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
A group of nurses is presenting the importance of high-quality care during a system- wide meeting of medical-surgical nurses. They point out a finding of the Quality Chasm that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: medication-related errors place a tremendous financial burden on the U.S. health care system. This answer is correct because medication errors contribute significantly to healthcare costs due to increased hospitalizations, prolonged treatments, and legal expenses. The Quality Chasm report highlights the economic impact of medication errors on the healthcare system, emphasizing the need for improved medication safety practices. Option A is incorrect because being insured does have a positive impact on a person's access to healthcare services and quality of care. Option B is incorrect as it does not relate to the Quality Chasm findings. Option C is incorrect as it focuses on the comparison of lawsuits and mortality rates related to medication errors and HIV/AIDS, which is not the primary focus of the Quality Chasm report.
Question 3 of 9
In February 2010, Congress passed legislation to support universal health care for all Americans. At a local health fair, an individual asks about the difference between universal health care and a single payer system. The nurse explains the difference is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in a universal health care system, one universal payer (often the government) is responsible for covering all health care expenses for all citizens. This means that everyone, regardless of income or eligibility, is covered under the same system. Choice B is incorrect because a single-payer system does not necessarily limit health care access based on income; it simply means there is one entity responsible for paying health care costs. Choice C is incorrect because single-payer systems do not rely on insurance companies to pay fees; instead, the single payer itself covers the costs directly. Choice D is incorrect because it does not specify that the one payer in a universal health care system is usually the government, which is a key distinction in this context.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
The practice of public health nursing and the Henry Street Settlement are credited to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lillian Wald. Lillian Wald is credited with founding the Henry Street Settlement in New York City in 1893, which pioneered the practice of public health nursing in the United States. She emphasized the importance of providing healthcare services to underserved populations in their own communities. Mary Breckenridge, known for establishing the Frontier Nursing Service, is not associated with the Henry Street Settlement. Mary Seacole was a British-Jamaican nurse known for her work during the Crimean War, not for public health nursing in the US. Clara Barton is known for founding the American Red Cross, not the Henry Street Settlement. Therefore, the correct answer is D, Lillian Wald.
Question 6 of 9
When paper-and-pencil medical records are compared with computer-based records:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A is correct as paper-and-pencil records can physically track who accessed them, ensuring privacy and security. B is incorrect as computer-based records can also be detailed. C is irrelevant to the comparison. D is incorrect as signing for each item is not a standard practice in computer-based records.
Question 7 of 9
A concern that nurses were being asked to perform tasks that went beyond the state's nurse practice act was brought to the union's attention. Nurses were informed that either mediation or binding arbitration will be used to resolve the issue. A novice nurse asks about the difference between these techniques and is informed that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because binding arbitration involves a formal discussion where the arbitrator's recommendations are compulsory, meaning both parties must abide by the decision. This ensures a resolution to the issue at hand. A is incorrect because mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB for formal discussions. C is incorrect because mediation does not typically result in a legally binding plan; it is a negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. D is incorrect because binding arbitration does not specifically focus on the least destructive approach or self-governance by employees; it is about reaching a binding decision by a neutral third party arbitrator.
Question 8 of 9
Nurses on a unit met with the nurse manager as part of participatory budgeting. They ask, "What exactly is the difference between fixed and variable costs? Understanding this will help us better understand the budgeting process." The manager provides a definition and asks the staff to list types of direct and indirect cost. Which example would indicate a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the nurse manager's salary is typically considered a fixed cost, not a variable cost. Fixed costs remain constant regardless of the level of production or activity, while variable costs change in direct proportion to the level of activity. The nurse manager's salary is a fixed cost because it remains the same regardless of how many nurses are employed or how many patients are being cared for. A: Fixed costs such as accreditation fees are correct examples. B: Fixed costs like the cost for the automated medication-dispensing system are also correct examples. D: Variable costs like the salary expense for registered nurses are correct examples. Therefore, choice C would indicate a need for further teaching as it misidentifies the nurse manager's salary as a variable cost when it should be classified as a fixed cost.
Question 9 of 9
A new nurse decides to use the Internet to apply for possible positions. How does applying online compare to applying by more traditional methods? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because regardless of the method of application, it is crucial to check the resume for correctness to present oneself professionally. This step is essential to avoid any errors or mistakes that could negatively impact the application process. Choice B is incorrect because the timeframe for follow-up does not solely depend on the method of application; it varies by company and industry. Choice C is incorrect as researching the mission and philosophy of the agency is important for both online and traditional applications to tailor the application to the specific organization. Choice D is incorrect as the importance of having the resume and cover letter reviewed for grammar and writing skills applies to both online and traditional applications to make a positive first impression.