ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
Nurses on a busy medical schedule want to reduce documentation time and improve order entry. Additionally, patient records from previous visits are often incomplete or do not include care from other providers. To improve patient care, a taskforce suggests using an Electronic Medical Record for 1 month to determine whether this provides the desired outcomes. This unit is participating in which type of study?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pilot. A pilot study involves testing a new intervention on a small scale to assess feasibility and potential outcomes before implementing it on a larger scale. In this case, the unit is planning to use an Electronic Medical Record for a limited time to evaluate its impact on documentation time and patient care. This approach allows for targeted feedback and adjustments based on the outcomes observed during the trial period. A: Ethnography involves in-depth observation and analysis of a specific culture or group, which is not the focus of the scenario. C: Secondary data analysis involves the use of existing data for research purposes, not the implementation of a new intervention. D: Phenomenology focuses on understanding individuals' subjective experiences, which is not the primary goal of implementing an Electronic Medical Record in this case.
Question 2 of 5
Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) have attempted to reduce health care costs by decreasing:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: length of hospital stay. DRGs aim to reduce healthcare costs by incentivizing hospitals to provide efficient care and discharge patients sooner. Shortening the length of hospital stay helps decrease overall healthcare expenses without compromising the quality of care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because DRGs focus on the duration of hospitalization, not necessarily on hospital admission rates, outpatient services, or specialty groups. Shortening hospital stays is a more direct way to control costs within the inpatient setting.
Question 3 of 5
A physician bills the insurance company for a computed tomography (CT) scan, laboratory tests, chest x-ray, and an extended visit and receives revenue for each procedure billed. This type of payment system is a payment system.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: capitated. In a capitated payment system, the physician receives a fixed amount per patient regardless of the services provided. This incentivizes cost-effective care and promotes preventive measures. In this scenario, the physician is receiving revenue for each procedure billed, which is not characteristic of capitated payment. A: Prospective payment is when a fixed amount is determined in advance for specific services rendered. This is not the case in the scenario provided. B: Retrospective payment involves reimbursement after the services are provided, which is not reflected in the scenario given. C: Diagnosis-related group (DRG) is a payment system used in hospitals based on the diagnosis and procedures performed, not applicable to individual physician billing as presented in the question.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A patient is eligible to change health care providers and insurance and asks, "I am interested in health promotion activities; I walk, swim, and eat healthy. Which health insurance plan would support these activities rather than just pay for services when I am sick"? Which, if any, health insurance plan would best meet the needs of this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). HMOs focus on preventive care and health promotion activities, such as regular check-ups, screenings, and wellness programs. They emphasize keeping patients healthy and offer incentives for healthy behaviors. This aligns with the patient's interest in health promotion activities like walking, swimming, and eating healthy. Choice B (Fee for Service) typically does not emphasize preventive care and may not provide the support for the patient's health promotion activities. Choice C (Preferred Provider Organization - PPO) may offer some preventive care services, but HMOs are more structured and proactive in promoting health and wellness. Choice D is incorrect because many health insurance plans, including HMOs, cover preventive care and health promotion activities to encourage overall well-being.