice. In the scenario provided, the nursing student needs to demonstrate proficiency in indwelling catheter insertion and wound care to meet these core competencies. These skills are crucial for providing quality patient care and ensuring patient safety. Choice A is incorrect because core competencies are not about reducing attrition but rather about ensuring students possess the necessary skills for nursing practice. Choice C is incorrect as core competencies focus on skills required for practice, not on educational remediation. Choice D is incorrect because core competencies are not about improving reading and math skills but about the specific nursing skills needed for practice.
Question 8 of 9
When the job applicant is asked to identify weaknesses, one appropriate reply for the novice nurse might be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Delegating to peers." This response shows self-awareness and willingness to improve by acknowledging a common weakness for novice nurses - difficulty in delegating tasks to peers. It demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow in the role. A: "I have no weaknesses." - This answer lacks self-awareness and does not show a willingness to improve. It comes across as overconfident. B: "Are you trying to set me up?" - This response is defensive and unprofessional. It does not address the question directly. D: "Caring requires weakness." - This answer is vague and does not provide a specific weakness or show a proactive approach to self-improvement.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is heard making this comment, "I believe human dignity is based on perceived self-worth while caring is based on perceived role in society that forms the basis of nursing practice." This nurse is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer choice D is correct: 1. The nurse's statement suggests a proposition concerning the constructs of nursing practice, linking human dignity and caring to nursing roles. 2. The nurse is not demonstrating a model of human dignity (A), as they are discussing the relationship between human dignity and nursing practice, not modeling it. 3. The nurse is not evaluating the relevance of Leininger's Theory (B), as the statement does not mention cultural care theory, which is central to Leininger's work. 4. The nurse is not applying Mishel's Theory of Disease Uncertainty (C), as the statement does not discuss uncertainty in illness situations, which is the focus of Mishel's theory. In summary, answer choice D is correct because the nurse is making a proposition regarding the constructs of nursing practice based on the relationship between human dignity and caring in nursing roles.