ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
In deciding whether to say no to a request that involves a time commitment, the professional nurse must consider:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Cost-benefit ratio involves weighing the benefits of saying yes against the costs of the time commitment. 2. Professional nurses must consider the impact on patient care, workload, and personal well-being. 3. By evaluating the cost-benefit ratio, nurses can make informed decisions aligned with professional responsibilities and ethical standards. Summary: Choice A is correct because it emphasizes a systematic approach to decision-making based on evaluating the overall impact of the time commitment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the essential consideration of weighing costs and benefits in decision-making.
Question 2 of 9
Nurses and community officials are working together to ensure that churches and schools have needed supplies to provide shelter for large numbers of individuals in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. These activities represent which phase of a disaster continuum?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preparedness. In this scenario, nurses and community officials are proactively planning and organizing resources to be ready for a disaster. Preparedness involves activities such as training, drills, and stockpiling supplies to ensure an effective response. Relief response (B) occurs during or immediately after a disaster to provide immediate assistance. Recovery (C) focuses on restoring community infrastructure and services post-disaster. Crisis intervention (D) is a short-term, immediate response to individuals in distress. In this case, the focus is on prevention and readiness, fitting the preparedness phase.
Question 3 of 9
A concern that nurses were being asked to perform tasks that went beyond the state's nurse practice act was brought to the union's attention. Nurses were informed that either mediation or binding arbitration will be used to resolve the issue. A novice nurse asks about the difference between these techniques and is informed that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because binding arbitration involves a formal discussion where the arbitrator's recommendations are compulsory, meaning both parties must abide by the decision. This ensures a resolution to the issue at hand. A is incorrect because mediation is not necessarily sanctioned by the NLRB for formal discussions. C is incorrect because mediation does not typically result in a legally binding plan; it is a negotiation process to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. D is incorrect because binding arbitration does not specifically focus on the least destructive approach or self-governance by employees; it is about reaching a binding decision by a neutral third party arbitrator.
Question 4 of 9
A Hispanic patient is visited by several family members and the nurse witnessed one visitor who pinches a piece of skin at the waist. The nurse asks the purpose and learns the "provider" is listening for a snap from the abdominal region, which is then repeated several times. The patient most likely suffers from:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: empacho. Empacho is a traditional Hispanic folk illness characterized by a blockage in the digestive system. In this scenario, the behavior of pinching the skin and listening for a snap in the abdominal region aligns with the common practice associated with empacho diagnosis. The family member is likely trying to detect an abnormal sound, indicating a blockage in the intestines. The other choices (A: mal ojo, B: susto, C: bilis) do not fit the description of the observed behavior and symptoms. Mal ojo refers to the evil eye, susto is a fright-related illness, and bilis pertains to an imbalance of bodily fluids, none of which involve the specific diagnostic behavior described in the scenario.
Question 5 of 9
The Karnofsky prognostication scale is most appropriately used to screen patients with which medical diagnoses?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The Karnofsky Prognostication Scale is commonly used in patients with terminal illness, such as AIDS, to assess their functional status and predict their prognosis. Patients with AIDS often experience rapid decline in health, making this scale useful in determining their overall well-being and potential outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Respiratory diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not commonly used for screening patients with respiratory diseases. B: Cancers - While the Karnofsky scale can be used for cancer patients, it is most commonly associated with terminal illnesses like AIDS. C: Cardiac diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not typically used for screening patients with cardiac diseases.
Question 6 of 9
Current trends in telecommunications and increased mobility of nurses have led to the approval of a mutual recognition model of nursing regulation, in which nurses are allowed to practice in states that are compact states without obtaining a license in each state. On which website would a nurse find a list of current compact states?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). NCSBN manages the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses can find a list of current compact states on the NCSBN website. NLN (A) focuses on nursing education, not regulation. AACN (C) is an organization for academic nursing programs. CCNE (D) accredits nursing education programs, not regulatory information.
Question 7 of 9
In today's world of fast, effective communication, what is the most commonly used means of societal communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Electronic messaging. In today's fast-paced world, electronic messaging, such as emails, text messages, and social media, is the most commonly used means of societal communication due to its immediacy, convenience, and widespread accessibility. It allows people to communicate quickly across long distances and reach a large audience efficiently. Facial expressions (A) are important but limited in reach. Spoken word (B) is also crucial but less prevalent in today's digital age. Written messages (C) are still used but electronic messaging has largely replaced traditional written communication for its speed and efficiency.
Question 8 of 9
The research hypothesis is that aromatherapy reduces stress more effectively than does acupuncture. The researcher does not identify a control group. This study would be a(n) design.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: experimental design. In an experimental design, the researcher manipulates one variable (aromatherapy vs. acupuncture) to observe its effect on another variable (stress). Without a control group, it is impossible to establish a baseline for comparison. A control group is essential to isolate the effects of the treatment from other variables. Quasi-experimental designs lack random assignment, surveys are used to gather data rather than test hypotheses, and meta-analyses involve combining and analyzing results from multiple studies.
Question 9 of 9
A hospital is concerned that the number of medication errors has increased significantly in the past year. A project revealed four causes of medication errors. The above chart was used to help staff and administration know where to focus efforts to reduce errors. Which process improvement tool is used in this situation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pareto chart. A Pareto chart is a quality improvement tool used to prioritize and focus efforts on the most significant causes of a problem. In this case, the hospital used the chart to identify the main causes of medication errors, helping them to allocate resources efficiently. The Pareto principle states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes, making it a powerful tool for process improvement. A: Run chart is used to track data over time but does not prioritize causes like a Pareto chart. C: Flowcharts are used to map out processes and are helpful for understanding the sequence of activities, not for prioritizing causes. D: Cause-and-effect diagrams (Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram) are used to identify and organize potential causes of a problem but do not prioritize them like a Pareto chart. In summary, the Pareto chart is the most appropriate tool in this situation because it helps focus efforts on the most significant causes