ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse managers of an organization are meeting with administration to plan the budget. The above graph shows last year's 2011 expenditures, and the team will trend the upcoming budget knowing that, with the slowdown in the economy, patient census will be lower. Which budget approach is being used?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zero-based. Zero-based budgeting requires starting from scratch each budget cycle, meaning all expenses must be justified regardless of previous budgets. In this scenario, the nurse managers are planning for a budget based on the expectation of lower patient census due to the economic slowdown. This aligns with the zero-based approach as they will need to re-evaluate and justify all expenses to accommodate the changes in patient volume. A: Incremental budgeting involves making adjustments to the previous budget, which is not suitable for significant changes like a decrease in patient census. C: Productivity metrics focus on measuring efficiency and performance, rather than the budgeting approach. D: Capital budgeting is related to long-term investments in assets, which is not the primary focus in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse gives Dilantin intravenously with lactated Ringer's solution containing multivitamins. The drug precipitates and obstructs the only existing line. When the team leader informs the nurse that these drugs cannot be mixed, the nurse states, "Everyone just pushes the medicine slowly. No one checks for compatibility. There isn't even a compatibility chart on the unit." Which type of logical fallacy has influenced the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Appeal to common practice. The nurse's argument that "everyone just pushes the medicine slowly" and that "no one checks for compatibility" is based on the common practice in the unit rather than on scientific evidence or guidelines. This logical fallacy assumes that just because something is commonly done, it must be correct. In this case, the nurse is disregarding the importance of checking drug compatibility and following proper protocols. Incorrect choices: A: Ad hominem abusive - This choice involves attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself, which is not evident in the scenario. C: Appeal to emotion - This choice would involve using emotions to manipulate the audience rather than relying on logic or evidence, which is not the case in the scenario. D: Appeal to tradition - This choice would involve arguing that something is right or good because it has been done that way for a long time, which is not explicitly stated in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
During a health history interview, the nurse listens to a patient relating the precipitating events that led to the onset of chest pain. She focuses her attention on the patient, makes eye contact, and acknowledges what the patient has to say. The nurse is exhibiting:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: active listening. Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, making eye contact, acknowledging what they are saying, and showing genuine interest in their words. In this scenario, the nurse is attentively listening to the patient's account of the events leading to chest pain, demonstrating active listening skills by being present in the moment and engaging with the patient's narrative. A: Assertive communication involves expressing one's thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is not actively expressing her thoughts or feelings in this situation. C: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. While empathy is important in nursing care, the nurse in this scenario is primarily engaged in listening rather than specifically expressing empathy. D: Passive communication is characterized by a lack of assertiveness and active engagement in the conversation. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is actively listening and engaging with the patient's narrative.
Question 4 of 5
A patient's spouse was just diagnosed with lung cancer although there was no history of tobacco use. The spouse states, "I am so mad. How can you get cancer without smoking?" Which statement by the nurse represents empathy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging and validating the spouse's feelings of anger. By stating, "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis," the nurse shows compassion and understanding towards the spouse's emotional response. This response helps to build trust and rapport with the patient's spouse during a difficult time. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses more on providing information rather than acknowledging the spouse's emotions. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the spouse's feelings of anger and is not relevant to the situation. Choice D is incorrect as it comes across as confrontational and may make the spouse feel defensive.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is overhead saying, "I don't mind working during the election and holiday. My parents are divorced, money is tight, and honestly I don't trust any politicians anyway. I plan to take a few weeks off next month." She works independently to research strategies to improve patient-centered care for the large number of immigrants that arrived in the area and then works with the team to share ideas. She recommends, "Let's think the suggestions over and come back together next week." This nurse's communication style is consistent with which generation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's communication style of working independently, sharing ideas with the team, and suggesting a collaborative approach aligns with Generation X characteristics. Generation X values independence, work-life balance, and collaboration. Baby Boomers (A) tend to be more hierarchical, Traditionalists (B) prioritize loyalty and respect for authority, and Millennials (D) are known for their tech-savvy and collaborative nature, but the nurse's approach best fits Generation X.