ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse preparing a resume for the first position is anxious to demonstrate all achievements, which included completing a rigorous accelerated program and maintaining a high GPA while also serving in many community projects and leadership positions. The applicant finds it impossible to include all the accolades on one page and researches tips for professional cover letters and resumes and learns:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because having margins of at least 0.5 inch on all four sides allows for a clear and organized presentation of information. By adhering to this guideline, the resume will appear neat and professional, making it easier for the recruiter to read and comprehend the content. This promotes conciseness by forcing the applicant to prioritize the most relevant achievements and information. The other choices are incorrect because using bright colored paper (B) may come across as unprofessional and distracting. Legal size paper (C) is not recommended as it deviates from the standard letter size and can make it difficult for the recruiter to handle and file the resume. Standardized cover letters (D) may appear generic and fail to highlight the unique qualifications and achievements of the applicant.
Question 2 of 9
When the novice nurse asks, "What will happen if this task is not completed," which skill is being demonstrated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The novice nurse is demonstrating priority setting by asking about the consequences of not completing a task. This skill involves determining the most crucial tasks to be completed first based on their potential impact on patient outcomes. By understanding the implications of task completion, the nurse can effectively prioritize their workload. Delegation involves assigning tasks to others, organization involves arranging tasks in a systematic way, and clinical skills refer to the technical abilities in providing patient care. These skills are not directly demonstrated by the nurse's question about the consequences of task completion.
Question 3 of 9
A young child is having abdominal pain, and the doctor informs the parents that a computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan of the abdomen will be ordered. The doctor tells the child, "This CAT scan won't hurt you." The child is visibly upset because of a fear of cats. According to Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory, which stage of the framework is represented?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The child is upset due to a fear of cats, leading to uncertainty about the situation. Step 2: Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory focuses on how individuals respond to uncertainty in health-related situations. Step 3: In this case, the child's fear of cats creates a misinterpretation of the term "CAT scan." Step 4: This misinterpretation falls under the Stimuli frame stage, where the individual perceives the situation based on external cues. Step 5: Other choices are incorrect as they do not directly address the initial misinterpretation caused by the fear of cats. In summary, choice A is correct because it aligns with Mishel's theory by highlighting the initial stimuli (fear of cats) causing uncertainty in the child's understanding of the situation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific misinterpretation of the term "CAT scan" due to the fear of cats.
Question 4 of 9
A student nurse wants to meet other nursing students from different countries and to learn of employment possibilities. The student nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: join the Student Nurses Association. This option allows the student nurse to meet other nursing students from different countries and learn about employment possibilities. By joining the association, the student can network with peers, attend conferences, and engage in international exchange programs. Option A is incorrect because the employee satisfaction task force is focused on internal staff issues, not networking with other nursing students. Option C is irrelevant to the student nurse's goal of meeting peers from different countries. Option D is impractical and unnecessary as it suggests delaying the licensure examination for travel, which is not a direct way to achieve the student's objectives.
Question 5 of 9
A new graduate nurse is applying for the exciting first position and states, "I am only applying to Magnet hospitals because those work environments:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their ability to not only attract but also retain professional nurses. These hospitals create a positive work environment that values and supports nursing staff, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Choice A is incorrect because while Magnet hospitals may attract top healthcare providers, it's not solely focused on physicians. Choice B is incorrect as certification is not a mandatory requirement for all RNs in Magnet hospitals. Choice D is incorrect as Magnet hospitals actually encourage nurses to advance their education and professional development.
Question 6 of 9
A family requests that no additional heroic measures be instituted for their terminally ill mother who has advance directives in place. The nurse respects this decision in keeping with the principle of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the family's request to honor the terminally ill mother's advance directives aligns with the principle of autonomy as it acknowledges her right to make decisions about her own care. Accountability (A) pertains to taking responsibility for one's actions, nonmaleficence (C) involves avoiding harm, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness. While these principles are important in healthcare, in this specific case, autonomy takes precedence as it respects the patient's wishes.
Question 7 of 9
A large corporation employs nurses all over the United States. Nurses in one agency learned that fellow nurses in another agency are striking because they are required to work 16-hour shifts to cover for nurses who have left due to unsafe staffing practices. The union of the nonstriking agency nurses decides to stop work to support the nurses who are striking; thus, this union:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the union of the nonstriking agency nurses is engaging in a sympathy strike to support their fellow nurses who are striking due to unsafe working conditions. A sympathy strike is legal as long as it is conducted correctly. In this case, the nonstriking agency nurses are showing solidarity with their colleagues to address the issue of unsafe staffing practices. Choice A is incorrect because the union's decision to support the striking nurses does not automatically expose them to a lawsuit. Choice B is incorrect as the union represents only one group of nurses, not both parties. Choice D is incorrect because there is no legal requirement for the union to pay for any losses incurred by the agency during the strike. Overall, the correct answer is C because it accurately reflects the union's action of participating in a sympathy strike to show support for the striking nurses.
Question 8 of 9
A physician shares with the patient's family that, while a central line was being inserted, the patient's lungs were inadvertently punctured, which required oxygen administration. The physician also explains that a chest x-ray indicated the lung remained intact and no additional treatment was required. The physician's role in this instance is based on the legal principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: disclosure. In this scenario, the physician shared information about the accidental lung puncture with the patient's family, demonstrating transparency and honesty. This aligns with the legal principle of disclosure, which emphasizes the importance of informing patients and their families about relevant medical information. The physician's actions foster trust and open communication, ensuring that the patient and family are informed about the situation. Choice A: comparative negligence, is incorrect because it involves assessing the degree of negligence by both parties involved, which is not applicable in this context. Choice B: gross negligence, is incorrect because the physician's actions do not demonstrate recklessness or a complete disregard for the patient's safety. Choice D: the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), is incorrect because this law primarily addresses the provision of emergency medical care and ensuring access to necessary services, not the disclosure of medical errors.
Question 9 of 9
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.