ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient experiences migraine headaches that are not relieved by traditional Western medical practices. The family physician suggests acupuncture, which: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because acupuncture is indeed based on the belief that meridians, energy pathways in the body, are vital for life and when they are out of balance, pain occurs. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of these meridians to alleviate pain. Explanation: 1. Acupuncture theory is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasizes the flow of energy (Qi) along meridians. 2. By inserting needles at specific points along the meridians, acupuncturists aim to restore the balance of Qi and alleviate pain. 3. Meridian theory is fundamental to the practice of acupuncture and differentiates it from other pain relief modalities. 4. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the core principles of acupuncture and how it works. Summary: Option A is correct because it aligns with the foundational principles of acupuncture, focusing on meridians and energy balance. Options B, C, and D are
Question 2 of 9
During a seminar on ethics, the educator realizes that more information is needed when a participant describes which situation as a violation of the ethical principle of autonomy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because denying the older person with Alzheimer's disease the right to ambulate violates their autonomy by restricting their freedom to make choices about their own body and movement. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this situation, the person should have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to ambulate, even if they have advanced Alzheimer's disease. Choice B is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment based on their beliefs, which is an expression of autonomy. Choice C is incorrect because the mentally competent visitor has the right to refuse examination, which is also an expression of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse a local anesthetic, which is also an expression of autonomy.
Question 3 of 9
The first field of nursing to certify advanced practitioners was the field of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: nurse-midwifery. Nurse-midwifery was the first field of nursing to certify advanced practitioners, starting in the 1920s. Nurse-midwives provide prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care to women. Other choices are incorrect because adult nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthesia programs were established after nurse-midwifery certification.
Question 4 of 9
What are general explanations that scholars use to explain, predict, control, and understand commonly occurring events?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Theories. Theories are comprehensive explanations that scholars use to understand commonly occurring events by organizing and explaining a set of principles or laws. Theories help in predicting and controlling events based on established frameworks. Constructs (B) refer to abstract concepts within theories, systems (C) are organized structures of elements, and propositions (D) are statements that describe relationships between concepts, but they do not provide the comprehensive explanations that theories do.
Question 5 of 9
A nursing unit is comparing team nursing to the partnership model and finds that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the leadership abilities of the RN are crucial in both team nursing and the partnership model. In team nursing, the RN coordinates care provided by team members. In the partnership model, the RN collaborates with a partner to deliver care effectively. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of an RN is essential in both models to ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality care. Choice C is incorrect because the RN's role in teaching how to apply the nursing process is not specific to team nursing or the partnership model but is a general nursing responsibility. Choice D is incorrect because in team nursing, the RN is responsible for coordinating care for the patient, including working with the family or significant others, rather than solely caring for the patient while others work with the family.
Question 6 of 9
The informed consent documents must include: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because informed consent documents must provide participants with an explanation of potential risks and benefits to ensure they fully understand what they are agreeing to. This helps participants make an informed decision about participating. Option B is incorrect because using medical terminology can actually increase misunderstanding; lay terms are recommended. Option C is incorrect as it is essential to include a statement on protecting anonymity and confidentiality to ensure participant privacy. Option D is incorrect as explaining the cost of the study is not a necessary component of informed consent.
Question 7 of 9
A team of experienced nurses work together to develop algorithms that are converted into checklists to ensure standardization of commonly performed procedures. The focus of this team is primarily on which Institute of Medicine (IOM) competency?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Safety. The team of nurses developing algorithms and checklists aims to ensure standardization of procedures, which directly relates to patient safety. Safety is a fundamental competency in healthcare, as it involves minimizing harm to patients. Standardization through checklists helps reduce errors and promote consistency in care delivery. Timely care (B) focuses on providing care promptly, equitable care (C) emphasizes fairness and eliminating disparities, and patient-centered care (D) prioritizes individual preferences and needs. While these competencies are important in healthcare, in this scenario, the team's primary focus on standardization aligns with the safety competency.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse who is responsible for following the patient from admission through discharge or resolution of illness while working with a broad range of health care providers is called a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: case manager. A case manager is responsible for coordinating care for a patient from admission to discharge, collaborating with various healthcare providers. This role involves managing the patient's overall care plan, ensuring continuity and efficiency. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Nurse manager focuses on managing nursing staff and unit operations, not individual patient care. C: Coordinator of patient-centered care delivery may oversee care coordination but does not necessarily follow the patient throughout the entire care journey. D: Team leader in team nursing care delivery is focused on leading a specific nursing team, not managing the patient's entire care process.
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.