ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
Care delivery using the team-based approach is used on a telemetry nursing unit. The team consists of one registered nurse (RN), two licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and one unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Staff have been charged to improve quality of care while ensuring cost containment. Which assignments would meet both criteria?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it aligns with improving quality of care and cost containment. LPNs are trained to perform sterile procedures like dressing changes and IV tubing changes, which can enhance patient outcomes. This assignment allows the RN to focus on tasks that require their specialized skills, promoting quality care. Furthermore, utilizing LPNs for these tasks is more cost-effective than having an RN perform them. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Having the RN administer all medications to all patients is not utilizing the team effectively. LPNs and UAPs can handle medication administration under appropriate supervision. C: While experienced UAPs can assist with attaching telemetry electrodes, this task does not fully utilize the skills of the LPNs and RN to improve care quality. D: Administering an enema is within the scope of an LPN's practice, and assigning this task to the RN is not the most efficient use of resources.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse manager determines that four RNs, five LPN/LVNs, and two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are required per shift to meet the needs of the patient population on the unit, according to acuity and census. The nurse manager is concerned with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: staffing. The nurse manager's concern is related to ensuring adequate numbers of RNs, LPN/LVNs, and UAPs per shift to meet patient needs. Staffing refers to the appropriate allocation of personnel to provide safe and effective care. Assignments (A) are specific tasks given to staff, output (C) is the end result of a process, and productivity (D) is efficiency in completing tasks - these are not the primary focus of the nurse manager's concern in this scenario. Staffing directly addresses the crucial aspect of having the right mix and number of staff members to deliver quality care.
Question 3 of 5
When deciding which staffing option to use on a nursing unit that will open soon, the manager realizes that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Continuity of care is enhanced with longer shifts because nurses have more time to build relationships with patients and understand their needs. Step 2: Working consecutive days per week reduces handoffs, which can lead to errors and miscommunications. Step 3: 12-hour shifts allow nurses to have more days off, reducing burnout and fatigue. Summary: Choice B is incorrect as part-time nurses may not provide consistent care. Choice C is incorrect as staff satisfaction doesn't always translate to patient satisfaction. Choice D is incorrect as the work environment can impact the quality of care provided by nurses.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has decided to stop hemodialysis because his renal failure progresses and he wishes to spend more time with family. Palliative care will continue, and the approach will be discussed with the patient and family as needed and at change of shift. The care delivery model in this situation is termed:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: patient-centered. This model focuses on meeting the individual patient's needs and preferences, involving them in decision-making, and providing care that is respectful and responsive to their values. In this scenario, the patient's decision to stop hemodialysis is respected, and palliative care is provided in alignment with his wishes. Partnerhsip (A) typically involves collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, which is not explicitly mentioned. Case management (C) focuses on coordinating services for complex cases, which is not the primary focus here. Total patient care (D) involves providing all aspects of care directly by the same nurse, which is not the main approach in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse responsible for staffing a medical-surgical unit must consider: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the patient census. This is crucial for determining the appropriate number of staff needed to provide safe and effective care based on the current number of patients. The patient census directly impacts workload and patient acuity levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although they may be important factors to consider when staffing a medical-surgical unit, they are not as directly related to determining the immediate staffing needs based on the current patient load. The physical layout of the unit, complexity of care required, and educational level of staff are important for overall unit operations and quality of care but do not have the same immediate impact on staffing decisions as the patient census.