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?

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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

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 3 of 9

What does the Spirit of Nursing statue honor?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Spirit of Nursing statue honors all military nurses for their bravery and compassion. This is the correct answer because military nurses have demonstrated exceptional dedication and sacrifice in providing care to wounded soldiers during times of conflict. They embody the spirit of selflessness and service that is essential in the nursing profession. Incorrect answers: A: Florence Nightingale is known for her contributions to nursing and public health, but the statue specifically honors military nurses. B: Edith Cavell was a nurse who helped Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium during WWI, not related to the Tuskegee experiment. C: Clara Maas was a nurse who volunteered for yellow fever experiments, but her work was not during WWII and did not lead to a cure for the disease.

Question 4 of 9

The RN instructs the LPN to "Give an enema to the patient in room 327 who is being discharged but is complaining of being constipated. Then be sure to document on the medication administration record when given." Which of the five rights was missing in this situation? The right of:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: direction and communication. The RN failed to provide clear direction to the LPN regarding the specific type of enema to be administered and the amount. Furthermore, there was a lack of communication regarding the patient's current condition and the rationale for the enema. The other choices are incorrect because: B: task - The task of administering the enema was clearly communicated. C: person - The patient was identified by room number, so the person was specified. D: circumstances - While the circumstances of the patient's complaint were mentioned, the specific details related to the enema administration were lacking.

Question 5 of 9

The principle of autonomy is best supported by what intervention made available to palliative care patients?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because autonomy in palliative care emphasizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own care. By helping the patient decide on the details of their advanced plan of care, healthcare providers respect the patient's autonomy and ensure their preferences guide the care provided. Arranging in-home health care (A) may be beneficial, but it does not directly support the patient's autonomy. Addressing pain management needs (B) is important but does not specifically relate to decision-making autonomy. Conducting a performance status screening (D) is relevant for assessing the patient's overall health but does not directly support their autonomy in decision-making.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is approached to sign a union authorization card. If signed, the card:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Answer A: Signing a union authorization card authorizes the union to serve as the nurse's legal representative in labor negotiations and other matters. By signing, the nurse is indicating consent for the union to act on their behalf. This is a crucial step in the unionization process. Summary of Other Choices: B: Requesting additional information about collective bargaining does not require signing a union authorization card. C: Sharing information about grievances does not necessarily require signing a union authorization card. D: Deducting union dues from pay is a separate process that typically requires a separate authorization form, not the union authorization card.

Question 7 of 9

If a nurse practicing in a mental health agency could only belong to one professional organization, what criteria could be used to select the organization with the biggest impact?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Specialty organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nurses Association lobby for higher education requirements for nurses. Rationale: 1. Specialty organizations like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association focus specifically on mental health nursing, ensuring targeted advocacy and support. 2. Lobbying for higher education requirements demonstrates a commitment to advancing the profession and improving the quality of care. 3. Higher education requirements can lead to better outcomes for patients and enhance the credibility and expertise of mental health nurses. Summary: A: The American Nurses Association may have a broad reach, but it may not prioritize mental health nursing specifically. C: State nursing associations may have limitations in lobbying power, focusing more on state-level issues. D: Professional organizations like AAHN, while valuable for preserving history, may not actively advocate for current professional development and standards.

Question 8 of 9

When assessing an ethical issue, the nurse must first:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.

Question 9 of 9

When using the ABC system of managing time, those items coded A include:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in the ABC system, tasks coded as A are considered the most important and urgent. Calling the pharmacy to check drug availability for a patient directly impacts patient care and safety, making it a priority. B, checking a ventilator alarm, is important but not as urgent as ensuring medication availability. C, organizing the medication cart, is important but not necessarily urgent like patient-related tasks. D, writing memos for a birthday gift, is neither urgent nor directly related to patient care. Therefore, A is the correct choice for being the most critical task in the ABC system.

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