ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse is removing a saturated dressing from an abdominal incision and must cut the tape to remove the dressing. The nurse accidentally cuts the sutures holding the incision, and evisceration occurs. In quality improvement, this incident is best identified as a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sentinel event. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological harm to a patient. In this scenario, the accidental cutting of sutures leading to evisceration constitutes a serious harm to the patient, making it a sentinel event. This event requires immediate investigation, analysis, and implementation of preventive measures to ensure patient safety. A: Root cause refers to the underlying reason for a problem, not the event itself. C: Variation in performance is related to inconsistencies in processes, not a specific critical incident like evisceration. D: Causal factor is a contributing element to an event, but it does not capture the severity and significance of a sentinel event like evisceration.
Question 2 of 9
After keeping a log of activities designed to improve time management, the nurse divides the distractions into internal and external sources. The nurse would classify which distraction as internal?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because responding to recurring crises at work or in one's personal life is an internal distraction. Internal distractions originate from within the individual, affecting focus and productivity. In this scenario, the nurse's response to crises is within their control and can be managed through personal strategies. Choices B, C, and D are external distractions as they involve interactions with others or unclear job responsibilities imposed from outside sources, making them not directly related to the individual's internal state of mind. Hence, option A is the correct classification of an internal distraction in this context.
Question 3 of 9
When preparing to complete a competency examination involving a neurologic assessment in a simulation laboratory, the nurse reviews the critical elements, which consist of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a competency examination involving a neurologic assessment, the critical elements are the required criteria that must be incorporated into the assessment to achieve the desired outcome. These elements are essential components that assessors need to include to ensure a thorough and accurate evaluation of the client's neurological status. Choice A is incorrect as critical elements do not necessarily equate to life or death situations. Choice C is incorrect as fundamental strategies unique to complex dynamic care environments are not specifically related to the critical elements of a neurologic assessment. Choice D is incorrect as objective data for client recovery likelihood is not the same as the required criteria for a neurologic assessment.
Question 4 of 9
Certain groups of individuals are opposed to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) based on religious beliefs that prohibit circumcision and blood transfusions. These individuals believe the PPACA is unconstitutional because it:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the main argument against the PPACA in relation to religious beliefs is the mandate requiring all U.S. and legal residents to secure health insurance. This mandate conflicts with the religious beliefs of certain groups that oppose specific medical procedures like circumcision and blood transfusions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the issue of religious opposition to specific healthcare practices mandated by the PPACA. B pertains to Medicare and Medicaid plans, C relates to preventive services participation, and D refers to health practices outside Western medicine, which are not the primary concern for the opposing groups.
Question 5 of 9
An experienced nurse working in oncology is shocked to realize that he feels little empathy when a patient explains, "I developed cancer from having to work in the dry cleaning industry since I was only 8 years old to help support my younger siblings during the depression. Now they have all moved away and refuse to help me financially, and it takes everything I have to pay for my chemotherapy medicine." The nurse is experiencing:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional and physical exhaustion that healthcare providers may experience from caring for patients in distressing situations over a prolonged period. In this scenario, the nurse's lack of empathy despite the patient's heart-wrenching story indicates emotional exhaustion and desensitization, which are common symptoms of compassion fatigue. This nurse has likely become overwhelmed by the emotional toll of consistently supporting patients facing difficult circumstances, leading to a diminished capacity for empathy. Incorrect choices: A: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. While the nurse may be experiencing emotional exhaustion, the specific lack of empathy in response to the patient's situation aligns more closely with compassion fatigue. C: Reality shock typically refers to the discrepancy between the expectations of a new role and the actual experiences encountered. This term does not accurately describe the nurse's emotional response to the patient's situation. D: Horizontal hostility refers to negative
Question 6 of 9
A researcher is interested in quality of life and after an extensive literature review quantitatively integrates data from identified studies and describes the findings. This researcher is using which approach? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Meta-analysis. In a meta-analysis, a researcher combines data from multiple studies to provide a quantitative summary of the findings. This approach allows for a more comprehensive and statistically powerful analysis of the research evidence on a particular topic. Survey (A) involves collecting data directly from individuals, which is not the same as integrating data from existing studies. Triangulation (B) refers to using multiple methods or data sources to validate findings, not necessarily integrating data from different studies. State of the science summary (D) typically involves summarizing the current state of knowledge on a topic but does not involve quantitative integration of data like in a meta-analysis.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse performing a history and physical on a newly admitted Hispanic patient learns the patient has just used the services of a savador to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a "salvador" is typically a spiritual healer or medium in Hispanic culture who helps communicate with deceased family members. This aligns with the scenario of the patient seeking the services of a salvador to communicate with a family member who recently died. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Determining herbs for hot flashes is typically done by an herbalist or healthcare provider. C: Treating lower back pain usually involves medical professionals like doctors or physical therapists. D: Acupuncture for smoking cessation is typically provided by licensed acupuncturists or healthcare professionals, not a salvador.
Question 8 of 9
Which statement about qualitative research is correct?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because interviews are a common and effective method in qualitative research to gather in-depth insights and descriptions of complex phenomena. Interviews help researchers understand participants' perspectives and experiences, allowing for a rich and nuanced exploration of the research topic. In contrast, options A, B, and C are incorrect because qualitative research can still be time-consuming, does not require large sample sizes for statistical significance, and focuses on in-depth understanding rather than generalizability to a larger population.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse manager is concerned with restocking the emergency cart, creating the staff schedule, requesting floor stock from pharmacy, and checking the orders on patient charts. Which type of leader accurately describes this nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transactional. This type of leader focuses on routine tasks, maintaining order, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. In this scenario, the nurse is primarily concerned with daily operational tasks like restocking supplies and checking orders, which align with transactional leadership. Situational leadership focuses on adapting to different situations, transformational leadership inspires change and innovation, and contemporary leadership encompasses various modern leadership styles.