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:

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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

Each month data on admission assessments that are based on the following standard are entered: "All patients will be assessed by an RN within 2 hours of admission." The target goal for this standard is 97% compliance. Data are displayed on a graph that shows number and time of admission assessments and compliance variation limits. This pictorial representation is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: control chart. A control chart is used to display data over time and indicate variations within set limits, making it ideal for monitoring compliance with a standard like "All patients will be assessed by an RN within 2 hours of admission." The control chart allows for easy identification of trends, shifts, or patterns that may indicate a need for corrective action to maintain the 97% compliance goal. A: Pareto chart is used to identify the most significant factors contributing to a problem, not to monitor compliance over time. C: Deployment chart is not a standard tool in quality control or process monitoring. D: A top-down flowchart is used to depict the sequence of steps in a process, not to monitor compliance with a standard over time.

Question 3 of 9

A cultural phenomenon that is based on biologic variation would include:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it describes a cultural belief that attributes a physical trait (cleft lip) to a specific biological event (exposure to an eclipse during pregnancy). This choice demonstrates a cultural phenomenon based on biologic variation. Choice B is incorrect because it attributes denser bones in blacks to less morbidity from osteoporosis, which is a generalization and not necessarily a cultural phenomenon. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a family dynamic related to healthcare decision-making and not a cultural belief based on biologic variation. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a family tradition related to feasting and decision-making, which does not directly involve biologic variation.

Question 4 of 9

The surgical team arrives in the operating room and one member states, "Everyone stop. Let's identify the patient and operative site. Now does anyone have any questions or concerns?" This process is known as:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: time-out. A time-out is a crucial pre-operative safety practice where the surgical team pauses to verify the patient's identity, procedure, and surgical site to prevent errors. This step ensures everyone is on the same page and reduces the risk of wrong-site surgeries. Explanation: 1. Identify patient and operative site: By verifying the patient's identity and the correct surgical site, the team prevents potential mistakes. 2. Address questions or concerns: Encouraging team members to voice any uncertainties or issues promotes open communication and collaboration. 3. Safety measure: The time-out is a key component of the World Health Organization's Surgical Safety Checklist to enhance patient safety. Summary: B: A critical pathway is a predetermined sequence of steps in patient care, not specific to surgical safety. C: Special cause variation refers to statistical process control, unrelated to surgical safety. D: Lean methodology focuses on efficiency and waste reduction in processes, not directly related to pre-operative safety checks like a time

Question 5 of 9

A new graduate desires a position in labor and delivery; however, no position is available. What is the best advice for this nurse?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it offers a practical solution. By accepting another nursing position and transferring to labor and delivery when a position is available, the nurse can gain experience, maintain employment, and potentially build a relationship with the organization. This approach shows flexibility and commitment. A: Continuing to study is important, but it may not guarantee a position in labor and delivery. B: Returning to college is unnecessary and may delay entering the workforce. D: Practicing skills in a simulation lab is beneficial, but it does not address the immediate need for employment in the desired field.

Question 6 of 9

The nurse manager determines that four RNs, five LPN/LVNs, and two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are required per shift to meet the needs of the patient population on the unit, according to acuity and census. The nurse manager is concerned with:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: staffing. The nurse manager's concern is related to ensuring adequate numbers of RNs, LPN/LVNs, and UAPs per shift to meet patient needs. Staffing refers to the appropriate allocation of personnel to provide safe and effective care. Assignments (A) are specific tasks given to staff, output (C) is the end result of a process, and productivity (D) is efficiency in completing tasks - these are not the primary focus of the nurse manager's concern in this scenario. Staffing directly addresses the crucial aspect of having the right mix and number of staff members to deliver quality care.

Question 7 of 9

A student nurse assigned to work with the charge nurse is given the opportunity to help revise the nursing assessment form. She receives several compliments from management and her nursing instructor for her creative suggestions. The student nurse enjoys the project and attention she is receiving and begins to prolong the conclusion of the project. Although she constantly adds new information, she filters this out slowly to others. The student nurse is subject to the time management obstacle of:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: fear of completion. This is because the student nurse is prolonging the conclusion of the project despite constantly adding new information and filtering it out slowly to others. This behavior indicates a reluctance to finish the project, likely due to a fear of moving on to the next stage or fear of evaluation. The student nurse is enjoying the attention and positive feedback, leading to a delay in completing the task. A: The need for perfection is not the primary obstacle in this scenario as the student nurse is not necessarily striving for perfection but rather avoiding completion. B: Fear of losing creativity is not the main issue here as the student nurse is still adding new information, indicating creativity is not the concern. C: Unclear goals do not seem to be the obstacle as the student nurse is actively engaged in the project and receiving positive feedback.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is informed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has determined that a bomb has been detected and is in the possession of a known terrorist group. The government buildings in the local community are the target. This situation is termed a(n):

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: credible threat. In this scenario, a credible threat refers to a specific and tangible indication that a harmful event may occur. The information provided by the FBI about a bomb in possession of a known terrorist group targeting government buildings is a clear example of a credible threat. This term is specifically used in emergency management to indicate a situation where there is a realistic possibility of harm. A is incorrect because an all-hazards approach involves preparing for and responding to a wide range of potential disasters, not specifically a bomb threat. B is incorrect because a biologic event refers to an outbreak of a biological agent, not a bomb threat. D is incorrect because a natural disaster involves events caused by natural forces, not intentional acts by terrorist groups.

Question 9 of 9

A novice nurse is assigned a patient who has an order to draw blood for culture and sensitivity from a central line before antibiotic therapy is started. The novice reads and rereads the procedure manual. An hour later he stands at the bedside of the patient and stares at the central line, without knowing how to proceed. This phase of reality shock is termed:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: shock or rejection. This phase of reality shock is characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of how to proceed despite having knowledge. The novice nurse is experiencing a sense of rejection towards the situation due to the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This phase is common among new healthcare professionals as they transition from academic learning to real-world clinical practice. A: Honeymoon phase refers to the initial period of excitement and enthusiasm in a new role. C: Recovery phase is when the individual starts to adapt and become more comfortable with the new role. D: Resolution phase is the final stage where the individual fully integrates into the role and becomes confident and competent. In this scenario, the novice nurse is clearly struggling and feeling overwhelmed, indicating that they are in the shock or rejection phase, making choice B the correct answer.

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