ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
The practice of nurses, nursing students, and faculty is affected by demographic changes due to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: increasing numbers of obese children and adults. This demographic change directly impacts the practice of nurses by requiring specialized care and interventions for obesity-related health issues. Nurses need to be equipped to address the unique needs of obese patients. A is incorrect because the growing percentage of adults ages 50 to 55 years does not necessarily impact nursing practice significantly. C is incorrect as changes in family structure do not directly affect nursing care. D is incorrect because social programs alone cannot eliminate poverty entirely and poverty remains a significant factor affecting healthcare access and outcomes.
Question 2 of 9
In the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examination test plan, client needs form the organizing framework of the examination with questions in four categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiologic integrity. Certain processes are then integrated throughout the categories of client needs. Which process is integrated into all client need categories?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 1. Infection control is crucial in ensuring safe and effective care for all clients. 2. Infection control measures are essential in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. 3. Infection control is relevant in promoting and maintaining health by preventing illness. 4. Psychosocial integrity can be compromised by infections, making infection control important in this category. 5. Physiologic integrity involves preventing and managing infections through proper protocols. 6. While teaching/learning, health promotion, and pharmacology are important, they are not integrated into all client need categories like infection control.
Question 3 of 9
A novice nurse notices the medication nurse hurriedly gathering medications to be administered for the entire day, removing them from the packages, and placing them in a paper cup with the patient's name and room number on the cup. When one of the patients points at a pill and asks, "What is this?" and "What does this do?" the medication nurse is uncertain, because it has long since been removed from the packaging. The novice nurse speaks to the nurse manager about her observations and describes her concerns. The novice nurse has assumed the role of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Change agent Rationale: 1. A change agent is someone who identifies issues or concerns and takes action to implement positive changes. 2. In this scenario, the novice nurse recognized a potential problem with medication administration and spoke to the nurse manager to address it. 3. By seeking to improve medication safety practices, the novice nurse is actively working towards positive change within the healthcare setting. 4. The other choices are incorrect: - A "loner" implies someone who prefers to work alone, which is not relevant to the situation. - "Rutter" and "native" are not recognized terms in this context and do not apply to the nurse's actions.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse on the unit is heard saying, "I am not going to document that I used four catheters to start that IV; it doesn't matter anyway." What action can help the staff nurse understand the financial budget goals of the unit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because asking the nurse to represent the unit on the budget planning committee will directly expose them to the financial budget goals. This involvement will provide insight into the importance of accurate documentation and resource utilization. It offers a practical understanding of how decisions impact the unit's financial health. Summary: A: Working in payroll does not directly connect the nurse to the unit's financial goals. B: Personal finance CEUs are not specific to the unit's budget goals. D: Monitoring supplies is important but does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the unit's financial budget goals.
Question 5 of 9
A novice nurse is assigned a patient who has an order to draw blood for culture and sensitivity from a central line before antibiotic therapy is started. The novice reads and rereads the procedure manual. An hour later he stands at the bedside of the patient and stares at the central line, without knowing how to proceed. This phase of reality shock is termed:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: shock or rejection. This phase of reality shock is characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of how to proceed despite having knowledge. The novice nurse is experiencing a sense of rejection towards the situation due to the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This phase is common among new healthcare professionals as they transition from academic learning to real-world clinical practice. A: Honeymoon phase refers to the initial period of excitement and enthusiasm in a new role. C: Recovery phase is when the individual starts to adapt and become more comfortable with the new role. D: Resolution phase is the final stage where the individual fully integrates into the role and becomes confident and competent. In this scenario, the novice nurse is clearly struggling and feeling overwhelmed, indicating that they are in the shock or rejection phase, making choice B the correct answer.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is caring for a client who just consented to an elective abortion. The nurse is unsure of his or her own values as they relate to this issue. The nurse must:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Understanding one's values: It is essential for the nurse to know their own values and how these impact their nursing practice. 2. Relationship to beliefs and nursing philosophy: Knowing one's values helps align with the ethical principles and philosophy of nursing. 3. Ethical decision-making: By understanding personal values, the nurse can make informed and ethical decisions in the care of the client. 4. Professional integrity: Being aware of personal values promotes professional integrity and ensures the nurse's actions are in line with ethical standards. Summary: - Option B is incorrect as the focus should be on understanding and reconciling one's values rather than eliminating them. - Option C is incorrect as ignoring one's values can lead to ethical dilemmas and compromise the quality of care. - Option D is incorrect as values are subject to change and can be influenced by various factors, including professional experiences and education.
Question 7 of 9
In the near future, the largest segment of the population will be those over age 65 years. To advocate for this vulnerable population, a nurse was a strong supporter for the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D), which:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Medicare Modernization Act (Medicare Part D) provided coverage for medications that constituted a huge expense for the elderly. This is crucial for the aging population as they often require multiple medications for chronic conditions. Choice A is incorrect because vision care benefits for legally blind individuals are usually covered under Medicare Part B. Choice B is incorrect as the act specifically focused on medication coverage, not mental health/substance abuse services. Choice D is incorrect as the act did not directly address expanding practice opportunities for APRNs, but rather focused on medication coverage for the elderly population.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is heard making this comment, "I believe human dignity is based on perceived self-worth while caring is based on perceived role in society that forms the basis of nursing practice." This nurse is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer choice D is correct: 1. The nurse's statement suggests a proposition concerning the constructs of nursing practice, linking human dignity and caring to nursing roles. 2. The nurse is not demonstrating a model of human dignity (A), as they are discussing the relationship between human dignity and nursing practice, not modeling it. 3. The nurse is not evaluating the relevance of Leininger's Theory (B), as the statement does not mention cultural care theory, which is central to Leininger's work. 4. The nurse is not applying Mishel's Theory of Disease Uncertainty (C), as the statement does not discuss uncertainty in illness situations, which is the focus of Mishel's theory. In summary, answer choice D is correct because the nurse is making a proposition regarding the constructs of nursing practice based on the relationship between human dignity and caring in nursing roles.
Question 9 of 9
A certified oncology nurse notices that a novice nurse is unsure of decision making and lacks technical skills. The novice nurse gains confidence by sharing and learning with the experienced nurse. This relationship continues and builds, allowing the novice nurse to become more confident. This relationship is known as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mentoring. Mentoring involves an experienced individual guiding and supporting a less experienced individual to help them develop skills, confidence, and knowledge. In this scenario, the certified oncology nurse is providing guidance and support to the novice nurse, helping them gain confidence and improve decision-making and technical skills. Mentoring fosters a personalized and supportive relationship that allows for growth and development. Summary of other choices: B: Role modeling involves observing and emulating behaviors of others, but it does not necessarily involve the direct guidance and support seen in mentoring. C: Preceptorship typically refers to a structured program where a more experienced individual (preceptor) guides a less experienced individual (preceptee) for a specific period, which is more formalized than the relationship described in the scenario. D: Socialization refers to the process of adapting to the norms and values of a group or society, which is not directly related to the mentorship relationship described in the scenario.