ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
An experienced nurse working in oncology is shocked to realize that he feels little empathy when a patient explains, "I developed cancer from having to work in the dry cleaning industry since I was only 8 years old to help support my younger siblings during the depression. Now they have all moved away and refuse to help me financially, and it takes everything I have to pay for my chemotherapy medicine." The nurse is experiencing:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue refers to the emotional and physical exhaustion that healthcare providers may experience from caring for patients in distressing situations over a prolonged period. In this scenario, the nurse's lack of empathy despite the patient's heart-wrenching story indicates emotional exhaustion and desensitization, which are common symptoms of compassion fatigue. This nurse has likely become overwhelmed by the emotional toll of consistently supporting patients facing difficult circumstances, leading to a diminished capacity for empathy. Incorrect choices: A: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. While the nurse may be experiencing emotional exhaustion, the specific lack of empathy in response to the patient's situation aligns more closely with compassion fatigue. C: Reality shock typically refers to the discrepancy between the expectations of a new role and the actual experiences encountered. This term does not accurately describe the nurse's emotional response to the patient's situation. D: Horizontal hostility refers to negative
Question 2 of 9
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) has been practicing for 25 years on a unit where a newly graduated RN with a bachelor's degree is hired. Before the RN arrives on the unit, the LPN is heard saying, "She'll try to tell everyone what to do because she makes more money. She'll sit at the desk and let us do all the work." This is an example of a(n):
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: preconceived idea. This is because the LPN's statement reflects a preconceived notion or bias about the RN based on their education level and salary. The LPN is assuming the RN will act a certain way without any evidence or experience with the RN's behavior. It is important to recognize and challenge our preconceived ideas to avoid unfair judgments. Incorrect answers: A: interpretation - This refers to understanding the meaning of something based on analysis or judgment, which is not present in the scenario. B: context - This refers to the circumstances or setting in which something occurs, but it does not apply to the LPN's biased statement. C: precipitating event - This refers to an event that triggers a particular situation, which is not evident in the scenario.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse who has practiced for 1 year on a medical-surgical unit is very interested in a position in the operating room. She traces the nursing history of surgery to learn how nursing has evolved in this practice. To determine if, historically, surgery methods advanced the practice of nursing, select the correct statements. (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The "Barbers" of the Middle Ages used sterile techniques to reduce wound infections. This statement is correct because during the Middle Ages, barbers often performed surgical procedures and used techniques like boiling water and alcohol to sterilize instruments, reducing the risk of wound infections. This practice contributed to advancing the field of surgery and indirectly influenced nursing practice by emphasizing the importance of infection control. Incorrect choices: A: The Ancient Egyptians were the first to use anesthesia in the operating room - This statement is incorrect as anesthesia was not used in surgery until the 19th century. C: The Indian culture from 274 to 236 BC had hospitals staffed with female nurses who practiced much like today's nurses - This statement is incorrect as while Indian culture had early hospitals and female nurses, their practices were not comparable to modern nursing. D: During the Renaissance, advances in nursing education, including surgery, were nonexistent - This statement is incorrect as the Renaissance saw advancements in medical and surgical knowledge
Question 4 of 9
A registered nurse (RN) is assigned as charge nurse for the first time. She knows to consult the state board of nursing to determine scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPN) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). She also realizes there are common policies which exist in most state practice acts that include:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when delegating tasks, the RN must first assess the patient to determine their needs and condition. This assessment is crucial in deciding which tasks can be safely delegated to the LPN or UAP. By assessing the patient, the RN can ensure that the delegated tasks are appropriate, match the competency of the delegatee, and are within the scope of practice for each individual. This step is essential to maintain patient safety and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect because while the RN is accountable for the decision to delegate, both accountability and responsibility rest with the RN, not just the delegatee. Choice B is incorrect because tasks should only be delegated within the scope of practice of the delegatee, not based on the delegatee's personal certainty of competence. Choice C is incorrect as LPNs have a distinct scope of practice that is separate from professional nursing, and they do not practice professional nursing.
Question 5 of 9
recommends that EHR systems offer eight functionalities. A patient has a severe allergy to eggs and penicillin. Which of the eight functions of the EHR would address sharing this information?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Health information and data capture. This functionality of the EHR system allows for the documentation and storage of patient health information, including allergy details. By inputting the patient's severe allergy to eggs and penicillin into the system, it ensures that this critical information is readily available for healthcare providers. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Results/data management focuses on organizing and presenting test results, not specifically on capturing patient allergies. C: Provider order entry management involves entering orders for medications, treatments, and procedures, not directly related to documenting allergies. D: Clinical decision support assists healthcare providers in making clinical decisions based on data and guidelines, but it does not specifically address capturing and sharing patient allergy information.
Question 6 of 9
One workplace issue "the nursing shortage" is caused by several complex issues, including:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: an aging nursing workforce. This is because as nurses age, many are retiring or reducing their work hours, leading to a shortage of experienced nurses in the workforce. This issue is further exacerbated by the increasing demand for healthcare services due to population growth and aging populations. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Movement of nurses into acute care settings may shift the distribution of nurses but does not directly cause a shortage. B: The use of unlicensed assistive personnel may impact the workload of RNs but is not the primary cause of the nursing shortage. C: While Baby Boomers may have contributed to the overall number of nurses, it does not directly explain the current shortage.
Question 7 of 9
A clinical nurse leader (CNL) enters the workforce and hopes to use her interdisciplinary skills to participate on a quality improvement committee. The coordinator of the quality group invites the CNL to join the group. Which type of power is demonstrated by the coordinator of the group?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Legitimate. The coordinator's power is based on their legitimate authority to invite individuals to join the quality improvement committee. Legitimate power is derived from one's position or role within an organization, giving them the right to make decisions and direct activities. In this scenario, the coordinator's invitation is based on their legitimate authority as the leader of the quality group. Choice A: Coercive power involves the use of threats or punishment to influence others, which is not evident in the scenario. Choice B: Transformational power focuses on inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal, which is not explicitly demonstrated in the scenario. Choice C: Laissez-faire power involves a hands-off approach to leadership, allowing individuals to make their own decisions without much guidance, which is not applicable in this scenario.
Question 8 of 9
An older adult client is comatose and had one electroencephalogram that indicated no activity. The daughter is very distraught and notices her mother's hand moves when she is talking to her. The daughter asks the nurse, "Is mother responding to my voice?" The nurse, attempting to console the daughter, knows the movement was involuntary but states, "It does appear she did." The nurse is violating which principle of ethics?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Veracity. Veracity refers to the principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication. In this scenario, the nurse knowingly provides false information to the daughter by stating that the mother is responding to her voice when the movement was actually involuntary. By not being truthful, the nurse violates the principle of veracity. Autonomy (A) is the right of individuals to make their own decisions. Utilitarianism (C) focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Deontology (D) is an ethical theory based on rules and duties. These principles are not directly related to the nurse's dishonesty in this situation.
Question 9 of 9
During a community health fair the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) informs participants that every community must be ready to provide disaster care. A participant asks, "In a disaster, the local community cannot possibly be effective, so why not have a plan to call federal agencies immediately to provide relief?" The correct response by the DMAT is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because communities are indeed the first responders in any disaster. Local resources are typically the first to mobilize and provide immediate assistance due to their proximity to the affected area. Federal agencies may take time to arrive on the scene, so it is crucial for communities to have their own disaster response plans in place. Choice A is incorrect because the federal government can become involved in disasters even without known terrorist activities, especially in large-scale disasters. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the roles of different agencies in disaster response. Choice D is incorrect because state and federal agencies may still provide assistance even if local health care facilities are operational.