ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
An RN makes the following assignments at the beginning of the shift. Which assignment would be considered high-risk delegation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it involves a high-risk delegation. Mixing insulin is a complex task that requires precise measurements and understanding of the patient's condition. A novice RN may lack the experience and knowledge to safely perform this task, leading to potential harm for the patient. Choice B involves wound care, which is within an LPN's scope of practice and not as high-risk as insulin administration. Choice C involves basic ambulation assistance, which is appropriate for an unlicensed assistive person under supervision. Choice D involves caring for a patient with low white blood cell count, which may be challenging but not as high-risk as insulin mixing for a novice RN.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is heard making this comment, "I believe human dignity is based on perceived self-worth while caring is based on perceived role in society that forms the basis of nursing practice." This nurse is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer choice D is correct: 1. The nurse's statement suggests a proposition concerning the constructs of nursing practice, linking human dignity and caring to nursing roles. 2. The nurse is not demonstrating a model of human dignity (A), as they are discussing the relationship between human dignity and nursing practice, not modeling it. 3. The nurse is not evaluating the relevance of Leininger's Theory (B), as the statement does not mention cultural care theory, which is central to Leininger's work. 4. The nurse is not applying Mishel's Theory of Disease Uncertainty (C), as the statement does not discuss uncertainty in illness situations, which is the focus of Mishel's theory. In summary, answer choice D is correct because the nurse is making a proposition regarding the constructs of nursing practice based on the relationship between human dignity and caring in nursing roles.
Question 3 of 9
All hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds must ask clients whether they have a living will or a durable power of attorney. This act is known as the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Uniform Health Care Decisions Act. This act mandates hospitals to inquire if clients have a living will or durable power of attorney to ensure patients' healthcare wishes are honored. A: Emergency Treatment and Active Labor Law pertains to emergency care. B: Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on discrimination against individuals with disabilities. D: Doctrine of res ipsa loquitur involves negligence cases where the injury speaks for itself. Therefore, the correct choice is C as it directly addresses the requirement for hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse takes a day to travel to a state park where she can sit by the river alone to reflect over recent events and put things into perspective. She recalls the time she was complimented for her ability to deal with a difficult patient and another time when she was criticized for lack of teamwork. This nurse is improving which source of energy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse is reflecting on her personal growth and finding meaning in her experiences, indicating a focus on values, purpose, and inner strength, which align with the spiritual source of energy. This choice is correct as it involves connecting with higher values and beliefs to find motivation and resilience. Emotional energy (choice A) focuses on feelings and expression, physical energy (choice C) relates to the body's vitality, and mental energy (choice D) pertains to cognitive abilities and focus. In this scenario, the nurse's focus is on introspection and personal growth rather than emotional, physical, or mental aspects, making choice B the most appropriate.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is admitting a Mexican-American child, and the mother comments that the child was exposed to mal ojo. The nurse should expect to find which symptom associated with this exposure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nervous tension. Mal ojo, commonly known as the evil eye, is a belief in many Latin American cultures that certain people have the power to cause harm with their gaze. Symptoms associated with mal ojo typically include nervous tension, irritability, and restlessness. Fever (choice A) is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Bruising (choice C) is also not typically associated with mal ojo. Somnolence (choice D) refers to excessive sleepiness, which is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the cultural belief and expected symptoms of mal ojo.
Question 6 of 9
If a nurse applies Nightingale's theory to current practice, the nurse's first step will be to evaluate the hospital room's air quality and, second, to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because Nightingale's theory emphasizes the importance of a clean and well-ventilated environment for patient healing. By arranging for the client to go outside and keeping the room's window blinds open, the nurse is ensuring proper ventilation and exposure to natural light, which can promote healing. This step aligns with Nightingale's focus on the physical environment's impact on health outcomes. A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the fundamental principle of Nightingale's theory related to environmental factors. Checking the TV volume, consulting a dietitian, or bringing personal items like family photographs do not directly contribute to creating a healing environment based on Nightingale's theory.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is informed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has determined that a bomb has been detected and is in the possession of a known terrorist group. The government buildings in the local community are the target. This situation is termed a(n):
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: credible threat. In this scenario, a credible threat refers to a specific and tangible indication that a harmful event may occur. The information provided by the FBI about a bomb in possession of a known terrorist group targeting government buildings is a clear example of a credible threat. This term is specifically used in emergency management to indicate a situation where there is a realistic possibility of harm. A is incorrect because an all-hazards approach involves preparing for and responding to a wide range of potential disasters, not specifically a bomb threat. B is incorrect because a biologic event refers to an outbreak of a biological agent, not a bomb threat. D is incorrect because a natural disaster involves events caused by natural forces, not intentional acts by terrorist groups.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is reading about positive reinforcement with the goal of increasing staff motivation. Which action would demonstrate positive reinforcement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because giving spur-of-the-moment recognition to an employee who has accomplished a goal is an example of positive reinforcement. This action immediately follows the desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of it being repeated. This instant feedback helps reinforce the employee's behavior positively. A: Thanking each employee every morning is a form of positive feedback, but it lacks the immediacy of reinforcement. B: Rotating a monthly recognition award does not provide immediate reinforcement for specific behaviors. C: Waiting for an annual review to recognize accomplishments does not provide timely feedback to reinforce desired behaviors.
Question 9 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.