ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
A staff nurse states, "I really enjoyed having dinner with the Chief of Medical Staff and the President of the hospital. We hope to meet again soon." Which source of power does this nurse possess?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Connection. The nurse's power comes from her ability to network and build relationships with influential individuals like the Chief of Medical Staff and the President of the hospital. This grants her access to information, resources, and opportunities not available to others. This power is based on who she knows rather than her expertise (A), position (B), or ability to offer rewards (D). The nurse's statement implies that her influence stems from her connections, making choice C the most appropriate answer.
Question 3 of 9
Which statement made by an RN regarding delegation indicates the need for additional teaching? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Delegating the assessment of vital signs during the first 5 minutes of a blood transfusion to UAPs is not appropriate. This is because a reaction can occur within the first few minutes of a blood transfusion, making it crucial for a registered nurse to assess the patient during this critical period. UAPs do not have the education or training to recognize and manage potential adverse reactions promptly. Choice B is incorrect because an LPN/LVN can indeed administer a PPD if there is no history of a positive result. Choice C is incorrect because LPN/LVNs should not administer medications that have a high potential for adverse effects, such as dopamine. Choice D is incorrect as transferring a patient who is being discharged home requires skilled nursing assessment and intervention, not just training in transferring techniques.
Question 4 of 9
An inexperienced nurse has heard of other novice nurses who take shortcuts in providing patient care. This nurse feels that this is unacceptable and that all tasks must be performed faultlessly, which leads to her inability to complete all assigned tasks. This nurse would benefit from the seminar "Obstacles to Time Management: How to Deal with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perfectionism. This nurse's belief that all tasks must be performed faultlessly is indicative of perfectionism, which can lead to inefficiency and inability to prioritize tasks effectively. By attending a seminar on overcoming perfectionism, the nurse can learn strategies to manage time more efficiently and prioritize tasks based on their importance. Creativity (option A) is not directly related to the nurse's struggle with completing tasks. Failure (option C) does not address the root cause of the nurse's issue. Downtime (option D) does not address the underlying perfectionism that is hindering the nurse's time management.
Question 5 of 9
A student nurse who is preparing to graduate and take the licensure examination asks, "What is compulsory licensure?" The appropriate response of the nursing advisor is which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because compulsory licensure means that in order to practice as an RN, the nurse must be licensed as an RN. This is a fundamental requirement for anyone wanting to work as a registered nurse to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and standards set by the licensing board. Choice A is incorrect as passing a drug screen is not the definition of compulsory licensure. Choice B is incorrect as having a felony conviction may impact eligibility for licensure but is not the definition of compulsory licensure. Choice D is incorrect as acknowledging limitations due to impairment is related to professional conduct but not specifically about licensure requirements.
Question 6 of 9
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.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
The task of completing and signing the initial assessment on a newly admitted patient who is about to undergo minimally invasive procedures on an outpatient basis can be delegated to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the registered nurse (RN). This task requires clinical judgment and critical thinking skills, which are within the scope of practice of an RN. The RN is trained to assess the patient comprehensively, identify potential risks, and communicate effectively with other healthcare team members. LPNs/LVNs may not have the same level of assessment skills as RNs. UAPs do not have the clinical knowledge or skills required for this task. Option D is incorrect as completing and signing the initial assessment requires active patient assessment, which is a dynamic process and not just about past information.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse is responsible for determining the incidence rates of hospital-acquired diarrhea on a pediatric ward after receiving reports that five children admitted with uncontrolled asthma had developed diarrhea while hospitalized. The nurse is working in the role of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: infection control. In this scenario, the nurse is focusing on preventing and controlling the spread of hospital-acquired diarrhea among pediatric patients. By investigating the incidence rates and implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission, the nurse is fulfilling the role of infection control. Quality management (A) focuses on improving processes and outcomes, not specifically on infection prevention. Occupational health (C) involves ensuring workplace safety for employees, not patient infection control. Forensics (D) involves investigating and analyzing evidence related to crimes or legal matters, not infection control in a healthcare setting.