ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an admission history and physical, a female patient states, "I use 5000 mg/day of calcium to prevent osteoporosis and to maintain health." The nurse should assess for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: kidney stones. High calcium intake increases the risk of kidney stones due to excess calcium being excreted in the urine. The nurse should assess for symptoms like flank pain, hematuria, and frequent urination. Excessive bleeding (choice A) is not directly related to high calcium intake. Lower blood sugar (choice C) and jaundice (choice D) are not typically associated with calcium intake.
Question 2 of 5
A peaceful death is best characterized by which terminally ill patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because being surrounded by family provides emotional support, comfort, and a sense of closure. Family presence can alleviate fear, anxiety, and loneliness, contributing to a peaceful death experience. Choice B focuses on pain management but does not address emotional well-being. Choice C, while important for end-of-life care, does not directly impact the patient's immediate comfort. Choice D indicates a decline in consciousness, which may not necessarily lead to a peaceful death experience as the patient may not be aware of their surroundings or loved ones.
Question 3 of 5
What is the initial step when addressing an ethically challenging situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Review the overall situation to identify the core issues. This is the initial step when addressing an ethically challenging situation because it allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation before delving into specific details. By reviewing the overall situation, you can identify the key ethical issues at play and prioritize which aspects need to be addressed first. This step sets the foundation for developing an effective strategy to navigate the ethical dilemma. Incorrect answers: A: Identifying all those involved is important, but it should come after reviewing the situation. C: Gathering facts is necessary, but reviewing the overall situation should precede this step. D: Determining the ethical dilemma is crucial, but it is more effective to first review the entire situation to fully grasp the complexities before pinpointing the ethical issue.
Question 4 of 5
When an RN is asked to accept an assignment that he or she may not be qualified to perform, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer D is correct: 1. Ensures patient safety: RN should only accept assignments they are qualified for to provide safe care. 2. Upholds professional standards: Accepting only familiar assignments aligns with nursing scope of practice. 3. Legal and ethical responsibility: RN must prioritize patient well-being over external pressures. 4. Promotes personal growth: RN can seek additional training for unfamiliar assignments. Summary: - A: Incorrect. Accepting based on power dynamics disregards patient safety and professional ethics. - B: Incorrect. Patient safety should be the primary concern over workload. - C: Incorrect. Past handling may not guarantee appropriateness. Focus should be on personal qualification.
Question 5 of 5
A new graduate nurse is applying for the exciting first position and states, "I am only applying to Magnet hospitals because those work environments:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because Magnet hospitals are recognized for their ability to not only attract but also retain professional nurses. These hospitals create a positive work environment that values and supports nursing staff, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Choice A is incorrect because while Magnet hospitals may attract top healthcare providers, it's not solely focused on physicians. Choice B is incorrect as certification is not a mandatory requirement for all RNs in Magnet hospitals. Choice D is incorrect as Magnet hospitals actually encourage nurses to advance their education and professional development.