ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
The disaster medical assistance team works quickly to contain contaminants from a chemical plant explosion. Afterward, personnel undergo a special process to remove harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies. This removal process is known as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: decontamination. Decontamination is the process of removing harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies to prevent further exposure and contamination. In this scenario, the disaster medical assistance team is working to contain contaminants first and then proceed with decontamination to ensure the safety of personnel. Containment (choice A) refers to preventing the spread of contaminants, not removing them. Triage (choice C) is the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries, not removing chemicals. Scene assessment (choice D) involves evaluating the situation to determine the extent of the disaster, not the removal of harmful chemicals.
Question 2 of 9
Which of the following situations would be appropriate for the supervisory level of initial direction and/or periodic inspection?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the scenario describes a situation appropriate for the supervisory level of initial direction and periodic inspection. The RN assigning tasks to the LPN within her scope of practice and checking back ensures tasks are completed correctly, aligning with the supervisory role. This level of oversight is necessary for safe and effective patient care. Choice A is incorrect as experienced RNs working together do not require supervisory direction for caring for patients. Choice C involves the charge nurse providing frequent oversight to a new graduate nurse, which is more than just periodic inspection. Choice D is incorrect because regardless of both being registered nurses, supervision may still be necessary, especially when assigning tasks to a different level of healthcare provider like an LPN.
Question 3 of 9
The role of the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) would include:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the role of a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) involves coordinating and managing the care of patients. In this scenario, the CNL is revising the care plan for a patient with complex health issues, such as heart failure and chronic bronchitis, by incorporating specific interventions like ambulation with assistance. This aligns with the core responsibilities of a CNL, which include care coordination, implementation of evidence-based practice, and leadership in interdisciplinary teams. Choice A is incorrect because nurses, including CNLs, do not have the authority to diagnose and prescribe medications, as this falls under the scope of practice of a physician or advanced practice nurse. Choice B is incorrect because while health education and referral are important aspects of nursing practice, they are more aligned with the role of a community health nurse rather than a CNL. Choice C is incorrect because investigating abuse and criminal activities is beyond the scope of a CNL's role, as their focus is primarily on
Question 4 of 9
A comparison of nursing in the 1980s to nursing in the 1990s reveals that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects the shift in focus from tuberculosis in the 1980s to the emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s in the field of nursing. Tuberculosis was a major concern in the 1980s, and the AIDS epidemic became a primary focus in the 1990s. Choice A is incorrect because it discusses preventable diseases caused by unsafe lifestyles, which is not directly related to the comparison of nursing between the two decades. Choice C is incorrect because it mentions a decrease in ambulatory services in the 1980s leading to an increase in public health nurses in the 1990s, which is not supported by the historical context of nursing during those decades. Choice D is incorrect because it suggests that the demand for advanced practice nurses increased in both the 1980s and the 1990s due to economic reasons and national health concerns, which is not specifically relevant to the comparison between nursing in the two decades.
Question 5 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 6 of 9
A client is admitted with chest pain. A series of diagnostic tests are ordered, and the client undergoes coronary artery bypass grafting. The cost of care for this client is increased because of a four-pack-per-day smoking history that resulted in extension of the client's intensive care unit (ICU) stay by 3 days because of respiratory problems. The case manager realizes that under the terms of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment system for this diagnosis:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The DRG payment system is a fixed reimbursement amount for a specific diagnosis or procedure. In this case, the cost of care exceeded the DRG reimbursement amount due to the extended ICU stay caused by the client's smoking history. The hospital will only be reimbursed at the set fee specified by the DRG, regardless of the actual cost incurred. Choice A is incorrect because the hospital cannot collect additional fees from the insurance company beyond the DRG reimbursement amount. Choice C is incorrect as the client is not typically held responsible for the additional costs incurred. Choice D is incorrect because physician payment is not directly impacted by the hospital's financial losses. The DRG system focuses on fixed reimbursements based on diagnoses, not individual physician payments.
Question 7 of 9
The first field of nursing to certify advanced practitioners was the field of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: nurse-midwifery. Nurse-midwifery was the first field of nursing to certify advanced practitioners, starting in the 1920s. Nurse-midwives provide prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care to women. Other choices are incorrect because adult nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthesia programs were established after nurse-midwifery certification.
Question 8 of 9
The new director of nurses has instituted "walking rounds" on all nursing units, rather than the usual taped shift reports. A veteran nurse exclaims, "She doesn't know how we do things here!" The nurse is demonstrating:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: appeal to tradition. The veteran nurse is objecting to the change in practice solely because it deviates from the usual way of doing things. This demonstrates a reliance on tradition rather than considering the potential benefits of the new approach. The appeal to tradition fallacy assumes that something is better or correct simply because it is the traditional way. Incorrect choices: A: Appeal to emotion - This choice involves manipulating emotions to win an argument, which is not evident in the scenario. C: Red herring - This choice involves diverting attention from the real issue, which is not the case in the scenario. D: Straw man - This choice involves misrepresenting the opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, which is not demonstrated in the scenario.
Question 9 of 9
Florence Nightingale is attributed with being intelligent (she developed statistical methods to evaluate health care), dependable (she often worked long hours to care for the injured), and ambitious (she fought against society's perception of nursing). Those who depict her as a leader on the basis of these qualities are practicing which leadership theory?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Identify the qualities attributed to Florence Nightingale: intelligent, dependable, ambitious. Step 2: Recognize these qualities as traits. Step 3: Trait theory states that effective leaders possess certain traits. Step 4: Florence Nightingale's leadership qualities align with trait theory. Step 5: Therefore, depicting her as a leader based on her traits falls under trait theory. Summary: A: Trait theory focuses on inherent qualities of leaders, which align with Florence Nightingale's qualities. B: Chaos theory emphasizes unpredictability and complexity, not relevant here. C: Bureaucracy theory centers on structured organizations, not applicable to Nightingale's personal traits. D: Organizational theory addresses structure and management within organizations, not related to individual leadership attributes like traits.