ATI RN
Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is interviewing a patient who is 6-weeks pregnant. The patient asks the nurse, “Why is elective abortion considered such an ethical issue?” Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? N R I G B.C M
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is that there is a conflict between the rights of the woman and the rights of the fetus when discussing elective abortion as an ethical issue. This response highlights the ethical dilemma involved in abortion, where one must consider the rights and autonomy of the pregnant woman as well as the potential rights of the fetus. Ethical debates often revolve around balancing these conflicting rights and interests, making elective abortion a complex and sensitive issue. It acknowledges the ethical implications of abortion without making definitive statements or legal references like the other options.
Question 2 of 5
A charge nurse is working on a postpartum unit and discovers that one of the patients did not receive AM care during her shift assessment. The charge nurse questions the nurse assigned to provide care and finds out that the nurse thought “the patient should just do it by herself because she will have to do this at home.” On further questioning of the nurse, it is determined that the rest of her assigned patients were provided AM care. The assigned nurse has violated which ethical principle?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Justice in healthcare ethics refers to the fair and equal distribution of resources, care, and treatment. In this scenario, the nurse's decision to not provide AM care to the specific patient, while providing care to other patients, violates the principle of justice. It is unfair and unjust to selectively provide care based on personal assumptions rather than patients' needs. All patients should be treated equally and receive appropriate care regardless of individual beliefs or assumptions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was just admitted to the labor and birth unit in active labor at term. The patient informed the nurse, “I have not received any prenatal care because I cannot afford to go to the doctor. And, this is my third baby, so I know what to expect.” What is the nurse’s primary concern when developing the patient’s plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's primary concern when developing the plan of care for a patient who has not received prenatal care and is now in active labor is the risk of low birth weight for the baby. Prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, ensuring appropriate growth and development, and identifying any potential issues early on. Without prenatal care, important factors such as maternal nutritional status, appropriate weight gain, screening for conditions that can affect the baby's growth, and management of any complications during pregnancy may not have been addressed. As a result, the baby is at increased risk for being born with a low birth weight, which can lead to various health problems and complications both immediately after birth and in the long term. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring and addressing the risk of low birth weight in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
Which situation is most representative of an extended family?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An extended family is a type of family unit that includes not only the nuclear family (parents and children) but also other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., all living together or in close proximity. Option D, which states that the family is composed of children, parents, and grandparents living in the same house, is most representative of an extended family structure. This situation reflects the multi-generational aspect of an extended family where multiple generations live together and contribute to the household dynamics.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse in labor and birth is caring for a Muslim patient during the active phase of labor. The nurse notes that the patient quickly draws away when touched. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The appropriate intervention for the nurse to implement in this situation is to limit touching to a minimum because physical contact may not be acceptable in the patient's culture. In Islam, modesty and privacy are significant aspects of the faith, and physical contact, especially with someone of the opposite gender, may be considered inappropriate or uncomfortable for the patient. Respecting and acknowledging the patient's cultural background and preferences is essential in providing culturally competent care. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to be mindful of the patient's boundaries and minimize any unnecessary physical contact while still providing necessary care and support during labor.