ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse who has practiced for 1 year on a medical-surgical unit is very interested in a position in the operating room. She traces the nursing history of surgery to learn how nursing has evolved in this practice. To determine if, historically, surgery methods advanced the practice of nursing, select the correct statements. (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The "Barbers" of the Middle Ages used sterile techniques to reduce wound infections. This statement is correct because during the Middle Ages, barbers often performed surgical procedures and used techniques like boiling water and alcohol to sterilize instruments, reducing the risk of wound infections. This practice contributed to advancing the field of surgery and indirectly influenced nursing practice by emphasizing the importance of infection control. Incorrect choices: A: The Ancient Egyptians were the first to use anesthesia in the operating room - This statement is incorrect as anesthesia was not used in surgery until the 19th century. C: The Indian culture from 274 to 236 BC had hospitals staffed with female nurses who practiced much like today's nurses - This statement is incorrect as while Indian culture had early hospitals and female nurses, their practices were not comparable to modern nursing. D: During the Renaissance, advances in nursing education, including surgery, were nonexistent - This statement is incorrect as the Renaissance saw advancements in medical and surgical knowledge
Question 2 of 9
A group of new graduate nurses is asked to speak to a group of politicians to describe the current state of professional nursing and how best to alleviate the nursing shortage. Which statements accurately portray professional nursing today and tomorrow? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the current trend in nursing education shows an increasing number of registered nurses (RNs) attaining a bachelor's degree compared to an associate degree or diploma. This shift is supported by research indicating that BSN-prepared nurses have better patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect because while there is indeed a trend towards more outpatient and home health care, it does not necessarily mean that more RNs practice in these settings than in acute care. Choice C is incorrect as nurse practitioner is the most popular advanced practice specialty, not nurse anesthesia. Choice D is incorrect as it makes a broad and unsubstantiated statement based on ethnicity, which does not accurately represent the trends in nursing education and graduate studies.
Question 3 of 9
Institutional review boards determine whether research studies involving human subjects will:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because institutional review boards (IRBs) are responsible for ensuring that research studies involving human subjects do not cause harm. IRBs evaluate the potential risks and benefits of the study to protect participants' rights and well-being. Choice A is incorrect because publication is not within the primary scope of IRBs. Choice B is incorrect as adding to nursing knowledge is not the main focus of IRBs. Choice D is also incorrect as funding approval is typically handled by separate entities and is not the primary role of IRBs.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is preparing an exercise program as part of a health promotion program for older adults with osteoporosis. Which question would retrieve the most valuable information about health practices?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it specifically asks about the exercise practices the older adults participate in, providing detailed information on their current exercise routines. This question is valuable as it helps the nurse understand the type, intensity, and frequency of exercises being performed by the individuals with osteoporosis. Choice A is too broad and doesn't focus on specific exercise practices. Choice B is about personal preferences rather than actual exercise practices. Choice C focuses on the timing of exercise but does not delve into the types of exercises being performed. Thus, D is the most valuable question for gathering pertinent information regarding the exercise practices of older adults with osteoporosis.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse in a rehabilitation unit plans activities of daily living to prevent excessive fatigue, helps the patient dress before the family visits, assists with range of motion, and allows the patient to decide which clothes to wear during the visit. This nurse is best applying which theory to practice?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Watson's Theory of Caring. This theory emphasizes the importance of caring relationships in nursing practice. In this scenario, the nurse is demonstrating caring by helping the patient prevent fatigue, assisting with dressing, and respecting the patient's autonomy in choosing clothes. Watson's theory focuses on promoting holistic care and building a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Rogers' Theory of Unitary Humans focuses on the interconnectedness of humans with their environment, which is not the primary focus of the nurse's actions in the scenario. C: Levine's Theory of Conservation emphasizes maintaining the patient's energy and structural integrity, which is not the main focus of the nurse's actions in the scenario. D: Leininger's Theory of Transcultural Nursing focuses on providing culturally competent care, which is not the central theme of the nurse's actions in the scenario.
Question 6 of 9
Throughout the history of health care in our nation, one particular piece of federal legislation provided funds for hospital construction. As the number of hospitals rapidly increased, the need for nurses to staff hospitals also increased, and the shift from community-based nursing care to hospital-based nursing care began. This fundamental piece of legislation was the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hill-Burton Act. The Hill-Burton Act, passed in 1946, provided federal funds for hospital construction, leading to a significant increase in the number of hospitals. This increase in hospital facilities created a higher demand for nurses to staff them, thereby initiating the shift from community-based nursing care to hospital-based care. The Sheppard-Towner Act (A) focused on maternal and child health programs, not hospital construction. The Veterans Bill (C) primarily addresses healthcare benefits for veterans. The Access to Health Care Bill (D) is a generic term and does not refer to a specific piece of legislation related to hospital construction or nursing staffing.
Question 7 of 9
When preparing a portfolio, the nurse should include: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because including copies of diplomas awarded by colleges/universities provides evidence of the nurse's education and qualifications. This helps to showcase the nurse's academic achievements and credibility to potential employers. Choice B (copies of college transcripts) may not be necessary as diplomas are a more concise representation of education attainment. Choice C (personal photograph) is not typically required in a professional portfolio and may introduce bias in the selection process. Choice D (letters of recognition for scoring high on national achievement tests) are not essential for demonstrating nursing skills and qualifications relevant to the job.
Question 8 of 9
A physician orders a drug for a patient with a known allergy resulting in anaphylactic shock. The nurse:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because disclosure is a key component of the national patient safety movement. By disclosing the error to the patient and involving them in the decision-making process, the nurse promotes transparency, trust, and patient-centered care. This approach also allows for timely interventions to address the allergic reaction effectively. Choice A is incorrect because prioritizing agency consequences over patient safety goes against ethical principles. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests disclosing before discussing with the physician or management, which could lead to confusion and potential miscommunication. Choice D is incorrect since reporting to the patient's insurance company does not address the immediate patient safety concern of the allergic reaction.
Question 9 of 9
A member of a nursing students study group comments, "I wish our instructor would just tell us the important information that we will be tested on in our course and on NCLEX®. Instead, we spend some time early in the class discussing key facts then the most of the time working through case studies, then practicing on the simulator rather than caring for 'real' patients." This teaching-learning style represents:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: practice-based competency. This teaching-learning style focuses on developing practical skills and competencies through hands-on experiences such as case studies and simulator practice. This approach is more effective in preparing nursing students for real-world scenarios and NCLEX® exams compared to just memorizing basic facts (choice A). Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) (choice B) involve structured assessments of clinical skills and are not the primary focus of the teaching style described. Peer-to-peer learning (choice C) emphasizes collaborative learning among students, which may be a component of the teaching style but not the central focus. Practice-based competency (choice D) aligns best with the emphasis on practical application and skill development described in the scenario.