ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Accrediting agencies such as The Joint Commission address staffing by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because accrediting agencies like The Joint Commission focus on ensuring patients receive satisfactory care through evidence-based practices. They evaluate the quality of care provided rather than specific staffing levels or ratios. Imposing maximum staffing levels (A) can be restrictive and may not account for varying patient needs. Requiring a specific staff mix (B) may not always be feasible or reflective of best practices. Stipulating nurse-patient ratios (C) can be important but may not address the overall quality of care provided to patients. In summary, option D is correct as accrediting agencies prioritize evidence of satisfactory care delivery over rigid staffing requirements.
Question 2 of 5
A hospital is concerned with nurse retention and realizes that job satisfaction is a major influence. To enhance employee satisfaction related to staffing, the management team:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Participatory management involves nurses in decision-making, increasing job satisfaction. 2. Involving nurses in staffing decisions can lead to better scheduling and workload distribution. 3. This empowerment can improve morale and foster a sense of ownership among nurses. 4. Ultimately, participatory management enhances job satisfaction and retention. Summary: - Choice A (additional agency nurses) may address short-term staffing needs but doesn't directly improve job satisfaction. - Choice B (more part-time employees) may not address underlying issues of satisfaction and can lead to scheduling challenges. - Choice D (using float nurses) may help cover vacancies but doesn't involve nurses in decision-making or address satisfaction directly.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse groups patients with criteria such as "high risk for falls," "infection protocols," and "special communication needs" to determine the mix and number of staff needed on a telemetry unit. The nurse is using:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A nurse grouping patients with specific criteria to determine staffing needs aligns with a patient classification system. This system helps allocate appropriate staff levels based on patient acuity and needs for safe and effective care. It focuses on matching patient needs with staff expertise to ensure quality care. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to determining staffing levels based on patient criteria. B refers to billing, C to coordination of care, and D to specific care plans.
Question 4 of 5
While participating in a task force to proactively plan for nursing care delivery over the next 20 years, a nurse learns that dramatic changes will occur as a result of: (select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the increase in the number of minimally invasive procedures being performed for disease treatment. This is because advancements in medical technology have led to a shift towards less invasive procedures, impacting how nursing care is delivered. Minimally invasive procedures often require specialized care and monitoring, necessitating changes in nursing practice. Choice B is incorrect as care provided for patients over an extended period in acute care settings is not a significant factor driving dramatic changes in nursing care delivery over the next 20 years. This scenario is more related to the current healthcare system rather than future changes. Choice C is incorrect as the reduction in the number of nurses and healthcare professionals available to provide care is unlikely to be a driving force for dramatic changes. In fact, efforts are being made to address the nursing shortage through various initiatives. Choice D is incorrect as widespread illiteracy and decreased self-efficacy of the aging patient population, while important considerations for nursing care, are not the primary factors driving dramatic changes in
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is removing a saturated dressing from an abdominal incision and must cut the tape to remove the dressing. The nurse accidentally cuts the sutures holding the incision, and evisceration occurs. In quality improvement, this incident is best identified as a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sentinel event. A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological harm to a patient. In this scenario, the accidental cutting of sutures leading to evisceration constitutes a serious harm to the patient, making it a sentinel event. This event requires immediate investigation, analysis, and implementation of preventive measures to ensure patient safety. A: Root cause refers to the underlying reason for a problem, not the event itself. C: Variation in performance is related to inconsistencies in processes, not a specific critical incident like evisceration. D: Causal factor is a contributing element to an event, but it does not capture the severity and significance of a sentinel event like evisceration.