ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A teenage patient is using earphones to listen to hard rock music and is making gestures in rhythm to the music. The nurse assesses the amount of urine output in the Foley catheter and leaves the room. What communication technique is demonstrated in both of these situations?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking. In both situations, the patient's actions are ignored or dismissed, indicating a lack of active listening. Blocking involves avoiding communication by not acknowledging the patient's gestures or needs. The nurse fails to engage with the patient and address their non-verbal cues. Summary: B: Filtration is not relevant as it involves selectively presenting information. C: Empathy is not demonstrated as the nurse is not responding to the patient's non-verbal cues. D: False assurance is not applicable as it involves giving misleading reassurance, which is not present in the scenario.
Question 2 of 9
When choosing to delegate, the nurse should delegate the task to the most qualified person or to the person he or she wishes to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: develop. When delegating tasks, it is important for the nurse to choose the most qualified person to ensure safe and effective care. By delegating tasks to someone who needs development, the nurse can provide opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. This benefits both the individual being delegated to and the overall team. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because promoting, punishing, or rewarding someone based on task delegation can lead to bias, unfairness, or inappropriate incentives, which are not conducive to effective delegation practices.
Question 3 of 9
A physician complains to administration that the nurse working last evening is unethical, based on observing the nurse educate the patient about a new medication ordered. The physician demanded the nurse be reprimanded and reminded that only physicians have the educational background to teach patients about new medications. Which comment and action by the administrator would be most effective in changing nurse-physician relationships in this instance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The administrator acknowledges the physician's concern to maintain a professional relationship. Step 2: The administrator educates the physician that patient education on medications falls within the nurse's scope of practice. Step 3: The administrator addresses the nurse and physician to ensure both are informed of the resolution. Step 4: This approach promotes mutual understanding and respect between nurse and physician. Summary: Option C is the correct answer as it acknowledges the physician's concern, educates on scope of practice, and fosters communication between both parties. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they either punish the nurse unjustly, fail to educate the physician, or involve unrelated parties in the decision-making process.
Question 4 of 9
A group of nurses are assembling outside a hospital protesting the use of foreign nurses after several nurses were terminated due to what the hospital called recurring "decreased census." The nurses carry signs with messages asking potential patients to seek care elsewhere. The local newspaper picked up the story, and the hospital is receiving negative press. The nurses are participating in:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: picketing. Picketing involves protesting outside a workplace to draw attention to an issue, such as the use of foreign nurses in this case. The nurses are not actively refusing to work (strike), negotiating work conditions (collective bargaining), or submitting their dispute to a third party for resolution (arbitration). Picketing is the most appropriate term for their actions in this scenario.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse notices that care is often withheld until an interpreter arrives, if the nurse is not multilingual. The nurse discusses this with the management team and suggests a three- part series be presented to the nursing staff to teach some commonly used medical terms in Spanish. This nurse is involved in the role of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: change agent. The nurse is acting as a change agent by identifying a problem (care being withheld until an interpreter arrives) and proposing a solution (teaching common medical terms in Spanish). As a change agent, the nurse is promoting positive change within the organization to improve patient care. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Educator - While the nurse is providing education, the primary role in this scenario is not solely that of an educator. C: Manager - The nurse is not directly managing staff or resources in this scenario. D: Coordinator - The nurse is not primarily coordinating activities or resources in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
If a nurse applies Nightingale's theory to current practice, the nurse's first step will be to evaluate the hospital room's air quality and, second, to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because Nightingale's theory emphasizes the importance of a clean and well-ventilated environment for patient healing. By arranging for the client to go outside and keeping the room's window blinds open, the nurse is ensuring proper ventilation and exposure to natural light, which can promote healing. This step aligns with Nightingale's focus on the physical environment's impact on health outcomes. A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the fundamental principle of Nightingale's theory related to environmental factors. Checking the TV volume, consulting a dietitian, or bringing personal items like family photographs do not directly contribute to creating a healing environment based on Nightingale's theory.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is overhead saying, "I don't mind working during the election and holiday. My parents are divorced, money is tight, and honestly I don't trust any politicians anyway. I plan to take a few weeks off next month." She works independently to research strategies to improve patient-centered care for the large number of immigrants that arrived in the area and then works with the team to share ideas. She recommends, "Let's think the suggestions over and come back together next week." This nurse's communication style is consistent with which generation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's communication style of working independently, sharing ideas with the team, and suggesting a collaborative approach aligns with Generation X characteristics. Generation X values independence, work-life balance, and collaboration. Baby Boomers (A) tend to be more hierarchical, Traditionalists (B) prioritize loyalty and respect for authority, and Millennials (D) are known for their tech-savvy and collaborative nature, but the nurse's approach best fits Generation X.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse studied a community to determine if there were clients who would benefit from a hospice program if one were developed. This type of research is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a needs assessment method. A needs assessment method is used to identify gaps or deficiencies in services, programs, or resources in a community. In this scenario, the nurse is determining if there is a need for a hospice program, which aligns with the purpose of a needs assessment. A survey (choice A) involves collecting data from a sample group to gather insights, but it doesn't necessarily focus on identifying specific needs. Quasi-experimental (choice B) and pilot study (choice D) are research designs used to test interventions or programs, which are not the primary goal in this case.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is concerned about a trend in the hospital to regularly "float" nurses to different areas of the hospital based on staff shortage regardless of recent experience in caring for the population on the unit. When deciding to accept a staffing assignment in this situation, the nurse considers a "safe harbor." What is meant by "safe harbor"?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because "safe harbor" refers to a legal provision that protects nurses when they feel unsafe accepting a staffing assignment due to lack of recent experience or competency. By invoking safe harbor, nurses can continue caring for patients while an investigation is conducted to ensure patient safety and protect the nurse's license. This process allows nurses to voice concerns without fear of reprisal. Option A is incorrect as it refers to a disaster response plan, unrelated to safe harbor. Option B is incorrect as it discusses patient care teams and infectious diseases, not safe harbor protections. Option C is incorrect because it addresses reporting violence, which is not directly related to safe harbor provisions for staffing assignments.