ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient presents with chest pain that increases when lying flat and low-grade fever. Assessment reveals muffled heart sounds, tachycardia, and 3+ edema in the lower extremities. The nurse asks the patient to learn forward, which eases respiratory efforts. The nurse then places the stethoscope at which area on the chest to facilitate auscultation? The above question represents which type of alternate-format question written at which level of Bloom's taxonomy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hot-spot item, analysis level. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms suggest pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade. To facilitate auscultation, the nurse should place the stethoscope at the point of maximal intensity of the heart sounds, which is typically at the apex of the heart or the lower left sternal border. This requires the nurse to analyze the patient's symptoms and apply knowledge of cardiac anatomy to determine the optimal auscultation site. A: Multiple-response item, comprehension level - This choice involves selecting multiple correct answers from a list of options based on understanding the presented information. It doesn't require the critical thinking and analysis needed in this scenario. C: Chart/exhibit item, application level - This choice involves interpreting information presented in a chart or exhibit to apply it to a specific situation. While it involves application, it doesn't require the same level of analysis as determining the best auscultation site. D: Drag-and
Question 2 of 9
Qualified nursing school applicants have continued to be turned away, limiting enrollment due to a shortage of faculty, which is attributed to several factors, including:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it directly addresses the shortage of nursing faculty by highlighting the issue of burnout and job dissatisfaction, which leads to faculty turnover and limits enrollment. This explanation aligns with the initial statement that qualified applicants are being turned away due to the shortage of faculty. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the main issue of faculty shortage. B talks about the stability of faculty numbers in Associate Degree programs, which is irrelevant to the shortage. C discusses the decrease in the mean age of nursing faculty and the departure of older mentors, but this does not explain the shortage of faculty. D mentions increasing job competition from clinical sites, which is not the primary reason for the shortage of nursing faculty.
Question 3 of 9
When the nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, he or she is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when a nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, they need to reconcile the underlying assumptions on which the budget was based with current conditions. This involves reviewing the initial budget assumptions to see if they still hold true and adjusting them accordingly. This step ensures that the budget remains relevant and accurate. A is incorrect because determining the percentage increase of supply usage does not involve a qualitative analysis of budget variances. B is incorrect because identifying the overall increase in the dollar amount of salaries paid for overtime is a quantitative analysis, not qualitative. C is incorrect because comparing productivity metrics across nursing units is a different type of analysis and not specifically related to budget variances.
Question 4 of 9
According to the Palliative Performance Scale which patient is considered to possess 70% of normal function?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Palliative Performance Scale assesses functional status in palliative care. A patient with 70% normal function would have a score of 70 on the scale, indicating that they are still able to ambulate but with limitations due to their illness. Choice A is incorrect because inability to hold a job does not directly correlate with functional status. Choice B is incorrect as spending most of the day in bed suggests a lower level of functioning. Choice D is incorrect as being bed bound indicates a more severe impairment in function compared to a patient who can still ambulate with limitations.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse believes that humans use creativity and critical thinking to balance their connections with their surroundings. The nurse decides to conduct a study on the basis of this belief. Which nursing theory would be best for this study?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Rogers' science of unitary human beings. This theory emphasizes the interconnectedness between humans and their environment as energy fields. Step 1: The nurse's belief that humans use creativity and critical thinking aligns with Rogers' theory of constant interaction with the environment through energy fields. Step 2: This theory views humans as holistic beings, emphasizing the balance and harmony between individuals and their surroundings. Step 3: Peplau's theory focuses more on interpersonal relations, Roy's on adaptation to stressors, and Orem's on self-care deficits, which are not directly related to the nurse's hypothesis. Therefore, Rogers' theory best fits the study's focus on the dynamic interaction between humans and their environment through creativity and critical thinking.
Question 6 of 9
Health care professionals have been activated to respond to a disaster, and the registered nurse who is coordinating the effort realizes that: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in a mass casualty incident, triage principles dictate that care should be prioritized to those with the greatest chance of survival to maximize overall survival rates. This ensures that limited resources are used efficiently. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Using only community resources first may not be sufficient in a large-scale disaster and could delay the response, leading to unnecessary loss of life. C: State assistance may not be automatically available in every disaster situation and is typically coordinated based on the severity and impact of the disaster. D: Emergency operating plans should be tailored to individual facilities' needs and capabilities, as a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective in all scenarios.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is interested in practicing in a faith-based community; when researching the role of the parish nurse, the nurse finds that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the role of a parish nurse primarily focuses on health promotion and disease prevention within a faith-based community. Parish nurses typically work to integrate spiritual care with traditional healthcare services. This choice aligns with the core responsibilities of a parish nurse and accurately reflects the primary focus of their practice. Summary of other choices: A: Incorrect. While certification may be available for parish nurses, the process and requirements are not solely defined by state regulations; it usually involves additional training in faith-based healthcare practices. C: Incorrect. The role of a parish nurse is typically guided by professional standards and organizational protocols rather than being solely dictated by the doctrines of a specific denomination. D: Incorrect. While the ANA may acknowledge the role of parish nursing, it does not have specific practice guidelines for this specialty.
Question 8 of 9
A daughter tells the nurse that, "Mom will be as good as new when we get this advanced cancer cured." How can the nurse best help the daughter in the role of caregiver?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because setting realistic goals is crucial for managing expectations and promoting effective caregiving. By helping the daughter understand the reality of the situation and setting achievable goals, the nurse can support both the mother's care and the daughter's emotional well-being. Option B does not address the daughter's emotional needs or the importance of realistic expectations. Option C focuses on the patient's perspective rather than the daughter's role as a caregiver. Option D, while beneficial for emotional expression, does not directly address the need for realistic goal-setting in caregiving.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse takes a day to travel to a state park where she can sit by the river alone to reflect over recent events and put things into perspective. She recalls the time she was complimented for her ability to deal with a difficult patient and another time when she was criticized for lack of teamwork. This nurse is improving which source of energy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse is reflecting on her personal growth and finding meaning in her experiences, indicating a focus on values, purpose, and inner strength, which align with the spiritual source of energy. This choice is correct as it involves connecting with higher values and beliefs to find motivation and resilience. Emotional energy (choice A) focuses on feelings and expression, physical energy (choice C) relates to the body's vitality, and mental energy (choice D) pertains to cognitive abilities and focus. In this scenario, the nurse's focus is on introspection and personal growth rather than emotional, physical, or mental aspects, making choice B the most appropriate.