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
It is important to realize that nurses may seek unionization if: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because it highlights a significant issue related to patient safety - medication errors caused by delayed shift reports. This creates a legitimate concern for nurses regarding the effectiveness of communication and ultimately patient care. Seeking unionization could be a way for nurses to address this issue collectively. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on physician coverage rather than nurse concerns. - Choice B is incorrect as it addresses staffing and scheduling but does not directly relate to nurses seeking unionization. - Choice D is incorrect as it describes a collaborative care approach, which does not necessarily indicate a need for unionization among nurses.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
During an admission history and physical, a female patient states, "I use 5000 mg/day of calcium to prevent osteoporosis and to maintain health." The nurse should assess for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: kidney stones. High calcium intake increases the risk of kidney stones due to excess calcium being excreted in the urine. The nurse should assess for symptoms like flank pain, hematuria, and frequent urination. Excessive bleeding (choice A) is not directly related to high calcium intake. Lower blood sugar (choice C) and jaundice (choice D) are not typically associated with calcium intake.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse researcher is attempting to describe the demographics of today's RNs and reports that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because statistics show that currently, less than half of all registered nurses work in hospital settings, with the majority working in community, home health, long-term care, and other non-hospital settings. This information is supported by recent workforce studies and trends in nursing practice. Summary of other choices: B: The average age for an RN is not necessarily 50 years, as there is a wide range of ages among RNs, with many entering the profession at younger ages. C: Approximately 25% of RNs are male, which is a significant proportion but does not encompass the majority of the nursing workforce. D: While the number of RNs with bachelor's degrees is increasing, the majority of RNs still do not hold a bachelor's degree as their highest level of education.
Question 6 of 9
A peaceful death is best characterized by which terminally ill patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because being surrounded by family provides emotional support, comfort, and a sense of closure. Family presence can alleviate fear, anxiety, and loneliness, contributing to a peaceful death experience. Choice B focuses on pain management but does not address emotional well-being. Choice C, while important for end-of-life care, does not directly impact the patient's immediate comfort. Choice D indicates a decline in consciousness, which may not necessarily lead to a peaceful death experience as the patient may not be aware of their surroundings or loved ones.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is completing the degree requirements for an advanced practice role as a nurse practitioner and is concerned about certification requirements. Which statement concerning certification for advanced practice is true?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because most states require certification for all specialty roles identified as advanced practice. This is crucial for ensuring that nurse practitioners have met specific educational and clinical practice requirements to provide safe and competent care. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: Nurse anesthetists and nurse-midwives are not the only advanced practice roles that require certification in most states. Other roles such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists also require certification. C: The increasing number of new advanced practice roles does not necessarily mean that the scope of practice remains unclear in state nurse practice acts. Certification requirements help define the scope of practice for each role. D: Certification is not automatic when applying for an advanced practice license. Nurses must complete specific educational programs and pass certification exams to obtain certification for their chosen specialty role.
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 priority action for the nurse who works with culturally diverse clients is completion of a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: cultural self-assessment. This is important as it helps the nurse understand their own beliefs, values, and biases, which can impact how they interact with culturally diverse clients. By being self-aware, the nurse can better recognize and address any potential cultural misunderstandings or conflicts. A: Taking a sign language course is not the priority as not all culturally diverse clients are deaf or use sign language. C: While cultural client assessment is important, it is secondary to the nurse understanding their own cultural biases first. D: Taking a course on how to speak Spanish is helpful but may not address the broader cultural competence needed to work with diverse clients.