ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The occupational health and safety nurse would like to develop programs designed to decrease mortality and morbidity among the workforce. When considering factors related to mortality among health care workers, the nurse should focus efforts on prevention of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: bloodborne disease. Health care workers are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis B and C. Prevention strategies include proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to infection control protocols. Bloodborne diseases can have serious consequences on the health and well-being of healthcare workers, leading to mortality and morbidity if not properly prevented. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Suicide - While mental health is an important concern, it is not specifically related to mortality among healthcare workers. B: Violence related injury - While workplace violence is a concern, it may not be the leading cause of mortality among healthcare workers. D: Ergonomic hazards - While important for preventing injuries, it may not directly relate to mortality among healthcare workers compared to bloodborne diseases.
Question 2 of 5
Nurses in a unionized hospital are paid "compensatory pay" when working holidays equal to the number of hours worked with no extra compensation. Although they have suggested changes during the annual survey of employee satisfaction, management refuses to consider another system for compensatory pay. A trained member listened to both nurses and management to make recommendations that were not legally binding. This type of settlement is termed:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: mediation. In this scenario, a trained member listened to both parties (nurses and management) and made recommendations that were not legally binding. Mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating communication and negotiation between conflicting parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. It is non-binding, unlike binding arbitration, where a decision is imposed on the parties. Picketing involves organized striking by employees to protest against employer practices. Grievance is a formal complaint process within an organization. Mediation is the appropriate term for this non-binding settlement process in this context.
Question 3 of 5
A group of RNs wish to seek union representation that would protect all workers in the agency including nonlicensed assistive personnel and non-nursing employees such as nutritionists and dietary workers. The type of union being sought is the strongest collective group and is known as a(n):
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: industrial union. Industrial unions represent all workers in a particular industry regardless of their specific job roles, providing collective bargaining power for a broader group. In this scenario, the RNs seeking union representation aim to include nonlicensed personnel and non-nursing employees, making an industrial union the most appropriate choice. A: Occupational union focuses on specific occupational groups, not as inclusive as industrial unions. C: Union shop refers to a workplace where all employees must join the union after being hired, not related to the scope of representation. D: Right-to-work bargaining organization allows employees to choose whether or not to join the union, not the strongest type of union for collective representation.
Question 4 of 5
A large corporation employs nurses all over the United States. Nurses in one agency learned that fellow nurses in another agency are striking because they are required to work 16-hour shifts to cover for nurses who have left due to unsafe staffing practices. The union of the nonstriking agency nurses decides to stop work to support the nurses who are striking; thus, this union:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the union of the nonstriking agency nurses is engaging in a sympathy strike to support their fellow nurses who are striking due to unsafe working conditions. A sympathy strike is legal as long as it is conducted correctly. In this case, the nonstriking agency nurses are showing solidarity with their colleagues to address the issue of unsafe staffing practices. Choice A is incorrect because the union's decision to support the striking nurses does not automatically expose them to a lawsuit. Choice B is incorrect as the union represents only one group of nurses, not both parties. Choice D is incorrect because there is no legal requirement for the union to pay for any losses incurred by the agency during the strike. Overall, the correct answer is C because it accurately reflects the union's action of participating in a sympathy strike to show support for the striking nurses.
Question 5 of 5
It is important to realize that nurses may seek unionization if: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because it highlights a significant issue related to patient safety - medication errors caused by delayed shift reports. This creates a legitimate concern for nurses regarding the effectiveness of communication and ultimately patient care. Seeking unionization could be a way for nurses to address this issue collectively. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on physician coverage rather than nurse concerns. - Choice B is incorrect as it addresses staffing and scheduling but does not directly relate to nurses seeking unionization. - Choice D is incorrect as it describes a collaborative care approach, which does not necessarily indicate a need for unionization among nurses.