ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
The novice nurse calls a supervisor and requests that a "float nurse" be assigned to help with all "assessments of new admissions and postoperative patients." The supervisor asks, "How many admissions and surgery patients have you received?" The novice nurse becomes flustered because she has not checked the census but simply bases the need on feeling overwhelmed. This situation best indicates a lack of skills.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: organizational skills. The novice nurse's inability to assess the number of admissions and postoperative patients before requesting assistance indicates a lack of organizational skills. Organizational skills involve prioritizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and planning ahead. In this scenario, the nurse failed to gather essential information before making a decision, leading to inefficiency and potential misallocation of resources. Choice B: communication skills, is not the best answer because the issue is not primarily related to communication breakdown but rather a lack of organizational skills. Choice C: interpersonal skills, is not the best answer because the problem does not stem from the nurse's ability to interact with others but rather from her inability to organize her workload effectively. Choice D: clinical skills, is not the best answer because the situation is more about managing workload and resources rather than clinical knowledge or expertise.
Question 2 of 9
A community health nurse has been visiting a postpartum client who suffered domestic violence throughout the pregnancy, and now the infant may be at risk. The nurse assisted the client in finding shelter and legal protection. The nurse's role and the conceptual framework involved are:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: case manager, according to Peplau's interpersonal relations model. In this scenario, the nurse is coordinating resources and services for the client, which aligns with the role of a case manager. Peplau's model emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and client, focusing on understanding the client's needs and providing support. The nurse in this situation is not just providing direct care (caregiver), advocating for change (change agent), or focusing solely on cultural aspects (translator). The nurse's role as a case manager involves addressing the client's complex needs, coordinating care, and advocating for the client's well-being, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.
Question 3 of 9
A nursing student asks, "I wonder if the reason that the nursing shortage is so severe is that registered nurses are unhappy with their jobs." To research the answer, the National Survey of Registered Nurses was reviewed and found:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The question asks about the reason for the nursing shortage and references the National Survey of Registered Nurses. Step 2: Choice C states that practicing registered nurses are satisfied with their jobs and most remain with the same employer they worked for the previous year. Step 3: This suggests that the nursing shortage is not due to registered nurses being unhappy with their jobs and leaving. Step 4: Therefore, the correct answer is C, as it directly addresses the misconception presented in the question. Step 5: Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the information provided in the National Survey of Registered Nurses and do not address the actual reason for the nursing shortage.
Question 4 of 9
A Hispanic patient is visited by several family members and the nurse witnessed one visitor who pinches a piece of skin at the waist. The nurse asks the purpose and learns the "provider" is listening for a snap from the abdominal region, which is then repeated several times. The patient most likely suffers from:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: empacho. Empacho is a traditional Hispanic folk illness characterized by a blockage in the digestive system. In this scenario, the behavior of pinching the skin and listening for a snap in the abdominal region aligns with the common practice associated with empacho diagnosis. The family member is likely trying to detect an abnormal sound, indicating a blockage in the intestines. The other choices (A: mal ojo, B: susto, C: bilis) do not fit the description of the observed behavior and symptoms. Mal ojo refers to the evil eye, susto is a fright-related illness, and bilis pertains to an imbalance of bodily fluids, none of which involve the specific diagnostic behavior described in the scenario.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is concerned that the policy of using povidone-iodine (Betadine) to clean foot ulcers may lead to unwarranted allergic reactions and drying of surrounding tissue. A literature review is performed to determine the "best practice" related to care of foot ulcers. This nurse: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse is using evidence-based practice by conducting a literature review to determine the best practice for caring for foot ulcers. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. This nurse is ensuring that the care provided is based on current research and best practices, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the nurse's action of conducting a literature review to determine best practices for foot ulcer care. Choice B mentions critical thinking but does not specifically address evidence-based practice. Choice C focuses on cost-effectiveness and level of education, which are not relevant to the nurse's evidence-based practice. Choice D refers to clinical competence, which is not the main focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
An older adult has atrial fibrillation, which causes the heart to have an irregular rhythm. The client uses imagery to alter the dysrhythmiThe client is using which type of complementary alternative medicine (CAM)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Biofeedback. Biofeedback is a type of CAM that involves using electronic devices to help individuals gain awareness and control over physiological processes, such as heart rate and muscle tension. In this case, the older adult is using imagery as a form of biofeedback to alter the dysrhythmia. Ayurveda (A) and Dosha (B) are traditional Indian systems of medicine based on balancing bodily energies, not directly related to using imagery for heart rhythm control. Homeopathy (C) is a system of alternative medicine based on the concept that "like cures like" and uses highly diluted substances, not imagery or biofeedback techniques.
Question 7 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.
Question 8 of 9
The priority intervention to improve work-related quality of life for nurses is to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: provide safe harbors for unjust or unsafe work assignments. This is the priority intervention because ensuring a safe work environment is crucial for nurses' well-being and quality of life. By addressing unjust or unsafe work assignments, nurses can feel supported and protected, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall quality of life. Option B: improving nurse-physician communications is important but not as critical as ensuring a safe work environment. Option C: requiring professional development courses is beneficial but may not directly address the immediate concerns of nurses' quality of life. Option D: improving vertical working relationships is important, but addressing unsafe work conditions should take precedence for nurses' well-being.
Question 9 of 9
Nurses and community officials are working together to ensure that churches and schools have needed supplies to provide shelter for large numbers of individuals in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. These activities represent which phase of a disaster continuum?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preparedness. In this scenario, nurses and community officials are proactively planning and organizing resources to be ready for a disaster. Preparedness involves activities such as training, drills, and stockpiling supplies to ensure an effective response. Relief response (B) occurs during or immediately after a disaster to provide immediate assistance. Recovery (C) focuses on restoring community infrastructure and services post-disaster. Crisis intervention (D) is a short-term, immediate response to individuals in distress. In this case, the focus is on prevention and readiness, fitting the preparedness phase.