ATI RN
Contemporary Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A recruiter is explaining benefits to a group of nursing externs who are highly sought for employment. The recruiter states, "We are the only hospital in town that offers a residency program." The recruiter further explains that a residency program:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a residency program offers extended time for both theory and clinical activities that promote problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills. This is important for new graduates to enhance their clinical skills and transition into practice effectively. A: Providing housing for the graduate nurse is not typically a component of a residency program. B: Partnering a medical resident with a nurse resident for interprofessional care is not a defining feature of a nursing residency program. C: Allowing new graduates to work on a higher degree in nursing while being paid full-time is not the primary focus of a nursing residency program, which is more about developing clinical skills.
Question 2 of 9
"A patient with end-stage renal disease has a potassium level of 5 mEq/L. Based on this laboratory result, the nurse interprets which symptom as significant prompting which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: Irregular heartbeat is a significant symptom of hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should evaluate capillary refill to assess perfusion. High potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias. Monitoring capillary refill provides insight into tissue perfusion, helping to assess the severity of the condition and guide appropriate interventions. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Drowsiness is not a typical symptom of hyperkalemia. Stimulating the patient every 30 minutes does not address the underlying issue. B: Confusion is not a common symptom of hyperkalemia. Asking the patient to state their name and birthdate does not address the cardiac implications of high potassium levels. D: Muscle cramps may occur with hyperkalemia but are not as critical as irregular heartbeat. Elevating the affected limb is not the priority in this situation.
Question 3 of 9
During height and weight assessments at a school's health fair, a child admits to drinking a cup of coffee with his mother every morning, and another child reports enjoying a morning cup of coffee on the commute to school. These two children are both below average on the height chart, and the nurse states, "Drinking coffee stunts a child's growth." This logical fallacy is referred to as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: confusing cause and effect. The nurse's statement implies that drinking coffee causes the children to be below average in height, which is a logical fallacy. Height is determined by genetics, nutrition, and overall health factors, not by drinking coffee. The nurse is mistakenly attributing the children's height to their coffee consumption without considering other relevant factors. This error in reasoning is known as confusing cause and effect. A: Appeal to common practice is when an argument is justified based on the fact that many people do it, which is not relevant to the coffee consumption issue. C: Ad hominem abusive is attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself, which is not the case here. D: Red herring is when irrelevant information is used to distract from the main issue, which is not the case in this scenario.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse manager is preparing a budget that does not base annual budgets on the revenue and expenditures of the prior year and has the advantage that outdated information is not integrated into the budget. The manager is using which budget method?
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Zero-based Rationale: 1. Zero-based budgeting starts from scratch, evaluating each expense regardless of the prior year. 2. It helps eliminate inefficiencies and ensures resources are allocated to high-priority areas. 3. By not relying on past data, outdated information does not influence the budget decisions. Summary: B: Incremental budgeting builds on the previous year's budget, not starting from zero. C: Labor budget focuses specifically on labor costs, not the overall budgeting approach. D: Operational budget typically considers historical data and current operations, unlike zero-based budgeting.
Question 5 of 9
When comparing mentoring and role modeling, the role of mentoring is represented by which of the following situations?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it exemplifies the role of mentoring where the experienced nurse provides feedback and guidance to the novice nurse. Mentoring involves a structured and purposeful relationship aimed at professional growth. In this situation, the experienced nurse is directly interacting with the novice nurse, giving specific feedback on a task and showing support and encouragement. This helps the novice nurse improve their skills and knowledge. Option A is incorrect because it describes role modeling, where the novice nurse is observing without direct interaction. Option B is incorrect as it also describes role modeling through observation and mimicry. Option D is incorrect as it does not involve direct feedback or guidance from the experienced nurse to the novice nurse.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse has heard rumors that other nurses are interested in unionizing but knows little about the purpose of unions. The nurse's first action is to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because reviewing the National Nurses United website for collective bargaining information is the most appropriate first action. This option allows the nurse to educate themselves on the purpose of unions and understand the benefits of collective bargaining. It promotes informed decision-making and empowers the nurse with knowledge before taking any further actions. A: Contacting an arbitrator may be premature as the nurse needs to first understand the basics of unions. B: Picketing the agency is counterproductive and may create a hostile environment without proper information. C: Signing a union authorization card without understanding the implications is not advisable and may lead to unintended consequences. Summary: Option D is correct as it promotes education and informed decision-making, while the other choices are premature, potentially harmful, or lack necessary information.
Question 7 of 9
A new mother is experiencing pain after delivering an infant with Down syndrome. The staff nurse states, "I don't think she is really hurting. Let the next shift give the pain medication." The team leader notices the staff nurse looks agitated and anxious and asks about any concerns in providing care to this new mom. The staff nurse admits having a stillborn infant with Down syndrome. This is an example of which component of communication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Past experiences. In this scenario, the staff nurse's past experience of having a stillborn infant with Down syndrome is influencing her perception and behavior towards the new mother. This past experience is shaping her emotions, thoughts, and actions, demonstrating how personal experiences can impact communication in healthcare settings. This highlights the importance of self-awareness and reflection to understand how past experiences can influence interactions with patients. Incorrect choices: A: Personal perception - While personal perception plays a role in communication, the key factor in this scenario is the staff nurse's past experience, not just her perception. C: Filtration - Filtration refers to the process of selectively interpreting information. In this case, the staff nurse's behavior is more influenced by her past experience rather than selective filtering of information. D: Preconceived idea - While the staff nurse may have preconceived ideas about individuals with Down syndrome due to her past experience, the primary focus is on her past experience itself rather
Question 8 of 9
A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the primary goal for a new graduate nurse in their first job is to successfully complete the orientation process. This is crucial for transitioning from the academic setting to the professional nursing environment. Completing orientation ensures that the nurse is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care. Choice B is incorrect because scheduling interviews immediately after graduation may not allow the nurse enough time to prepare adequately for the interview process. Choice C is incorrect because while self-confidence is important, relying solely on past achievements of peers may not be a sustainable source of confidence in a new work environment. Choice D is incorrect because while work history and letters of recommendation can be valuable, they may not necessarily be the primary focus during the initial stages of a new nurse's career.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is concerned because novice nurses are having their orientation period shortened and are being placed in charge nurse positions. The nurse has documented unsafe care and decisions by these novice nurses. To be protected from retaliation by the employer, this nurse must "blow the whistle" by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. Reporting concerns to state and/or national agencies is a formal and official way to blow the whistle. 2. State and national agencies have the authority to investigate and take action on reported concerns. 3. Whistleblower protection laws often cover individuals who report to regulatory agencies. 4. This action ensures the concerns are addressed at a higher level and can protect the nurse from retaliation. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: A. Holding a public forum may not provide the necessary confidentiality or protection for the nurse. C. Informally discussing wrongdoing with coworkers may not result in formal actions to address the concerns. D. Contacting The Joint Commission is a good option, but reporting concerns to state and/or national agencies is more direct and appropriate in this scenario.