ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
Nursing in the 1990s was characterized by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a focus on preventable diseases. In the 1990s, nursing shifted towards preventative care due to the rise in chronic diseases. Nurses focused on educating patients on disease prevention strategies and promoting healthy lifestyles. This shift was in response to the increasing healthcare costs associated with treating preventable illnesses. A: Men leaving nursing to enter the armed services is irrelevant to the characterization of nursing in the 1990s. B: Traditional 8-hour shifts leading to nurse burnout and compassion fatigue may have been a challenge in the 1990s, but it does not characterize the entire nursing profession during that time. D: There was actually an increase in nursing research during the 1990s, so this choice is incorrect.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse researcher is attempting to describe the demographics of today's RNs and reports that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because statistics show that currently, less than half of all registered nurses work in hospital settings, with the majority working in community, home health, long-term care, and other non-hospital settings. This information is supported by recent workforce studies and trends in nursing practice. Summary of other choices: B: The average age for an RN is not necessarily 50 years, as there is a wide range of ages among RNs, with many entering the profession at younger ages. C: Approximately 25% of RNs are male, which is a significant proportion but does not encompass the majority of the nursing workforce. D: While the number of RNs with bachelor's degrees is increasing, the majority of RNs still do not hold a bachelor's degree as their highest level of education.
Question 3 of 9
A physician shares with the patient's family that, while a central line was being inserted, the patient's lungs were inadvertently punctured, which required oxygen administration. The physician also explains that a chest x-ray indicated the lung remained intact and no additional treatment was required. The physician's role in this instance is based on the legal principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: disclosure. In this scenario, the physician shared information about the accidental lung puncture with the patient's family, demonstrating transparency and honesty. This aligns with the legal principle of disclosure, which emphasizes the importance of informing patients and their families about relevant medical information. The physician's actions foster trust and open communication, ensuring that the patient and family are informed about the situation. Choice A: comparative negligence, is incorrect because it involves assessing the degree of negligence by both parties involved, which is not applicable in this context. Choice B: gross negligence, is incorrect because the physician's actions do not demonstrate recklessness or a complete disregard for the patient's safety. Choice D: the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), is incorrect because this law primarily addresses the provision of emergency medical care and ensuring access to necessary services, not the disclosure of medical errors.
Question 4 of 9
Nursing in the 1990s was characterized by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: a focus on preventable diseases. In the 1990s, nursing shifted towards preventative care due to the rise in chronic diseases. Nurses focused on educating patients on disease prevention strategies and promoting healthy lifestyles. This shift was in response to the increasing healthcare costs associated with treating preventable illnesses. A: Men leaving nursing to enter the armed services is irrelevant to the characterization of nursing in the 1990s. B: Traditional 8-hour shifts leading to nurse burnout and compassion fatigue may have been a challenge in the 1990s, but it does not characterize the entire nursing profession during that time. D: There was actually an increase in nursing research during the 1990s, so this choice is incorrect.
Question 5 of 9
During a seminar on ethics, the educator realizes that more information is needed when a participant describes which situation as a violation of the ethical principle of autonomy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because denying the older person with Alzheimer's disease the right to ambulate violates their autonomy by restricting their freedom to make choices about their own body and movement. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this situation, the person should have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to ambulate, even if they have advanced Alzheimer's disease. Choice B is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment based on their beliefs, which is an expression of autonomy. Choice C is incorrect because the mentally competent visitor has the right to refuse examination, which is also an expression of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse a local anesthetic, which is also an expression of autonomy.
Question 6 of 9
A novice nurse is in the "rejection phase" of stress and wonders if she made the right decision when deciding nursing was her chosen career. Which strategy would help the novice nurse cope with transition into practice and reduce stress?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates a proactive and thoughtful approach to decision-making. By stopping to consider the request and assessing its safety implications before accepting it based on patient acuity levels, the novice nurse is prioritizing patient safety and her own capabilities. This strategy helps her cope with the transition into practice by promoting critical thinking and confidence in her decision-making skills. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Refusing to eat anywhere but the hospital cafeteria may lead to social isolation and restrict the novice nurse's ability to engage with others outside of work. C: Ignoring coworkers' problems or staffing ideas can create a negative work environment and hinder teamwork, potentially increasing stress levels for the novice nurse. D: Focusing on winning over hostile coworkers may detract from the novice nurse's professional growth and cause unnecessary stress from seeking validation from others.
Question 7 of 9
The informed consent documents must include: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because informed consent documents must provide participants with an explanation of potential risks and benefits to ensure they fully understand what they are agreeing to. This helps participants make an informed decision about participating. Option B is incorrect because using medical terminology can actually increase misunderstanding; lay terms are recommended. Option C is incorrect as it is essential to include a statement on protecting anonymity and confidentiality to ensure participant privacy. Option D is incorrect as explaining the cost of the study is not a necessary component of informed consent.
Question 8 of 9
A priority action for the nurse who works with culturally diverse clients is completion of a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: cultural self-assessment. This is important as it helps the nurse understand their own beliefs, values, and biases, which can impact how they interact with culturally diverse clients. By being self-aware, the nurse can better recognize and address any potential cultural misunderstandings or conflicts. A: Taking a sign language course is not the priority as not all culturally diverse clients are deaf or use sign language. C: While cultural client assessment is important, it is secondary to the nurse understanding their own cultural biases first. D: Taking a course on how to speak Spanish is helpful but may not address the broader cultural competence needed to work with diverse clients.
Question 9 of 9
Nurses in a unionized hospital are paid "compensatory pay" when working holidays equal to the number of hours worked with no extra compensation. Although they have suggested changes during the annual survey of employee satisfaction, management refuses to consider another system for compensatory pay. A trained member listened to both nurses and management to make recommendations that were not legally binding. This type of settlement is termed:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: mediation. In this scenario, a trained member listened to both parties (nurses and management) and made recommendations that were not legally binding. Mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating communication and negotiation between conflicting parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. It is non-binding, unlike binding arbitration, where a decision is imposed on the parties. Picketing involves organized striking by employees to protest against employer practices. Grievance is a formal complaint process within an organization. Mediation is the appropriate term for this non-binding settlement process in this context.