ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
An RN is counseled by the nurse manager regarding inappropriate delegation when the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delegating the task of completing a plan of care to a float LPN/LVN for a stable patient is inappropriate. LPNs/LVNs have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and should not be assigned tasks related to developing care plans. This task requires critical thinking skills and assessment that are within the RN's scope of practice. A: A is incorrect because delegating the task of greeting and showing ambulatory surgery patients to their rooms is appropriate for a nursing assistant. B: B is incorrect because delegating the task of collecting a sputum specimen, once trained, is appropriate for a nursing assistant under the supervision of an RN. D: D is incorrect because delegating the task of performing a dressing change to a competent LPN/LVN is appropriate, as long as it falls within their scope of practice.
Question 2 of 9
A client is in extreme pain after he was involved in a motor vehicle accident, and morphine has been ordered every hour for pain. The nurse injects saline into the client's IV line and takes the morphine for herself. The nurse is violating which principle of ethics?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Beneficence. Beneficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to act in the best interest of the client and to do good. In this scenario, the nurse is not acting in the best interest of the client by withholding the prescribed medication for personal gain. This action goes against the principle of beneficence as it is causing harm to the client by denying them the necessary pain relief. Summary: A: Autonomy is the right of the client to make their own decisions, which is not the main issue in this scenario. B: Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall good for the greatest number of people, which is not directly applicable here. D: Dilemmas do not represent a specific ethical principle being violated in this situation.
Question 3 of 9
An RN with excellent assessment and psychomotor skills would derive power on the basis of which source?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Expert. An RN with excellent assessment and psychomotor skills derives power from their expertise in the field. They are respected and trusted for their knowledge and abilities, giving them influence over others. Rewards (A) and coercion (B) are forms of power derived from external factors like incentives or threats, not skills. Legitimate power (D) comes from one's position or title, not necessarily from skills. In this case, the RN's power comes from their expertise, making choice C the most appropriate answer.
Question 4 of 9
When choosing to delegate, the nurse should delegate the task to the most qualified person or to the person he or she wishes to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: develop. When delegating tasks, it is important for the nurse to choose the most qualified person to ensure safe and effective care. By delegating tasks to someone who needs development, the nurse can provide opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. This benefits both the individual being delegated to and the overall team. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because promoting, punishing, or rewarding someone based on task delegation can lead to bias, unfairness, or inappropriate incentives, which are not conducive to effective delegation practices.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is overhead saying, "I don't mind working during the election and holiday. My parents are divorced, money is tight, and honestly I don't trust any politicians anyway. I plan to take a few weeks off next month." She works independently to research strategies to improve patient-centered care for the large number of immigrants that arrived in the area and then works with the team to share ideas. She recommends, "Let's think the suggestions over and come back together next week." This nurse's communication style is consistent with which generation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's communication style of working independently, sharing ideas with the team, and suggesting a collaborative approach aligns with Generation X characteristics. Generation X values independence, work-life balance, and collaboration. Baby Boomers (A) tend to be more hierarchical, Traditionalists (B) prioritize loyalty and respect for authority, and Millennials (D) are known for their tech-savvy and collaborative nature, but the nurse's approach best fits Generation X.
Question 6 of 9
A cultural phenomenon that is based on biologic variation would include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it describes a cultural belief that attributes a physical trait (cleft lip) to a specific biological event (exposure to an eclipse during pregnancy). This choice demonstrates a cultural phenomenon based on biologic variation. Choice B is incorrect because it attributes denser bones in blacks to less morbidity from osteoporosis, which is a generalization and not necessarily a cultural phenomenon. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a family dynamic related to healthcare decision-making and not a cultural belief based on biologic variation. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a family tradition related to feasting and decision-making, which does not directly involve biologic variation.
Question 7 of 9
In the near future, the largest segment of the population will be those over age 65 years. To advocate for this vulnerable population, a nurse was a strong supporter for the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D), which:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D) provided coverage for medications that constituted a huge expense for the elderly. This is crucial for the aging population as they often require multiple medications for chronic conditions. Choice A is incorrect because vision care benefits for legally blind individuals are usually covered under Medicare Part B. Choice B is incorrect as the act specifically focused on medication coverage, not mental health/substance abuse services. Choice D is incorrect as the act did not directly address expanding practice opportunities for APRNs, but rather focused on medication coverage for the elderly population.
Question 8 of 9
What effect did the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest have on health care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" raised awareness about the mistreatment of vulnerable populations in mental health institutions. It highlighted the need to uphold the rights of such individuals. A is incorrect because the movie did not specifically lead to an increase in funding for mental health care or a shift to institutional care. C is incorrect because while the movie portrayed nurses advocating for patients, it did not necessarily lead to a widespread perception of nurses as advocates for vulnerable populations. D is incorrect because there is no evidence to suggest that funding for nursing traineeships was eliminated as a direct result of the movie.
Question 9 of 9
Einstein's theory of relativity laid the groundwork for theories of mathematics, and Freud and Jung provided the basis for a philosophy of man. Which nursing theory served as the foundation for nursing science?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rogers' science of unitary human beings. Martha Rogers' theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and the environment, showing how individuals are unified with their surroundings. This theory serves as the foundation for nursing science by focusing on the holistic nature of individuals and their environment, aligning with the core principles of nursing practice. Rogers' theory guides nurses in understanding the interconnectedness of human beings and their environment, shaping the way nursing care is delivered. Summary of other choices: B: Nightingale's theory of practice focuses on environmental factors and cleanliness in healthcare settings, but it does not provide the comprehensive framework for nursing science. C: Watson's theory of human caring emphasizes the importance of caring in nursing, but it does not serve as the fundamental basis for nursing science. D: King's theory of goal attainment emphasizes goal setting and achieving outcomes in nursing care, but it does not lay the foundational principles for nursing science.