ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse walks up to a computer in the hallway and presses the index finger to the sensor, thereby gaining access to patient datA few moments later another nurse performs the same steps and is granted access. A visitor who is watching from a room walks over and places the index finger on the sensor, only to receive an "error and access denied" message. Security is being maintained by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: biometric technology. Biometric technology uses unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, to verify identity. In this scenario, the nurse and the other authorized person were granted access because their fingerprints matched the stored data. The visitor was denied access because their fingerprint did not match. A: Robot technology is not related to verifying identity through fingerprints. C: Telehealth is a method of providing healthcare remotely and is not related to access control. D: Ubiquitous computing refers to the idea of computing technology being everywhere, but it is not directly related to biometric security measures like fingerprint scanning.
Question 2 of 9
During a health history interview, the nurse listens to a patient relating the precipitating events that led to the onset of chest pain. She focuses her attention on the patient, makes eye contact, and acknowledges what the patient has to say. The nurse is exhibiting:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: active listening. Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, making eye contact, acknowledging what they are saying, and showing genuine interest in their words. In this scenario, the nurse is attentively listening to the patient's account of the events leading to chest pain, demonstrating active listening skills by being present in the moment and engaging with the patient's narrative. A: Assertive communication involves expressing one's thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is not actively expressing her thoughts or feelings in this situation. C: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. While empathy is important in nursing care, the nurse in this scenario is primarily engaged in listening rather than specifically expressing empathy. D: Passive communication is characterized by a lack of assertiveness and active engagement in the conversation. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is actively listening and engaging with the patient's narrative.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is concerned about a trend in the hospital to regularly "float" nurses to different areas of the hospital based on staff shortage regardless of recent experience in caring for the population on the unit. When deciding to accept a staffing assignment in this situation, the nurse considers a "safe harbor." What is meant by "safe harbor"?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because "safe harbor" refers to a legal provision that protects nurses when they feel unsafe accepting a staffing assignment due to lack of recent experience or competency. By invoking safe harbor, nurses can continue caring for patients while an investigation is conducted to ensure patient safety and protect the nurse's license. This process allows nurses to voice concerns without fear of reprisal. Option A is incorrect as it refers to a disaster response plan, unrelated to safe harbor. Option B is incorrect as it discusses patient care teams and infectious diseases, not safe harbor protections. Option C is incorrect because it addresses reporting violence, which is not directly related to safe harbor provisions for staffing assignments.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is overhead saying, "I don't mind working during the election and holiday. My parents are divorced, money is tight, and honestly I don't trust any politicians anyway. I plan to take a few weeks off next month." She works independently to research strategies to improve patient-centered care for the large number of immigrants that arrived in the area and then works with the team to share ideas. She recommends, "Let's think the suggestions over and come back together next week." This nurse's communication style is consistent with which generation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's communication style of working independently, sharing ideas with the team, and suggesting a collaborative approach aligns with Generation X characteristics. Generation X values independence, work-life balance, and collaboration. Baby Boomers (A) tend to be more hierarchical, Traditionalists (B) prioritize loyalty and respect for authority, and Millennials (D) are known for their tech-savvy and collaborative nature, but the nurse's approach best fits Generation X.
Question 5 of 9
Hospitals surveyed nurses who terminated their employment to determine why they chose to leave. One of the most common reasons for leaving was:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.
Question 6 of 9
Students are assigned to write to their state leaders about an issue affecting their community. One student writes about the need among rural community for greater access to acute care services. Which of the following pieces of legislation should the student use as a reference?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hill-Burton Act. This legislation established a program to provide federal grants for the construction of hospitals and healthcare facilities in underserved areas. It specifically addressed the need to improve access to healthcare services, aligning with the student's concern about acute care services in rural communities. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Social Security Act primarily focuses on social insurance programs; C: Sheppard-Towner Act focused on maternal and child healthcare; D: U.S. Civil Service Act pertains to regulations for federal employees, none of which directly address the issue of access to acute care services in rural communities.
Question 7 of 9
Which statements concerning licensure as a registered nurse are correct? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A: Correct. Nurses with different education levels (e.g., associate vs. bachelor's degree) have varied scope of practice. BSN-prepared nurses typically have a broader scope compared to ADN-prepared nurses. B: Incorrect. Nursing licenses can be revoked or suspended for various reasons such as misconduct or negligence. C: Incorrect. Nurse practice acts outline licensure requirements, but not specifically for initial licensure. D: Incorrect. States may inquire about the mental or physical status of applicants to ensure they are fit to practice safely.
Question 8 of 9
Qualified nursing school applicants have continued to be turned away, limiting enrollment due to a shortage of faculty, which is attributed to several factors, including:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it directly addresses the shortage of nursing faculty by highlighting the issue of burnout and job dissatisfaction, which leads to faculty turnover and limits enrollment. This explanation aligns with the initial statement that qualified applicants are being turned away due to the shortage of faculty. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the main issue of faculty shortage. B talks about the stability of faculty numbers in Associate Degree programs, which is irrelevant to the shortage. C discusses the decrease in the mean age of nursing faculty and the departure of older mentors, but this does not explain the shortage of faculty. D mentions increasing job competition from clinical sites, which is not the primary reason for the shortage of nursing faculty.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is offered several health care plans as part of employee benefits. Which plan is based on a monthly fee per participant and offers a range of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Capitation. Capitation is a payment model where healthcare providers receive a fixed amount per patient per month to provide all necessary healthcare services. This aligns with the description of the plan in the question, offering services based on a monthly fee per participant. Capitation also emphasizes preventive care, diagnostic services, and treatment, making it the most suitable choice. A: Prospective payment system is a method where healthcare providers are paid a fixed amount per service in advance. This does not match the description of the plan in the question. B: Retrospective payment system involves reimbursing healthcare providers after services are delivered based on the actual costs incurred. This is not based on a monthly fee per participant. C: Single-payer system refers to a healthcare system where a single public or quasi-public agency organizes healthcare financing. This is not based on a monthly fee per participant.