ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse who is applying for a position contacts an expert on writing résumés and cover letters and is told:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because being concise and limiting the resume to a single page is important in grabbing the attention of potential employers and ensuring that the most relevant information is highlighted. It shows professionalism and respect for the employer's time. Option A is incorrect as correction fluid may make the resume look messy. Option B is incorrect as using a single line to cross through an error and inserting initials is not standard practice in resume writing. Option C is incorrect as limiting margins to one half inch can make the resume look cluttered and difficult to read.
Question 2 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 3 of 9
A nurse is part of the policy committee for a hospital. The committee is provided with statistics indicating that patients participating in a satisfaction survey felt they lacked sufficient information about new drugs started while hospitalized and continued after discharge. In addition, charts noted high recidivism rates. The committee recommended that a formalized patient education plan be instituted to reconcile all medications and provide patient information about new medications. The committee is using which component of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) 2011 message?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Policy is based on data, which provides the groundwork for decision making. This is the correct answer because the scenario describes the policy committee using statistics about patient satisfaction and recidivism rates to make recommendations for a patient education plan. By utilizing data, the committee is following the IOM 2011 message of basing decisions on evidence and information. A: Nurses achieving higher levels of education is not directly related to the scenario and the committee's decision-making process. B: The requirement of a master's degree for nurses on policy committees is not mentioned in the scenario and is not relevant to the decision-making process described. C: Comparing nurse pay to physicians' pay is not relevant to the scenario or the IOM 2011 message of using data for decision making.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is assigned to a unit other than the one she is normally assigned due to increased census on the alternate unit. She is assigned to care for seven patients and participates in walking rounds where the patient's condition and needs are discussed between oncoming and off-going shifts of the interdisciplinary team. The nurse carefully makes notes of all pending orders and prioritizes needs. The nurse enters the cafeteria later and the notes accidentally fall from her pocket, which contain the above information that contains patient sensitive datThe liabilities arising from this incident would be covered under:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Choice A is correct: 1. The scenario involves the accidental disclosure of patient-sensitive data. 2. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) specifically addresses the protection of patient information. 3. HIPAA requires healthcare providers to safeguard patient data and maintain confidentiality. 4. In this case, the nurse's unintentional disclosure of patient information falls under HIPAA violations. 5. Therefore, the liabilities arising from this incident would be covered under HIPAA. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B. The ANA Scope and Practice Act focuses on the scope of nursing practice and does not specifically address patient data protection like HIPAA. C. Affirmative duty failing to question order relates to a nurse's responsibility to question unsafe orders, not patient data protection. D. Personal liability with floating and cross-training does not cover the accidental disclosure of patient information, which falls under HIPAA.
Question 5 of 9
Which situation would be considered a workforce advocacy issue that is reportable to the state nurses association or the Center for American Nurses if it is not resolved at the local level?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Identification of the Issue - The situation described in option D directly impacts the safety of nurses by preventing them from changing the sharps container when needed, posing a risk for needlestick injuries. Step 2: Significance of the Issue - Needlestick injuries are a serious occupational hazard for healthcare workers and can result in exposure to bloodborne pathogens, leading to infections such as HIV and Hepatitis. Step 3: Advocacy Relevance - The inability to access the key to change the sharps container compromises the safety of nurses and violates their right to a safe work environment, making it a workforce advocacy issue. Step 4: Reporting to Higher Authorities - If the issue is not resolved at the local level, it should be reported to the state nurses association or the Center for American Nurses for intervention and resolution to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. Summary: Options A, B, and C do not directly relate to workforce advocacy issues that pose a significant risk to nurses' safety. Option
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is removing a saturated dressing from an abdominal incision and must cut the tape to remove the dressing. The nurse accidentally cuts the sutures holding the incision, and evisceration occurs. In quality improvement, this incident is best identified as a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sentinel event. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological harm to a patient. In this scenario, the accidental cutting of sutures leading to evisceration constitutes a serious harm to the patient, making it a sentinel event. This event requires immediate investigation, analysis, and implementation of preventive measures to ensure patient safety. A: Root cause refers to the underlying reason for a problem, not the event itself. C: Variation in performance is related to inconsistencies in processes, not a specific critical incident like evisceration. D: Causal factor is a contributing element to an event, but it does not capture the severity and significance of a sentinel event like evisceration.
Question 7 of 9
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) has been practicing for 25 years on a unit where a newly graduated RN with a bachelor's degree is hired. Before the RN arrives on the unit, the LPN is heard saying, "She'll try to tell everyone what to do because she makes more money. She'll sit at the desk and let us do all the work." This is an example of a(n):
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: preconceived idea. This is because the LPN's statement reflects a preconceived notion or bias about the RN based on their education level and salary. The LPN is assuming the RN will act a certain way without any evidence or experience with the RN's behavior. It is important to recognize and challenge our preconceived ideas to avoid unfair judgments. Incorrect answers: A: interpretation - This refers to understanding the meaning of something based on analysis or judgment, which is not present in the scenario. B: context - This refers to the circumstances or setting in which something occurs, but it does not apply to the LPN's biased statement. C: precipitating event - This refers to an event that triggers a particular situation, which is not evident in the scenario.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
A clinical nurse leader (CNL) enters the workforce and hopes to use her interdisciplinary skills to participate on a quality improvement committee. The coordinator of the quality group invites the CNL to join the group. Which type of power is demonstrated by the coordinator of the group?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Legitimate. The coordinator's power is based on their legitimate authority to invite individuals to join the quality improvement committee. Legitimate power is derived from one's position or role within an organization, giving them the right to make decisions and direct activities. In this scenario, the coordinator's invitation is based on their legitimate authority as the leader of the quality group. Choice A: Coercive power involves the use of threats or punishment to influence others, which is not evident in the scenario. Choice B: Transformational power focuses on inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal, which is not explicitly demonstrated in the scenario. Choice C: Laissez-faire power involves a hands-off approach to leadership, allowing individuals to make their own decisions without much guidance, which is not applicable in this scenario.