ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient with kyphosis is visiting a practitioner of chiropractic medicine for the first time and asks, "How does this therapy work?" The practitioner replies, "I will use my hands along with heat to correct the misalignment of your spine by placing pressure on the nerves that have produced pain. The misalignment of your spine is referred to as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: subluxation. Subluxation in chiropractic terms refers to the misalignment of the vertebrae in the spine, which can put pressure on nerves and cause pain. Chiropractors believe that by using manual adjustments, they can correct these subluxations and restore proper alignment, which can alleviate pain and improve overall health. The other choices, B: a sprain, C: a fracture, and D: epicondylitis, do not accurately describe the misalignment of the spine that is being addressed in chiropractic care. Sprain refers to ligament injury, fracture refers to bone breakage, and epicondylitis refers to inflammation of the tendons.
Question 2 of 9
In differentiating between interprofessional and multidisciplinary:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because interprofessional involves members of different disciplines collaborating to provide patient care, promoting a holistic approach. This fosters shared decision-making and communication among healthcare professionals, leading to improved patient outcomes. A is incorrect because multidisciplinary involves multiple disciplines treating a single patient, not many diverse patients. C is incorrect because interprofessional involves different disciplines, not members of the same discipline working together. D is incorrect because interprofessional is about collaboration between different disciplines, not the use of multiple interventions by nurses specifically.
Question 3 of 9
A registered nurse is on break and checking e-mails. One e-mail contains a picture of a celebrity who is a patient in the hospital, and on the same floor, where the nurse works. Included with the photo is a message, "check out my Facebook," which contains additional photographs of the patient. The nurse immediately deletes the picture to prevent having to report the "friend" to supervisors. Based on the action of the nurse who received the message, which statement is correct?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse is at risk for discipline because failing to report the receipt of the message demonstrates poor ethical and legal role-modeling. By deleting the photo and not reporting the incident, the nurse is not upholding patient confidentiality and is potentially violating privacy laws. Sharing patient information, even if the patient is on the same floor, is unethical and illegal. Choices A and B are incorrect because simply deleting the photos does not absolve the nurse from potential consequences, and not being the sender does not excuse the nurse from being responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality. Choice D is incorrect because sharing patient information without authorization is a violation of ethical and legal standards.
Question 4 of 9
An RN recently relocated to another region of the country and immediately assumed the role of charge nurse. When determining the appropriate person to whom to delegate, the RN knows that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When delegating tasks to an LPN/LVN, the RN must review the state's nurse practice act because each state defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. This is crucial as the LPN/LVN scope of practice can vary significantly from state to state. By reviewing the nurse practice act, the RN ensures that the tasks being delegated fall within the legal scope of practice for the LPN/LVN in that specific state, promoting safe and effective patient care. Choice A is incorrect because the role of the LPN/LVN can differ between states. Choice B is incorrect because LPN/LVNs cannot perform all duties of an RN, and additional training does not change their scope of practice. Choice D is incorrect because the Joint Commission does not establish roles for LPN/LVNs; it focuses on accreditation standards for healthcare organizations.
Question 5 of 9
A student nurse wants to meet other nursing students from different countries and to learn of employment possibilities. The student nurse should:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: join the Student Nurses Association. This option allows the student nurse to meet other nursing students from different countries and learn about employment possibilities. By joining the association, the student can network with peers, attend conferences, and engage in international exchange programs. Option A is incorrect because the employee satisfaction task force is focused on internal staff issues, not networking with other nursing students. Option C is irrelevant to the student nurse's goal of meeting peers from different countries. Option D is impractical and unnecessary as it suggests delaying the licensure examination for travel, which is not a direct way to achieve the student's objectives.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse caring for a patient states, "Your blood pressure is dangerously high. Are you taking antihypertensive medicine?" The patient states, "I can't afford my medicine. I have no insurance." The nurse states "I feel really sorry for that patient. I wish it wasn't against policy to give her money." The nurse wants to help and places a note on Facebook that any donations would be appreciated to help a waitress who works at the cafeteria next door to the hospital buy her medications. The nurse posts that "She was so sick last evening when she came to the ED. I can't believe they don't provide insurance. I can't give her money but you all can help." This nurse:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse is at risk for HIPAA violations by sharing patient information on social media. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patients' privacy and prohibits healthcare providers from disclosing their health information without consent. In this scenario, the nurse shared specific details about the patient's health condition, visit to the ED, and financial situation, which could easily identify the patient. This violates the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the focus should be on the HIPAA violation rather than empathy, policy following, or logical fallacies. The nurse should have found alternative ways to help the patient without compromising their privacy.
Question 7 of 9
An advanced practice nurse inputs into a computer software program the following clinical manifestations: open wound with tibia exposed, petechial hemorrhage, and temporary loss of consciousness. The computer diagnosis of fat emboli is generated by a system known as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: decision support. In this scenario, the nurse inputs clinical manifestations into a computer program to assist in generating a diagnosis. Decision support systems use algorithms and data to provide healthcare professionals with evidence-based recommendations or diagnoses. In this case, the system likely recognized the combination of clinical signs as indicative of fat emboli. Telehealth (B) involves remote healthcare services, not diagnosis. Robotic technology (C) and biometric technology (D) are not directly related to clinical diagnosis like decision support systems are.
Question 8 of 9
A new graduate nurse is applying for the exciting first position and states, "I am only applying to Magnet hospitals because those work environments:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their ability to not only attract but also retain professional nurses. These hospitals create a positive work environment that values and supports nursing staff, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Choice A is incorrect because while Magnet hospitals may attract top healthcare providers, it's not solely focused on physicians. Choice B is incorrect as certification is not a mandatory requirement for all RNs in Magnet hospitals. Choice D is incorrect as Magnet hospitals actually encourage nurses to advance their education and professional development.
Question 9 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.