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:

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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

Nurses in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas gather for a conference related to improving quality and safety in practice and nursing education. They are awarded continuing education (CE) credit for participation and evaluation of the conference. One nurse from California states, "I need these CEs to renew my license." The nurse from Mississippi replies, "You do not need CEs for license renewal or advance practice certification renewal." Which statement about CEs would help these nurses?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale for B being the correct answer: Continuing education aims to ensure ongoing competence, but states have the autonomy to decide if CEs are mandatory. This statement aligns with the diversity in state requirements. Summary of other choices: A: This choice generalizes the requirement for CEs across all states, which is not accurate as each state has its own regulations. C: The requirement for CEs is not based on working across state lines but on individual state regulations. D: This choice incorrectly implies that continuing education is unnecessary for maintaining competence, which is not the case.

Question 3 of 9

A hospital standard states, "All intravenous (IV) sites must be rotated every 72 hours." The nurse who assesses and records variations from this standard is fulfilling which role of nursing?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Quality management. The nurse assessing and recording variations from the hospital standard of rotating IV sites every 72 hours is fulfilling a quality management role by ensuring adherence to established protocols to maintain patient safety and prevent complications. Quality management involves monitoring and improving healthcare processes to enhance patient outcomes. In this scenario, the nurse's actions contribute to maintaining high standards of care. Summary: A: Infection control focuses on preventing and controlling the spread of infections, not specifically related to monitoring compliance with IV site rotation. C: Coordinator position involves organizing and coordinating care, not directly related to assessing adherence to standards. D: Counselor provides emotional support and counseling to patients, not related to monitoring and maintaining healthcare standards.

Question 4 of 9

A patient wants to reduce health care costs by being a model for making wise decisions that both promote health and reduce cost. Which statement by the patient would indicate a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking for the brand name drug Tylenol instead of the generic acetaminophen would likely increase healthcare costs without providing any additional benefit. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, so choosing the brand name would be more expensive without improving health outcomes. This decision does not align with the goal of reducing healthcare costs while promoting health. Choice B is correct as looking up information on urinary tract infection prevention shows the patient is proactively seeking knowledge to improve health outcomes. Choice C is correct as getting health measurements at a health fair demonstrates an interest in monitoring health status. Choice D is correct as seeking advice from a pharmacist for allergies is a cost-effective and health-promoting decision.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is caring for a recent Asian immigrant client and is overheard making the following comment, "These rituals you believe in are false. You live in America now and must believe in realistic health practices, like Americans do." The nurse is exhibiting:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: ethnocentrism. This is because the nurse is judging the client's cultural beliefs as inferior to American practices, implying that American ways are the only correct ones. Ethnocentrism involves viewing one's own culture as superior to others. A: Stereotyping is not the correct answer because the nurse is not making a generalization about a group based on limited information. C: Cultural accommodation is not the correct answer because the nurse is not demonstrating an understanding or acceptance of the client's cultural practices. D: Empathy is not the correct answer because the nurse is not showing understanding or compassion towards the client's cultural beliefs.

Question 6 of 9

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 7 of 9

Time can be maximized to produce the best outcomes by:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because starting the workday productively sets a positive tone, leading to better focus and efficiency. By utilizing the first hour effectively, one can tackle important tasks when energy and concentration levels are at their peak. This approach helps in prioritizing and accomplishing key objectives early on, maximizing productivity throughout the day. Choice B is incorrect because completing trivial tasks first can waste valuable time and energy that could be better spent on more significant tasks. Choice C is incorrect as recreational activities can provide necessary mental breaks, leading to increased productivity and overall well-being. Choice D is incorrect because breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout, ultimately enhancing productivity in the long run.

Question 8 of 9

Which statement correctly applies to a person's suffering?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Suffering and pain are distinct experiences. Pain refers to physical discomfort, while suffering encompasses emotional and psychological distress as well. Step 2: Individuals can experience suffering without physical pain, such as emotional trauma or existential crisis. Step 3: Recognizing the difference between suffering and pain is crucial in providing holistic care in nursing practice. Step 4: Therefore, option B is correct as it acknowledges the separate nature of suffering and pain. Other options are incorrect as they oversimplify or misinterpret the relationship between pain and suffering.

Question 9 of 9

During the night, a patient fell in the bathroom and sustained a hip injury. The patient was very upset because of being unable to attend a granddaughter's wedding in 2 days. The team looked at the process and determined that the patient had been medicated with a narcotic, had urinary urgency so had not taken the time to put on shoes, failed to turn on the light because the door to the hall let in some light, and stumbled over a towel that had been placed to collect water leaks caused by construction that was in progress to replace damaged sinks. Which factor was a special cause variation?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Improper construction that caused the leak and towel placement. This is a special cause variation because it is an external factor outside the patient's control that directly contributed to the incident. The construction causing water leaks and the placement of a towel to collect water created a hazardous environment leading to the fall. The other choices, A, B, and C, are common cause variations as they are related to the patient's behavior or medical condition which could have been managed or controlled within the usual process.

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