ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse working in a factory performs routine hearing tests for employees. The factory uses 90 dB as the safe limit for an 8-hour day's exposure to machine noise rather than 85 dB as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The nurse is functioning in the role of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: occupational health nurse. This is because an occupational health nurse specializes in promoting health and safety in the workplace, including monitoring employees' exposure to occupational hazards like noise. By conducting hearing tests and recognizing the discrepancy between the factory's safe noise level and OSHA's recommendation, the nurse is fulfilling the role of an occupational health nurse. Choice A (quality management) is incorrect as it involves ensuring high-quality care and services, not specifically focused on workplace health and safety. Choice B (informatics nurse specialist) is incorrect as it pertains to using technology and data to improve healthcare outcomes, not directly related to workplace health monitoring. Choice D (case manager) is incorrect as it involves coordinating care for individual patients, not overseeing workplace health and safety practices.
Question 2 of 9
Cover letters:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a cover letter should express genuine interest in the employer and show that you have taken the time to understand their organization. This demonstrates professionalism and a tailored approach. Choice B is incorrect because handwritten letters are rarely used in the digital age, and legibility is not a primary concern. Choice C is incorrect as cover letters should provide sufficient information to showcase qualifications, not limited to one paragraph. Choice D is incorrect because revealing desired salary, shift, and area of practice is typically done during the interview process, not in the initial application.
Question 3 of 9
A client states, "I am leaving. No one here knows what they are doing." The nurse completing the Against Medical Advice form must:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because informing the client of potential complications and impairment is essential to ensure the client makes an informed decision. This aligns with the principle of autonomy and informed consent. Choice A is incorrect as delaying notification can jeopardize the client's safety. Choice B is incorrect because using medical jargon may not effectively communicate the risks to the client. Choice D is incorrect as using restraints is a violation of the client's rights and autonomy.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is caring for a patient who is to receive an antibiotic drug that causes severe skin damage when infiltrated. The order reads, "infuse over 1 hour by portacath." The nurse accesses the Personal Digital Assistant for software that lists the steps to access a portacath. The nurse is using:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: point-of-care technology. Point-of-care technology refers to tools and devices that assist healthcare providers in delivering care at the patient's bedside. In this scenario, the nurse is accessing a software application on a Personal Digital Assistant to follow steps for accessing a portacath, which is a form of point-of-care technology. This technology enables quick and accurate access to necessary information, ensuring safe and efficient care delivery. Incorrect choices: A: Electronic health records (EHR) primarily store patient information and medical history but do not provide real-time guidance on procedures like accessing a portacath. C: Data management involves organizing and analyzing healthcare data but does not directly assist in patient care tasks like accessing a portacath. D: Telehealth involves remote healthcare services, which are not relevant to the nurse's immediate task of accessing a portacath.
Question 5 of 9
A patient is placed on reserpine (Serpalan) to decrease mild anxiety and treat hypertension. The patient researches the medication on the Internet and finds that this medication comes from which plant?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rauwolfia serpentina. Reserpine is derived from the Rauwolfia serpentina plant. This plant contains alkaloids that act as a central nervous system depressant, reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure. Atropa belladonna (A) contains toxic alkaloids, Digitalis purpurea (B) contains cardiac glycosides used for heart conditions, and Cephaelis ipecacuanha (D) contains emetine used for inducing vomiting, none of which are related to reserpine's effects.
Question 6 of 9
The disaster medical assistance team works quickly to contain contaminants from a chemical plant explosion. Afterward, personnel undergo a special process to remove harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies. This removal process is known as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: decontamination. Decontamination is the process of removing harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies to prevent further exposure and contamination. In this scenario, the disaster medical assistance team is working to contain contaminants first and then proceed with decontamination to ensure the safety of personnel. Containment (choice A) refers to preventing the spread of contaminants, not removing them. Triage (choice C) is the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries, not removing chemicals. Scene assessment (choice D) involves evaluating the situation to determine the extent of the disaster, not the removal of harmful chemicals.
Question 7 of 9
An older adult is unable to reach the telephone and is found dead at home several hours later. The son of the deceased person arrives at the hospital and asks, "Can I just please stay and hold my dad's hand? He was so afraid of dying alone." Which response by the nurse shows empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging the son's request and providing support. By closing the door to allow privacy and promising to check back, the nurse shows understanding and compassion for the son's emotional needs. Choice A is incorrect as it is insensitive and blames the son. Choice B is inappropriate as it shifts the focus to purchasing a cell phone rather than addressing the son's emotional state. Choice D is also incorrect as it redirects the attention to the nurse's personal experience, failing to address the son's specific request.
Question 8 of 9
The advanced practice nurse who is seeking information about requirements for practice in a specialized area should contact the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). ANCC is the primary organization responsible for certifying advanced practice nurses in specialized areas. They provide information on requirements for practice, certification exams, and continuing education. ANA (A) focuses on promoting the profession of nursing. NLN (B) focuses on nursing education. NCSBN (D) oversees the state boards of nursing and does not specifically provide information on requirements for practice in specialized areas.
Question 9 of 9
A physician shares with the patient's family that, while a central line was being inserted, the patient's lungs were inadvertently punctured, which required oxygen administration. The physician also explains that a chest x-ray indicated the lung remained intact and no additional treatment was required. The physician's role in this instance is based on the legal principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: disclosure. In this scenario, the physician shared information about the accidental lung puncture with the patient's family, demonstrating transparency and honesty. This aligns with the legal principle of disclosure, which emphasizes the importance of informing patients and their families about relevant medical information. The physician's actions foster trust and open communication, ensuring that the patient and family are informed about the situation. Choice A: comparative negligence, is incorrect because it involves assessing the degree of negligence by both parties involved, which is not applicable in this context. Choice B: gross negligence, is incorrect because the physician's actions do not demonstrate recklessness or a complete disregard for the patient's safety. Choice D: the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), is incorrect because this law primarily addresses the provision of emergency medical care and ensuring access to necessary services, not the disclosure of medical errors.