ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse manager has calculated that providing 75 hours of direct nursing care per day requires that 120 hours must actually be worked by nursing staff. The manager is involved in: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: applying productivity metric. The nurse manager is calculating the ratio of direct nursing care hours to total hours worked, which is a productivity metric. This metric helps assess the efficiency of the nursing staff in delivering care. Developing the capital budget (A) involves planning for long-term investments, not daily staffing calculations. Monitoring the labor budget (C) involves tracking expenses related to staff salaries and benefits, but not necessarily productivity metrics. Incremental budgeting processes (D) refer to budgeting based on past budgets with incremental changes, not specific productivity metrics. Therefore, the nurse manager is primarily involved in applying a productivity metric to assess nursing staff efficiency.
Question 2 of 5
The new director of nurses has instituted "walking rounds" on all nursing units, rather than the usual taped shift reports. A veteran nurse exclaims, "She doesn't know how we do things here!" The nurse is demonstrating:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: appeal to tradition. The veteran nurse is objecting to the change in practice solely because it deviates from the usual way of doing things. This demonstrates a reliance on tradition rather than considering the potential benefits of the new approach. The appeal to tradition fallacy assumes that something is better or correct simply because it is the traditional way. Incorrect choices: A: Appeal to emotion - This choice involves manipulating emotions to win an argument, which is not evident in the scenario. C: Red herring - This choice involves diverting attention from the real issue, which is not the case in the scenario. D: Straw man - This choice involves misrepresenting the opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, which is not demonstrated in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
An older adult is unable to reach the telephone and is found dead at home several hours later. The son of the deceased person arrives at the hospital and asks, "Can I just please stay and hold my dad's hand? He was so afraid of dying alone." Which response by the nurse shows empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging the son's request and providing support. By closing the door to allow privacy and promising to check back, the nurse shows understanding and compassion for the son's emotional needs. Choice A is incorrect as it is insensitive and blames the son. Choice B is inappropriate as it shifts the focus to purchasing a cell phone rather than addressing the son's emotional state. Choice D is also incorrect as it redirects the attention to the nurse's personal experience, failing to address the son's specific request.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse caring for a patient states, "Your blood pressure is dangerously high. Are you taking antihypertensive medicine?" The patient states, "I can't afford my medicine. I have no insurance." The nurse states "I feel really sorry for that patient. I wish it wasn't against policy to give her money." The nurse wants to help and places a note on Facebook that any donations would be appreciated to help a waitress who works at the cafeteria next door to the hospital buy her medications. The nurse posts that "She was so sick last evening when she came to the ED. I can't believe they don't provide insurance. I can't give her money but you all can help." This nurse:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse is at risk for HIPAA violations by sharing patient information on social media. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patients' privacy and prohibits healthcare providers from disclosing their health information without consent. In this scenario, the nurse shared specific details about the patient's health condition, visit to the ED, and financial situation, which could easily identify the patient. This violates the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the focus should be on the HIPAA violation rather than empathy, policy following, or logical fallacies. The nurse should have found alternative ways to help the patient without compromising their privacy.
Question 5 of 5
An RN recently relocated to another region of the country and immediately assumed the role of charge nurse. When determining the appropriate person to whom to delegate, the RN knows that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When delegating tasks to an LPN/LVN, the RN must review the state's nurse practice act because each state defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. This is crucial as the LPN/LVN scope of practice can vary significantly from state to state. By reviewing the nurse practice act, the RN ensures that the tasks being delegated fall within the legal scope of practice for the LPN/LVN in that specific state, promoting safe and effective patient care. Choice A is incorrect because the role of the LPN/LVN can differ between states. Choice B is incorrect because LPN/LVNs cannot perform all duties of an RN, and additional training does not change their scope of practice. Choice D is incorrect because the Joint Commission does not establish roles for LPN/LVNs; it focuses on accreditation standards for healthcare organizations.