ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
An RN recently relocated to another region of the country and immediately assumed the role of charge nurse. When determining the appropriate person to whom to delegate, the RN knows that:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When delegating tasks to an LPN/LVN, the RN must review the state's nurse practice act because each state defines the role and scope of practice of the LPN/LVN. This is crucial as the LPN/LVN scope of practice can vary significantly from state to state. By reviewing the nurse practice act, the RN ensures that the tasks being delegated fall within the legal scope of practice for the LPN/LVN in that specific state, promoting safe and effective patient care. Choice A is incorrect because the role of the LPN/LVN can differ between states. Choice B is incorrect because LPN/LVNs cannot perform all duties of an RN, and additional training does not change their scope of practice. Choice D is incorrect because the Joint Commission does not establish roles for LPN/LVNs; it focuses on accreditation standards for healthcare organizations.
Question 2 of 9
A researcher calculated the risk-to-benefit ratio and concluded that no harmful effects were associated with a survey of college sophomores. The researcher was applying the principles of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: beneficence. Beneficence refers to the ethical principle of maximizing benefits and minimizing harm in research. In this scenario, the researcher calculated the risk-to-benefit ratio and concluded that no harmful effects were associated with the survey of college sophomores. By considering the well-being of the research participants and ensuring that the benefits outweigh any potential risks, the researcher demonstrated the application of beneficence. Summary: Choice A is correct because it aligns with the ethical principle of beneficence in research. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the consideration of risks and benefits in research involving human participants.
Question 3 of 9
A physician shares with the patient's family that, while a central line was being inserted, the patient's lungs were inadvertently punctured, which required oxygen administration. The physician also explains that a chest x-ray indicated the lung remained intact and no additional treatment was required. The physician's role in this instance is based on the legal principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: disclosure. In this scenario, the physician shared information about the accidental lung puncture with the patient's family, demonstrating transparency and honesty. This aligns with the legal principle of disclosure, which emphasizes the importance of informing patients and their families about relevant medical information. The physician's actions foster trust and open communication, ensuring that the patient and family are informed about the situation. Choice A: comparative negligence, is incorrect because it involves assessing the degree of negligence by both parties involved, which is not applicable in this context. Choice B: gross negligence, is incorrect because the physician's actions do not demonstrate recklessness or a complete disregard for the patient's safety. Choice D: the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), is incorrect because this law primarily addresses the provision of emergency medical care and ensuring access to necessary services, not the disclosure of medical errors.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse practicing on a unit where domestic violence is common wants to learn how to apply nursing theory to practice on this unit. She considers the interrelatedness of the constructs of Watson's Theory of Caring and designs:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: conceptual model of caring. In this scenario, the nurse wants to apply nursing theory to practice in a unit dealing with domestic violence. Watson's Theory of Caring emphasizes the importance of the nurse-patient relationship, which is central when addressing sensitive issues like domestic violence. By considering the interrelatedness of the constructs of this theory, the nurse can develop a conceptual model that guides her practice in providing caring and compassionate care to domestic violence survivors. This model will help her incorporate key elements of caring, such as empathy and respect, into her nursing interventions. Summary: B: Hypothesis of the impact of caring on domestic violence - This choice is incorrect as it focuses on the impact of caring on domestic violence, rather than the application of a nursing theory to practice. C: Proposition of how caring is conceptualized - This choice is incorrect as it only addresses the conceptualization of caring, not the practical application of a nursing theory to practice. D: Theory of scientific
Question 5 of 9
A nurse would like to obtain background information and learn the political platform of a candidate who is running for national office. The nurse should contact the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: American Nurses Association Nurses Strategic Action Team (N-STAT). Rationale: 1. N-STAT is a strategic action team within the American Nurses Association, which is a reputable organization representing nurses' interests. 2. N-STAT focuses on political advocacy and provides information on political platforms of candidates running for national office. 3. Contacting N-STAT would provide the nurse with accurate and relevant information about the candidate's political platform. Summary of other choices: A: National Registry for Candidates - Not a known entity, unlikely to provide specific political platform information. C: National League of Nurses - Focuses on nursing education and standards, not political platforms. D: National Council of State Boards of Nursing - Focuses on regulatory aspects of nursing practice, not political platforms.
Question 6 of 9
A young child is having abdominal pain, and the doctor informs the parents that a computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan of the abdomen will be ordered. The doctor tells the child, "This CAT scan won't hurt you." The child is visibly upset because of a fear of cats. According to Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory, which stage of the framework is represented?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The child is upset due to a fear of cats, leading to uncertainty about the situation. Step 2: Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory focuses on how individuals respond to uncertainty in health-related situations. Step 3: In this case, the child's fear of cats creates a misinterpretation of the term "CAT scan." Step 4: This misinterpretation falls under the Stimuli frame stage, where the individual perceives the situation based on external cues. Step 5: Other choices are incorrect as they do not directly address the initial misinterpretation caused by the fear of cats. In summary, choice A is correct because it aligns with Mishel's theory by highlighting the initial stimuli (fear of cats) causing uncertainty in the child's understanding of the situation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific misinterpretation of the term "CAT scan" due to the fear of cats.
Question 7 of 9
A hospital's policy requires that all nurse managers must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing. A BSN nurse new to the hospital has recently been hired as nurse manager for the oncology unit. An RN who has worked on this unit for many years is unable to be promoted to a nurse manager position because of his educational status and has been commenting to physicians and staff, "The new nurse manager has book sense but no leadership abilities." What is the best approach that can be used by the new nurse manager who is attempting to gain the trust and respect of the nursing staff on the unit?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Acknowledge the clinical expertise of the upset nurse - This shows respect for the upset nurse's experience and expertise. Step 2: Clearly explain the expectations for teamwork - Setting clear expectations fosters a collaborative environment. Step 3: Emphasize open, honest communication - Encouraging open dialogue helps address concerns and build trust among the team. Overall, option D is the best approach as it combines acknowledging the upset nurse's expertise, setting expectations for teamwork, and promoting open communication, which are crucial for gaining trust and respect among the nursing staff. Summary of other choices: A: Sending memos excludes the upset nurse and may create further resentment. B: Transferring the upset nurse does not address the issue and may lead to more conflict. C: Assigning the upset nurse to unrelated committees may isolate them and not address the underlying problem of lack of trust and respect on the unit.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse at a school notices that several students have "blisters" on their bodies. Further investigation reveals that a terrorist incident has occurred, causing smallpox. If the chemical, biologic, radiologic, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) agent categories are used, this incident would be classified as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: biologic. Smallpox is a viral disease caused by the variola virus, making it a biological agent. The virus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets or contact with infected bodily fluids. The term CBRNE encompasses various types of agents used in terrorism incidents. In this case, the incident involving smallpox falls under the biologic category due to its viral nature, as opposed to chemical (A), radiologic (C), or nuclear (D) agents. Chemical agents involve toxic substances, radiologic agents involve radiation, and nuclear agents involve nuclear materials. In summary, the smallpox incident is categorized as biologic due to the nature of the variola virus.
Question 9 of 9
A qualitative researcher reviews data collected with a grief support group to develop a theory of how widows and widowers mourn. The researcher is using which qualitative research design?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grounded theory is the correct answer because it involves developing a theory based on analyzing data collected from participants. In this case, the researcher is reviewing data from a grief support group to identify patterns and themes, ultimately leading to the development of a theory on how widows and widowers mourn. Phenomenology focuses on understanding individuals' lived experiences, not developing theories. Case study involves an in-depth analysis of a single case, not suitable for developing a theory. Hypothesis generation is part of quantitative research, not qualitative research design.