ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse learns of a mass casualty disaster following a known terrorist attack. On arriving at the scene, the nurse knows that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a mass casualty disaster following a terrorist attack, the same ground rules practiced in other settings and during smaller crises will be applicable. This is because the scale and complexity of the disaster require established protocols and procedures to manage the situation effectively. Choice A is incorrect because the response of local hospitals may not necessarily be dictated by the federal government in such situations. Choice C is incorrect because assigning the least experienced nurses to triage patients based on their perceived risk or chances of survival is not ethical or effective. Choice D is incorrect because having multiple incident commanders can lead to confusion and delays in decision-making during a crisis.
Question 2 of 9
What uniquely twenty-first century issue challenges today's professional nurse. (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Caring for an aging population. This is a uniquely twenty-first-century issue as advancements in healthcare have increased life expectancy, leading to a larger elderly population with complex healthcare needs. Nurses must adapt their skills and knowledge to provide specialized care for this demographic. B: Increased patient acuity is a common challenge but not unique to the twenty-first century. Nurses have always dealt with varying levels of patient acuity. C: Access to health care services is an ongoing issue that has been prevalent for many years, not specifically unique to the twenty-first century. D: Expanding technology is also a significant challenge for nurses in the modern era, but it is not uniquely a twenty-first-century issue as technology has been advancing for decades.
Question 3 of 9
In a large health care facility, the executive administrative leaders set the budget goals to decrease full-time equivalents by 3%, eliminate the cost of agency nurses, reduce lost revenue from lost supplies by 1%, and provide a 5% hourly salary incentive for working on a float unit when the assigned unit has a low census. Nurse managers meet with nursing administrators to design their unit budgets to meet these established goals. The budget approach that is being used is the approach.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: participatory. This is because the nurse managers are actively involved in designing their unit budgets to meet the established goals set by the executive administrative leaders. In a participatory budgeting approach, input and collaboration from lower-level managers or staff members are encouraged, allowing for a more inclusive and bottom-up decision-making process. This approach fosters ownership, accountability, and transparency in budget planning. Summary of other choices: A: top-down - This approach involves setting budget goals and directives from the top management without much input or involvement from lower-level managers. Not applicable in this scenario. C: iterative - This approach involves making continuous adjustments and refinements to the budget based on feedback and performance data. Not explicitly mentioned in the scenario. D: incremental - This approach involves making small adjustments to the previous budget period. While there may be some incremental changes, the scenario emphasizes a more collaborative process involving nurse managers, making this choice less suitable.
Question 4 of 9
A patient with complicated diabetes is scheduled for a below the knee amputation at 7 AM. The surgical team adheres to the 2012 National Patient Safety Goals by implementing which protocols? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it aligns with the 2012 National Patient Safety Goals, specifically the goal of improving the accuracy of patient identification. By asking the patient to confirm their name, type of surgery, and limb to be removed, the surgical team is ensuring that they have the correct patient and are performing the correct procedure. This protocol helps prevent errors and ensures patient safety. Option B is incorrect because asking for licensure and certification does not directly relate to patient safety or accurate patient identification. Option C is incorrect because relying solely on chart numbers or hospital numbers may not be sufficient to prevent errors in patient identification. Option D is incorrect because while marking the procedure site is important, relying solely on the patient to verify the correct site may not be as effective as having the healthcare team confirm this information with the patient.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is concerned that the policy of using povidone-iodine (Betadine) to clean foot ulcers may lead to unwarranted allergic reactions and drying of surrounding tissue. A literature review is performed to determine the "best practice" related to care of foot ulcers. This nurse: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse is using evidence-based practice by conducting a literature review to determine the best practice for caring for foot ulcers. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. This nurse is ensuring that the care provided is based on current research and best practices, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the nurse's action of conducting a literature review to determine best practices for foot ulcer care. Choice B mentions critical thinking but does not specifically address evidence-based practice. Choice C focuses on cost-effectiveness and level of education, which are not relevant to the nurse's evidence-based practice. Choice D refers to clinical competence, which is not the main focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
The NCLEX examination is created and administered by the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The NCLEX examination is developed and administered by the NCSBN, which is responsible for regulating nursing practice in the United States. They create the exam to ensure that nurses entering the profession meet minimum competency standards. The AACN (choice A) focuses on advancing nursing education, the ANA (choice B) is a professional organization representing nurses, and the NLN (choice D) is an organization that promotes excellence in nursing education. Therefore, the NCSBN is the only organization directly involved in the creation and administration of the NCLEX exam.
Question 7 of 9
When should a follow-up letter be written to a recruiter?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because following up a few days after the interview shows professionalism and eagerness. It allows you to express gratitude, reiterate your interest, and inquire about the next steps. This timing is crucial as it keeps you fresh in the recruiter's mind without being too pushy. Choice A is incorrect because it is more appropriate to send a thank-you letter after the interview, not before. Choice B is incorrect as waiting 2 weeks after not getting the job may be too late for effective follow-up. Choice D is incorrect because you should not assume you got the position without confirmation.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is responsible for determining the incidence rates of hospital-acquired diarrhea on a pediatric ward after receiving reports that five children admitted with uncontrolled asthma had developed diarrhea while hospitalized. The nurse is working in the role of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: infection control. In this scenario, the nurse is focusing on preventing and controlling the spread of hospital-acquired diarrhea among pediatric patients. By investigating the incidence rates and implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission, the nurse is fulfilling the role of infection control. Quality management (A) focuses on improving processes and outcomes, not specifically on infection prevention. Occupational health (C) involves ensuring workplace safety for employees, not patient infection control. Forensics (D) involves investigating and analyzing evidence related to crimes or legal matters, not infection control in a healthcare setting.
Question 9 of 9
Which statement regarding informed consent is correct? Informed consent:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informed consent requires the registered nurse (RN) to communicate all necessary information to the patient so they can make an informed decision. This includes explaining the procedure, potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and any other pertinent information. The RN plays a crucial role in ensuring that the patient understands the information provided before giving consent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because informed consent is not solely mandated by federal law, must disclose risks as well as benefits, and should not involve concealing any known risks.