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
Which statement correctly applies to a person's suffering?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Suffering and pain are distinct experiences. Pain refers to physical discomfort, while suffering encompasses emotional and psychological distress as well. Step 2: Individuals can experience suffering without physical pain, such as emotional trauma or existential crisis. Step 3: Recognizing the difference between suffering and pain is crucial in providing holistic care in nursing practice. Step 4: Therefore, option B is correct as it acknowledges the separate nature of suffering and pain. Other options are incorrect as they oversimplify or misinterpret the relationship between pain and suffering.
Question 3 of 9
A researcher conducts a survey to determine the perceived health status of elderly persons living independently at home. The same subjects participate in a telephone call in which they describe the lived experience of living with chronic illness. When writing up the research study, the nurse would describe using:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: triangulation. Triangulation involves using multiple data sources or methods to validate findings. In this scenario, the nurse is using both survey data and telephone interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the elderly persons' health status. This method enhances the study's credibility and reliability by cross-verifying information. A: A control group is not relevant in this context as it involves comparing an intervention group with a control group to assess the impact of an intervention. C: A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate the feasibility of a larger study. It is not the appropriate description for using multiple data sources. D: Secondary data analysis involves analyzing existing data collected by someone else. It is not applicable in this case where the researcher is collecting primary data through surveys and interviews.
Question 4 of 9
A primary function of the budgeting process is to provide managers with an opportunity to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the primary function of the budgeting process is to discuss concerns about resource allocation with leaders capable of resolving issues. This allows managers to make informed decisions on how to allocate resources effectively. Choice A is incorrect as the budgeting process is not primarily about insisting on specific salary increases. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on changing budgeting methods rather than the purpose of budgeting itself. Choice D is incorrect as developing an educational program is not the primary purpose of the budgeting process.
Question 5 of 9
A consumer is learning about electronic health records at a local health fair and states, "I am worried that someone can read my health information and I really don't understand the difference between privacy and confidentiality." The nurse explains that an example of confidentiality would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because locking medical records in cabinets to prevent unauthorized users from accessing patient information exemplifies confidentiality. This practice ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive health data, maintaining patient privacy. Choice A is about a pledge of confidentiality, not an actual practice. Choices B and C involve patients withholding information, which is related to privacy but not confidentiality.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
A nurse is interested in learning the phases of the disaster continuum and realizes it has many similarities to the nursing process. To better understand the phases of a disaster, which is true when comparing the phases of the disaster continuum to the nursing process?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the preparedness phase of the disaster continuum aligns with the assessment and planning steps of the nursing process. In both situations, assessment involves identifying potential risks or needs, while planning entails developing strategies to address those risks or needs. Preparedness in disasters is about assessing vulnerabilities and creating plans to mitigate risks, which is akin to the initial steps in the nursing process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately match the phases of the disaster continuum with the corresponding steps in the nursing process. B incorrectly associates recovery with planning, C incorrectly links recovery with implementation, and D incorrectly pairs response relief with evaluation.
Question 8 of 9
When planning, a nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because acknowledging that most tasks take longer than expected allows the nurse to allocate sufficient time and resources for effective planning. This helps in preventing delays, ensuring tasks are completed on time, and minimizing stress. Choice A is incorrect as delaying planning can lead to disorganization and inefficiency. Choice B is incorrect as rewarding oneself can be a positive reinforcement for motivation. Choice C is incorrect as excessive task rotation may hinder focus and productivity. In summary, being aware of task duration variations is crucial for effective planning in nursing practice.
Question 9 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.