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
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 4 of 9
A nurse is interviewing for a job and recently read the American Nurses Association's (ANA) recommendation for questions to ask regarding before accepting employment. Which questions should the nurse ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because understanding the mission of the parent organization is crucial for aligning personal values with the organizational goals. This knowledge can help the nurse assess if their values and beliefs are in line with the organization's mission, leading to better job satisfaction and performance. A: Flexible scheduling is important but not specified in ANA's recommendations. B: Advancement expectations are important, but not a priority in ANA's recommendations. C: Staff retention is relevant, but not emphasized in ANA's recommendations.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse is responsible for determining the incidence rates of hospital-acquired diarrhea on a pediatric ward after receiving reports that five children admitted with uncontrolled asthma had developed diarrhea while hospitalized. The nurse is working in the role of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: infection control. In this scenario, the nurse is focusing on preventing and controlling the spread of hospital-acquired diarrhea among pediatric patients. By investigating the incidence rates and implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission, the nurse is fulfilling the role of infection control. Quality management (A) focuses on improving processes and outcomes, not specifically on infection prevention. Occupational health (C) involves ensuring workplace safety for employees, not patient infection control. Forensics (D) involves investigating and analyzing evidence related to crimes or legal matters, not infection control in a healthcare setting.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
A nurse who functions in the role of team leader can be held negligent for matters involving:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: delegation of client care tasks. A team leader nurse can be held negligent for improper delegation as they are responsible for assigning tasks to appropriate staff ensuring safe and effective care. This is crucial for patient safety. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because inadequate training, lack of policies, and failure to discipline unsafe workers are not directly related to the nurse's role in delegation and immediate patient care responsibilities.
Question 8 of 9
A student nurse is concerned about delegation practices and wonders why hospitals employ unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and LPN/LVNs. The student nurse refers to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and learns that the role of these personnel is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: aid the RN by performing appropriately delegated care tasks. UAP and LPN/LVNs are crucial in supporting the RN by carrying out tasks within their scope of practice under the RN's supervision. This is essential to ensure efficient patient care delivery and allow the RN to focus on more complex nursing assessments and interventions. A: Supplementing the staffing pattern when an RN is not available is incorrect because UAP and LPN/LVNs work alongside RNs, not as substitutes for them. C: Replacing the RN in long-term care settings is incorrect as UAP and LPN/LVNs provide valuable assistance but do not replace the RN's role. D: Providing patient teaching to allow more direct care by the RN is incorrect as UAP and LPN/LVNs focus on task-based care rather than patient education, which is typically within the RN's scope of practice.
Question 9 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.