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:

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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

During a seminar on ethics, the educator realizes that more information is needed when a participant describes which situation as a violation of the ethical principle of autonomy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because denying the older person with Alzheimer's disease the right to ambulate violates their autonomy by restricting their freedom to make choices about their own body and movement. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this situation, the person should have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to ambulate, even if they have advanced Alzheimer's disease. Choice B is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment based on their beliefs, which is an expression of autonomy. Choice C is incorrect because the mentally competent visitor has the right to refuse examination, which is also an expression of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse a local anesthetic, which is also an expression of autonomy.

Question 3 of 9

A comparison of nursing in the 1980s to nursing in the 1990s reveals that:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects the shift in focus from tuberculosis in the 1980s to the emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s in the field of nursing. Tuberculosis was a major concern in the 1980s, and the AIDS epidemic became a primary focus in the 1990s. Choice A is incorrect because it discusses preventable diseases caused by unsafe lifestyles, which is not directly related to the comparison of nursing between the two decades. Choice C is incorrect because it mentions a decrease in ambulatory services in the 1980s leading to an increase in public health nurses in the 1990s, which is not supported by the historical context of nursing during those decades. Choice D is incorrect because it suggests that the demand for advanced practice nurses increased in both the 1980s and the 1990s due to economic reasons and national health concerns, which is not specifically relevant to the comparison between nursing in the two decades.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse researcher is attempting to describe the demographics of today's RNs and reports that:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because statistics show that currently, less than half of all registered nurses work in hospital settings, with the majority working in community, home health, long-term care, and other non-hospital settings. This information is supported by recent workforce studies and trends in nursing practice. Summary of other choices: B: The average age for an RN is not necessarily 50 years, as there is a wide range of ages among RNs, with many entering the profession at younger ages. C: Approximately 25% of RNs are male, which is a significant proportion but does not encompass the majority of the nursing workforce. D: While the number of RNs with bachelor's degrees is increasing, the majority of RNs still do not hold a bachelor's degree as their highest level of education.

Question 5 of 9

Florence Nightingale is attributed with being intelligent (she developed statistical methods to evaluate health care), dependable (she often worked long hours to care for the injured), and ambitious (she fought against society's perception of nursing). Those who depict her as a leader on the basis of these qualities are practicing which leadership theory?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Identify the qualities attributed to Florence Nightingale: intelligent, dependable, ambitious. Step 2: Recognize these qualities as traits. Step 3: Trait theory states that effective leaders possess certain traits. Step 4: Florence Nightingale's leadership qualities align with trait theory. Step 5: Therefore, depicting her as a leader based on her traits falls under trait theory. Summary: A: Trait theory focuses on inherent qualities of leaders, which align with Florence Nightingale's qualities. B: Chaos theory emphasizes unpredictability and complexity, not relevant here. C: Bureaucracy theory centers on structured organizations, not applicable to Nightingale's personal traits. D: Organizational theory addresses structure and management within organizations, not related to individual leadership attributes like traits.

Question 6 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 7 of 9

Despite the presence of safety aids such as handrails in the bathrooms at an assisted living facility, the number of fractures due to unsteady ambulation upon arising from the bed and when attempting to perform activities of daily living has increased. Which complementary alternative medicine (CAM) would be an effective intervention for this population?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Tai chi is the correct answer because it focuses on improving balance, strength, and flexibility, which are essential for preventing falls in the elderly. Tai chi's slow, controlled movements can help improve stability and reduce the risk of fractures. Summary: A (Yoga) focuses more on flexibility and relaxation, not specifically on balance and stability. B (Acupuncture) is not a physical activity and does not directly address the issue of unsteady ambulation. D (Magnet therapy) lacks scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in improving balance and preventing falls.

Question 8 of 9

What are general explanations that scholars use to explain, predict, control, and understand commonly occurring events?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Theories. Theories are comprehensive explanations that scholars use to understand commonly occurring events by organizing and explaining a set of principles or laws. Theories help in predicting and controlling events based on established frameworks. Constructs (B) refer to abstract concepts within theories, systems (C) are organized structures of elements, and propositions (D) are statements that describe relationships between concepts, but they do not provide the comprehensive explanations that theories do.

Question 9 of 9

A large corporation employs nurses all over the United States. Nurses in one agency learned that fellow nurses in another agency are striking because they are required to work 16-hour shifts to cover for nurses who have left due to unsafe staffing practices. The union of the nonstriking agency nurses decides to stop work to support the nurses who are striking; thus, this union:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the union of the nonstriking agency nurses is engaging in a sympathy strike to support their fellow nurses who are striking due to unsafe working conditions. A sympathy strike is legal as long as it is conducted correctly. In this case, the nonstriking agency nurses are showing solidarity with their colleagues to address the issue of unsafe staffing practices. Choice A is incorrect because the union's decision to support the striking nurses does not automatically expose them to a lawsuit. Choice B is incorrect as the union represents only one group of nurses, not both parties. Choice D is incorrect because there is no legal requirement for the union to pay for any losses incurred by the agency during the strike. Overall, the correct answer is C because it accurately reflects the union's action of participating in a sympathy strike to show support for the striking nurses.

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