ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
Hospitals surveyed nurses who terminated their employment to determine why they chose to leave. One of the most common reasons for leaving was:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.
Question 2 of 9
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 3 of 9
to that provided during the Crimean War?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects the impact of Florence Nightingale's efforts during the Crimean War on nursing care during the Civil War. Nightingale advocated for sanitary conditions which led to improved housing for soldiers in the Civil War. This is supported by historical evidence. A is incorrect because the emphasis on nursing care differed between the wars, with the Crimean War focusing more on basic care and the Civil War emphasizing sanitary conditions. C is incorrect because black nurses faced discrimination and unequal compensation during both wars, and Mary Seacole's contributions were not widely recognized during the Civil War. D is incorrect because Nightingale did not complete formal nursing training before her work in the Crimean War, and Dix was already an experienced nurse before the Civil War.
Question 4 of 9
Nurses working on an orthopedic unit use personal digital assistants (PDAs) to review medications prior to administration to reduce potential drug interactions. Software is also installed that provides video clips of common procedures performed by nurses. Nurses on this unit are best demonstrating which QSEN competencies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Informatics. Nurses on the orthopedic unit are demonstrating informatics competency by using PDAs for medication review and accessing video clips for procedures. This showcases their ability to utilize technology to enhance patient care. Patient-centered care (A) focuses on individualized care, teamwork (C) emphasizes collaboration, and quality improvement (D) pertains to enhancing processes. The use of technology in this scenario aligns most closely with the informatics competency, making it the best choice.
Question 5 of 9
A novice nurse notices a patient is pacing the floor and twisting his hands. When the nurse enters the room, the patient stares at her and mumbles, "Can't anyone understand what I want?" while smiling and reaching out to shake the nurse's hand. The nurse recognizes a risk for violence based on which clinical findings? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because glaring at the nurse indicates potential aggression and hostility, which are red flags for violence risk. Glaring can be a non-verbal sign of anger or frustration, signaling a potential escalation. In contrast, nervousness and twisting of hands (choice B) may indicate anxiety or distress but not necessarily violence. Murmuring when talking (choice C) may suggest communication difficulties but does not directly indicate violence risk. Lastly, a diagnosis of a terminal illness (choice D) is not directly related to the immediate risk of violence in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
An RN is counseled by the nurse manager regarding inappropriate delegation when the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delegating the task of completing a plan of care to a float LPN/LVN for a stable patient is inappropriate. LPNs/LVNs have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and should not be assigned tasks related to developing care plans. This task requires critical thinking skills and assessment that are within the RN's scope of practice. A: A is incorrect because delegating the task of greeting and showing ambulatory surgery patients to their rooms is appropriate for a nursing assistant. B: B is incorrect because delegating the task of collecting a sputum specimen, once trained, is appropriate for a nursing assistant under the supervision of an RN. D: D is incorrect because delegating the task of performing a dressing change to a competent LPN/LVN is appropriate, as long as it falls within their scope of practice.
Question 7 of 9
When preparing the education section of a resume:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because listing education in reverse chronological order helps emphasize recent and relevant qualifications first. It showcases academic progression and achievements. A is incorrect as high school is typically not included. B is incorrect as including all colleges, even without a degree, can clutter the resume. C is incorrect as omitting the university address may limit the employer's ability to verify information.
Question 8 of 9
A patient informs the nurse, "I can't sit in the yard for even 10 minutes without my skin turning red and tender." The nurse would assess for the use of which complementary alternative medicine (CAM)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Feverfew. Feverfew is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce skin sensitivity to sunlight, which could be the cause of the patient's skin turning red and tender. St. John's wort is used for depression, Ginkgo biloba for memory, and Echinacea for immune support, none of which are directly related to the patient's symptom.
Question 9 of 9
When the nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, he or she is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when a nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, they need to reconcile the underlying assumptions on which the budget was based with current conditions. This involves reviewing the initial budget assumptions to see if they still hold true and adjusting them accordingly. This step ensures that the budget remains relevant and accurate. A is incorrect because determining the percentage increase of supply usage does not involve a qualitative analysis of budget variances. B is incorrect because identifying the overall increase in the dollar amount of salaries paid for overtime is a quantitative analysis, not qualitative. C is incorrect because comparing productivity metrics across nursing units is a different type of analysis and not specifically related to budget variances.