ATI RN
Contemporary Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse who organizes screenings for employees, assesses the work environment for hazards, and teaches health-promoting activities is employed in the field of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: occupational health. Occupational health nurses focus on promoting and maintaining the health and safety of workers in various industries. They conduct screenings, assess workplace hazards, and provide education on health-related topics. Infection control (choice A) mainly involves preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Informatics (choice C) involves the use of technology to manage and analyze health data. Transportation specialization (choice D) focuses on transportation-related health and safety issues. Therefore, the most appropriate choice for the described role is occupational health.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following statements concerning the Institute of Medicine (IOM) competencies is correct?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the IOM competencies aim to improve healthcare by addressing both individual and system-based approaches. This is crucial as it recognizes that improving healthcare requires a comprehensive approach that involves changing both individual behaviors and systemic structures. A: Each competency is mutually exclusive - This is incorrect as the competencies are designed to work together, not in isolation. B: The competencies focus on individual efforts to reduce errors - This is incorrect as the competencies also emphasize the importance of systemic changes to prevent errors. C: Physicians lead the team to achieve each competency - This is incorrect as the competencies are meant to be achieved collaboratively by a multidisciplinary team, not solely led by physicians.
Question 3 of 5
A community in the New Madrid fault zone experiences an earthquake resulting in injuries from propelled objects and abrasions for many victims. The local supply of antibiotics is quickly exhausted. Local authorities would contact the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Strategic National Stockpile. This is because the Strategic National Stockpile is a federal repository of antibiotics, medical supplies, and equipment to respond to public health emergencies. In this scenario, the local supply of antibiotics is exhausted, so contacting the Strategic National Stockpile would provide the necessary antibiotics to treat the injured victims. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: The Commissioned Corps Readiness Force is a team of health professionals who can be deployed during public health emergencies, but they do not specifically store or distribute medical supplies like antibiotics. C: The Department of Homeland Security focuses on national security and disaster response, but they do not directly handle the distribution of medical supplies like antibiotics. D: The local Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is a community organization that is not equipped to provide medical supplies for emergency response situations like this earthquake scenario.
Question 4 of 5
Nurse practice acts:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nurse practice acts are written and passed by legislators. This is because nurse practice acts are laws that govern the scope of practice for nurses, outlining their responsibilities, licensure requirements, and standards of care. Legislators create and pass these acts to ensure public safety and regulate the nursing profession. Choice B is incorrect because special interest groups can influence legislation. Choice C is incorrect as nurse practice acts also apply to other types of nurses, not just RNs. Choice D is incorrect as dentist practices are governed by separate laws and regulations.
Question 5 of 5
"A patient with end-stage renal disease has a potassium level of 5 mEq/L. Based on this laboratory result, the nurse interprets which symptom as significant prompting which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: Irregular heartbeat is a significant symptom of hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should evaluate capillary refill to assess perfusion. High potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias. Monitoring capillary refill provides insight into tissue perfusion, helping to assess the severity of the condition and guide appropriate interventions. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Drowsiness is not a typical symptom of hyperkalemia. Stimulating the patient every 30 minutes does not address the underlying issue. B: Confusion is not a common symptom of hyperkalemia. Asking the patient to state their name and birthdate does not address the cardiac implications of high potassium levels. D: Muscle cramps may occur with hyperkalemia but are not as critical as irregular heartbeat. Elevating the affected limb is not the priority in this situation.