ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
In February 2010, Congress passed legislation to support universal health care for all Americans. At a local health fair, an individual asks about the difference between universal health care and a single payer system. The nurse explains the difference is that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in a universal health care system, one universal payer (often the government) is responsible for covering all health care expenses for all citizens. This means that everyone, regardless of income or eligibility, is covered under the same system. Choice B is incorrect because a single-payer system does not necessarily limit health care access based on income; it simply means there is one entity responsible for paying health care costs. Choice C is incorrect because single-payer systems do not rely on insurance companies to pay fees; instead, the single payer itself covers the costs directly. Choice D is incorrect because it does not specify that the one payer in a universal health care system is usually the government, which is a key distinction in this context.
Question 2 of 5
A client arrives in active labor and exhibits toxemia with irregular fetal heart tones. The client is an immigrant and is uninsured. Which act would prevent the client from being transferred to another facility?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Law (EMTALA). This act prohibits hospitals from transferring patients in active labor or with an emergency condition based on insurance status or ability to pay. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of insurance or immigration status, receive necessary emergency medical treatment. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient privacy and does not address transfer of patients in active labor. C: Patient Self-Determination Act focuses on patient autonomy in making healthcare decisions, not on preventing transfer based on insurance status. D: The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act promotes patient safety and quality improvement but does not specifically address transfer of patients in active labor.
Question 3 of 5
Which statement regarding informed consent is correct? Informed consent:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informed consent requires the registered nurse (RN) to communicate all necessary information to the patient so they can make an informed decision. This includes explaining the procedure, potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and any other pertinent information. The RN plays a crucial role in ensuring that the patient understands the information provided before giving consent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because informed consent is not solely mandated by federal law, must disclose risks as well as benefits, and should not involve concealing any known risks.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse who functions in the role of team leader can be held negligent for matters involving:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: delegation of client care tasks. A team leader nurse can be held negligent for improper delegation as they are responsible for assigning tasks to appropriate staff ensuring safe and effective care. This is crucial for patient safety. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because inadequate training, lack of policies, and failure to discipline unsafe workers are not directly related to the nurse's role in delegation and immediate patient care responsibilities.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse caring for a patient with anemia and heart failure prepares to hang a unit of packed red blood cells and realizes her break is in 5 minutes. She decides it is not necessary to have another nurse check the blood against the patient's information since the patient's blood type is O+ which she incorrectly remembered to be the universal donor. She hangs the blood, noting the patient is "reading and vital signs normal." She leaves the floor for her break and does not report leaving or ask anyone to perform required vital signs. Upon returning she meets a family friend who is visiting and time "just flies." She returns to the patient's room after admitting a new patient. The patient is hypotensive and color is cyanotic and anxious. She reports the findings to the charge nurse, who then contacts the physician. A blood reaction occurrence is noted. The nurse providing care is charged:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: with criminal negligence. The nurse displayed a reckless disregard for the patient's safety by not verifying the blood type, leaving for an extended break without ensuring proper monitoring, and failing to report her absence. These actions were highly irresponsible and demonstrated a severe lack of care and attention to the patient's well-being. Criminal negligence involves a conscious disregard for the consequences of one's actions, which in this case resulted in a serious adverse event for the patient. Choices A and B do not fully capture the gravity of the nurse's actions, as they imply a lesser degree of fault. Choice D, under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, would be inappropriate in this scenario as the nurse's actions directly contributed to the adverse outcome.