ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
Although the NCLEX-RN examination has new formats for questions, the most common format is the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: multiple-choice question item, which allows candidates to select the one correct answer. This is because the multiple-choice format is widely used in the NCLEX-RN examination as it is effective in assessing a candidate's knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to make decisions. The distractors in the answer choices provide clues and test the candidate's ability to differentiate between correct and incorrect information. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: fill-in-the-blank item is not the most common format for NCLEX-RN questions as candidates are indeed provided with clues from distractors in multiple-choice questions. C: multiple-response item, although requiring critical thinking, is not the most common format on the NCLEX-RN exam. D: hot-spot item is not the most common format on the NCLEX-RN exam, and it is not necessarily written at the application level of Bloom's analysis.
Question 2 of 9
A client states, "I am leaving. No one here knows what they are doing." The nurse completing the Against Medical Advice form must:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because informing the client of potential complications and impairment is essential to ensure the client makes an informed decision. This aligns with the principle of autonomy and informed consent. Choice A is incorrect as delaying notification can jeopardize the client's safety. Choice B is incorrect because using medical jargon may not effectively communicate the risks to the client. Choice D is incorrect as using restraints is a violation of the client's rights and autonomy.
Question 3 of 9
The advanced practice nurse who is seeking information about requirements for practice in a specialized area should contact the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). ANCC is the primary organization responsible for certifying advanced practice nurses in specialized areas. They provide information on requirements for practice, certification exams, and continuing education. ANA (A) focuses on promoting the profession of nursing. NLN (B) focuses on nursing education. NCSBN (D) oversees the state boards of nursing and does not specifically provide information on requirements for practice in specialized areas.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is having difficulty managing assignments at work, which results in a feeling of "failure" and tasks that are not completed or that are not completed satisfactorily. The mentor suggests some tips for time management. These include: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice B is correct: 1. Planning for tomorrow today allows the nurse to set clear goals and prioritize tasks in advance. 2. By planning ahead, the nurse can allocate time efficiently, reducing the feeling of overwhelm. 3. This approach fosters better organization and focus, enhancing productivity and task completion. 4. Planning helps in identifying potential obstacles and developing strategies to overcome them. 5. Ultimately, effective planning leads to better time management and a sense of accomplishment. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Focusing on activities rather than objectives can lead to a lack of direction and prioritization. C: Making the last hours most productive neglects the importance of consistent time management throughout the day. D: Maintaining a log of time spent can be helpful but does not address the proactive approach of planning ahead for better time management.
Question 5 of 9
When an RN is asked to accept an assignment that he or she may not be qualified to perform, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer D is correct: 1. Ensures patient safety: RN should only accept assignments they are qualified for to provide safe care. 2. Upholds professional standards: Accepting only familiar assignments aligns with nursing scope of practice. 3. Legal and ethical responsibility: RN must prioritize patient well-being over external pressures. 4. Promotes personal growth: RN can seek additional training for unfamiliar assignments. Summary: - A: Incorrect. Accepting based on power dynamics disregards patient safety and professional ethics. - B: Incorrect. Patient safety should be the primary concern over workload. - C: Incorrect. Past handling may not guarantee appropriateness. Focus should be on personal qualification.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse manager plans the fiscal budget to include salaries for two RNs for two 12-hour shifts with a patient census of 6 in the short-stay observation room. The nurse manager reviews the budget report 3 months later and notes that the salary expenses are higher than was budgeted because of higher-than-planned RN staff salaries. This additional RN staff is necessary to meet patient care needs because the census has remained constant at 10 patients rather than the 6 projected when the budget was developed. The difference between the planned budget and the actual cost is known as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: variance. In this scenario, the nurse manager planned a budget based on a patient census of 6 but the actual census remained constant at 10, leading to higher-than-planned RN staff salaries. The difference between the planned budget and the actual cost is known as a variance. Variances help identify discrepancies between planned and actual expenses, enabling managers to adjust budgets accordingly. Revenue (A) refers to income generated, not the difference between planned and actual expenses. Monitoring (C) is the process of overseeing and evaluating activities, not specifically related to budget discrepancies. Capital expenditures (D) are long-term investments in assets, not related to budget variances.
Question 7 of 9
A family requests that no additional heroic measures be instituted for their terminally ill mother who has advance directives in place. The nurse respects this decision in keeping with the principle of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the family's request to honor the terminally ill mother's advance directives aligns with the principle of autonomy as it acknowledges her right to make decisions about her own care. Accountability (A) pertains to taking responsibility for one's actions, nonmaleficence (C) involves avoiding harm, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness. While these principles are important in healthcare, in this specific case, autonomy takes precedence as it respects the patient's wishes.
Question 8 of 9
An RN testifies at a trial where domestic violence is being investigated. She had previously assisted with specimen collection and had assessed the victim. The nurse is involved in nursing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: forensic. In this scenario, the nurse's involvement in specimen collection and assessment of the victim relates to forensic nursing, which involves providing healthcare in legal contexts like investigations and court proceedings. Triage (A) is the process of prioritizing patient care based on severity. Flight (C) and entrepreneurial (D) have no relevance to the situation described.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse entering the job market wants to be certain that the first position is rewarding and allows for growth as a registered nurse. According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, the nurse should ask:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because professional development opportunities supported through paid leave and tuition reimbursement are crucial for a nurse's growth. This allows for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career advancement. It indicates that the organization values its nurses and invests in their development. The other choices, A, C, and D, while important in their own right, do not directly address the nurse's growth and professional development. Choice A focuses on the philosophy of care, not personal growth. Choice C is mainly about compensation, not professional development. Choice D pertains to workforce planning, not individual career advancement.