ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse would like to advocate for increased protective services and reporting mechanisms for elder abuse and attends the "meet the candidate" session at the town hall meeting. This is an important time for the nurse to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse's goal is to advocate for increased protective services for elder abuse. By learning about the key issues in the candidate's platform, the nurse can identify if the candidate supports policies related to elder abuse. This information will help the nurse assess the candidate's alignment with their advocacy goals and determine if the candidate is a suitable ally in advancing elder abuse prevention measures. A, B, and C are incorrect because: A: Educating the public about the nurse's political platform is not the primary purpose of attending the session. B: Being spontaneous may lead to an ineffective communication strategy without proper preparation. C: Addressing the candidate by their first name or title is a matter of personal preference and does not directly impact the nurse's advocacy efforts.
Question 2 of 9
A hospital is concerned that the number of medication errors has increased significantly in the past year. A project revealed four causes of medication errors. The above chart was used to help staff and administration know where to focus efforts to reduce errors. Which process improvement tool is used in this situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pareto chart. A Pareto chart is a quality improvement tool used to prioritize and focus efforts on the most significant causes of a problem. In this case, the hospital used the chart to identify the main causes of medication errors, helping them to allocate resources efficiently. The Pareto principle states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes, making it a powerful tool for process improvement. A: Run chart is used to track data over time but does not prioritize causes like a Pareto chart. C: Flowcharts are used to map out processes and are helpful for understanding the sequence of activities, not for prioritizing causes. D: Cause-and-effect diagrams (Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram) are used to identify and organize potential causes of a problem but do not prioritize them like a Pareto chart. In summary, the Pareto chart is the most appropriate tool in this situation because it helps focus efforts on the most significant causes
Question 3 of 9
In February 2010, Congress passed legislation to support universal health care for all Americans. At a local health fair, an individual asks about the difference between universal health care and a single payer system. The nurse explains the difference is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in a universal health care system, one universal payer (often the government) is responsible for covering all health care expenses for all citizens. This means that everyone, regardless of income or eligibility, is covered under the same system. Choice B is incorrect because a single-payer system does not necessarily limit health care access based on income; it simply means there is one entity responsible for paying health care costs. Choice C is incorrect because single-payer systems do not rely on insurance companies to pay fees; instead, the single payer itself covers the costs directly. Choice D is incorrect because it does not specify that the one payer in a universal health care system is usually the government, which is a key distinction in this context.
Question 4 of 9
In today's world of fast, effective communication, what is the most commonly used means of societal communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Electronic messaging. In today's fast-paced world, electronic messaging, such as emails, text messages, and social media, is the most commonly used means of societal communication due to its immediacy, convenience, and widespread accessibility. It allows people to communicate quickly across long distances and reach a large audience efficiently. Facial expressions (A) are important but limited in reach. Spoken word (B) is also crucial but less prevalent in today's digital age. Written messages (C) are still used but electronic messaging has largely replaced traditional written communication for its speed and efficiency.
Question 5 of 9
Nurses and community officials are working together to ensure that churches and schools have needed supplies to provide shelter for large numbers of individuals in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. These activities represent which phase of a disaster continuum?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preparedness. In this scenario, nurses and community officials are proactively planning and organizing resources to be ready for a disaster. Preparedness involves activities such as training, drills, and stockpiling supplies to ensure an effective response. Relief response (B) occurs during or immediately after a disaster to provide immediate assistance. Recovery (C) focuses on restoring community infrastructure and services post-disaster. Crisis intervention (D) is a short-term, immediate response to individuals in distress. In this case, the focus is on prevention and readiness, fitting the preparedness phase.
Question 6 of 9
Regardless of the term used to describe high-quality health care, the focus of quality is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Quality in healthcare should be consumer-centric, meeting their needs and preferences. 2. Consumer needs and wants drive patient satisfaction and outcomes. 3. Patient-centered care leads to better health outcomes and overall quality of care. 4. Focusing on consumer needs promotes individualized and effective care delivery. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - Choice B (economical care) does not necessarily ensure high-quality care. - Choice C (technologic advancement) is important but not the sole focus of quality healthcare. - Choice D (equally distributed services) is important for equity but does not define quality in healthcare.
Question 7 of 9
Who establishes the "rules" for nursing practice?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Individual state boards of nursing. State boards of nursing are responsible for regulating nursing practice within their respective states, including establishing rules and regulations to ensure safe and competent care. They set standards for licensure, education, and practice, as well as enforce disciplinary actions when necessary. State boards have the authority to govern nursing practice based on state laws and regulations. Employers, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and local health officials do not have the regulatory power to establish the rules for nursing practice at a state level.
Question 8 of 9
When assessing an ethical issue, the nurse must first:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.
Question 9 of 9
What uniquely twenty-first century issue challenges today's professional nurse. (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Caring for an aging population. This is a uniquely twenty-first-century issue as advancements in healthcare have increased life expectancy, leading to a larger elderly population with complex healthcare needs. Nurses must adapt their skills and knowledge to provide specialized care for this demographic. B: Increased patient acuity is a common challenge but not unique to the twenty-first century. Nurses have always dealt with varying levels of patient acuity. C: Access to health care services is an ongoing issue that has been prevalent for many years, not specifically unique to the twenty-first century. D: Expanding technology is also a significant challenge for nurses in the modern era, but it is not uniquely a twenty-first-century issue as technology has been advancing for decades.