ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
The emergency response team responded to a terrorist attack where hundreds of people died following symptoms of chest tightness, palpations, seizures, and finally paralysis. A colorless odorless liquid known as Sarin (GB) was the agent, which is primarily inhaled with limited exposure through the skin. The concentration of Sarin has not been measured. What level is the minimum level of personal protection and safety equipment (PPE) that would be needed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Level B. In a scenario involving Sarin, a highly toxic nerve agent primarily inhaled, Level B protective equipment is required. Level B PPE includes a chemical-resistant suit, chemical-resistant gloves, chemical-resistant boots, and a full-face respirator with appropriate filter cartridges. The choice of Level B is based on the fact that Sarin is primarily inhaled, indicating the need for respiratory protection. Level A is typically used for the highest level of protection, including protection against highly toxic chemicals in both the air and on the skin, which is not necessary in this scenario. Level C and D do not provide adequate protection against a highly toxic chemical like Sarin.
Question 2 of 9
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 3 of 9
A nurse practices a relaxing massage technique to stimulate and apply pressure to the feet or hands, increasing blood supply circulation to various parts of the body and relieving pain. The massage technique used by the practitioner is referred to as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: reflexology. Reflexology is a practice based on the theory that specific areas on the feet and hands correspond to different organs and systems in the body. By stimulating these areas through massage techniques, blood circulation is increased, promoting healing and pain relief. - Choice B, Feldenkrais method, focuses on improving movement and function through awareness and gentle movements, not specifically targeting reflex points. - Choice C, Reiki, involves the transfer of energy to promote healing, but does not involve massage techniques or specific reflex points. - Choice D, Rolfing, is a type of bodywork that focuses on manipulating the body's connective tissues to improve posture and alignment, not specifically targeting reflex points like in reflexology.
Question 4 of 9
When paper-and-pencil medical records are compared with computer-based records:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: A is correct as paper-and-pencil records can physically track who accessed them, ensuring privacy and security. B is incorrect as computer-based records can also be detailed. C is irrelevant to the comparison. D is incorrect as signing for each item is not a standard practice in computer-based records.
Question 5 of 9
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 6 of 9
A client involved in a motor vehicle accident is blinded. The nurse helps the client obtain a guide dog so the client may continue grocery shopping and visiting friends and family. This enables the client to cope with the handicap and perform activities of daily living. Which nursing theory can be applied to this scenario?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Watson's philosophy and science of caring and humanistic nursing. This theory emphasizes the importance of the nurse-client relationship, caring, and holistic care. In this scenario, obtaining a guide dog for the client reflects the nurse's caring actions to promote the client's independence and well-being. By helping the client cope with the handicap and continue daily activities, the nurse embodies the essence of caring and humanistic nursing. Incorrect Choices: B: Mishel's uncertainty in illness - This theory focuses on how individuals respond to uncertainty in illness situations, which does not directly apply to the scenario of obtaining a guide dog for a blinded client. C: Orem's self-care deficit - This theory emphasizes the nurse's role in assisting clients with self-care activities when they are unable to do so independently. While related to the scenario, it does not capture the essence of caring and humanistic nursing demonstrated in the client's situation. D: Rogers' science of unitary human beings - This
Question 7 of 9
Current trends in telecommunications and increased mobility of nurses have led to the approval of a mutual recognition model of nursing regulation, in which nurses are allowed to practice in states that are compact states without obtaining a license in each state. On which website would a nurse find a list of current compact states?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). NCSBN manages the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in compact states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses can find a list of current compact states on the NCSBN website. NLN (A) focuses on nursing education, not regulation. AACN (C) is an organization for academic nursing programs. CCNE (D) accredits nursing education programs, not regulatory information.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
The Health Care Reform Act provides insurance for all U.S. citizens and legal residents presenting far-reaching ethical considerations related to diverse individual patient health care beliefs for those delivering nursing care. Nurses must consider their civil rights under the rights of conscience and how new health care agendas such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) could affect their practice in situations that may conflict with their own belief system. Today's practicing nurse must:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Professional duty: Nurses have a duty to provide patient-centered care regardless of personal beliefs. 2. Legal liability: Withholding treatment based on personal beliefs can lead to legal consequences. 3. Ethical considerations: Nurses must prioritize patient care over personal beliefs. 4. Rights of conscience: Nurses may have the right to refuse to participate in certain treatments, but they must still ensure patient care. 5. Patient-centered care: Nurses must respect patient autonomy and provide care based on the patient's wishes. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B. Irrelevant to the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care. C. Nurses should not impose their beliefs on patients but should respect and support their choices. D. Suggesting the hospital not accept federal funding does not address the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care.