ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 5
A nurse executive is concerned that the mortality rate in his or her hospital exceeds the national average and searches the literature finding Aiken's 2011 Survey on the effects of nurse staffing and education on mortality, including work environment. If Aiken's recommendations are followed, which change would be most effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing staffing ratios to include more nurses of all levels of educational preparation on all shifts. Aiken's survey emphasized the importance of adequate nurse staffing in improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates. By increasing staffing ratios with nurses of all educational levels, the hospital can ensure better patient care, effective coordination, and timely interventions. This approach addresses the key factors highlighted in Aiken's survey - nurse staffing and education. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the issue of nurse staffing, which was the primary focus of Aiken's survey. Employing bachelor's prepared nurses participating in interprofessional rounds (B) may improve communication but does not solely address the staffing concerns. Ensuring nurse managers have a master's degree (C) may improve leadership but does not directly impact frontline staffing. Encouraging unlicensed assistive personnel to attend educational programs (D) may enhance skills but does not address the need for more nurses in the staffing ratios
Question 3 of 5
During a community health fair the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) informs participants that every community must be ready to provide disaster care. A participant asks, "In a disaster, the local community cannot possibly be effective, so why not have a plan to call federal agencies immediately to provide relief?" The correct response by the DMAT is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because communities are indeed the first responders in any disaster. Local resources are typically the first to mobilize and provide immediate assistance due to their proximity to the affected area. Federal agencies may take time to arrive on the scene, so it is crucial for communities to have their own disaster response plans in place. Choice A is incorrect because the federal government can become involved in disasters even without known terrorist activities, especially in large-scale disasters. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the roles of different agencies in disaster response. Choice D is incorrect because state and federal agencies may still provide assistance even if local health care facilities are operational.
Question 4 of 5
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 5
According to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (2000):
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act (2000) mandates that employers must document how and where a sharps injury occurred, including the brand of device involved. This helps in identifying patterns of injuries and evaluating the effectiveness of safety devices. Choice A is incorrect because the Act does not specifically mention nurses in managerial positions evaluating safe needle devices. Choice B is incorrect as there is no requirement for registered nurses to pass a test after sustaining a needle stick. Choice C is incorrect as the Act sets federal standards for safe needle devices, not leaving it up to individual states to determine.