Three illegal immigrants with no health insurance or money sustained life-threatening injuries during an automobile accident. Two of these individuals had head trauma and lacerated internal organs. The decision was made to provide extended care in the trauma center after emergency surgery was performed to save their lives. The third individual received only minor injuries, which were treated in the emergency department. The care of the two critical clients was based on the ethical principle of:

Questions 113

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 5

Three illegal immigrants with no health insurance or money sustained life-threatening injuries during an automobile accident. Two of these individuals had head trauma and lacerated internal organs. The decision was made to provide extended care in the trauma center after emergency surgery was performed to save their lives. The third individual received only minor injuries, which were treated in the emergency department. The care of the two critical clients was based on the ethical principle of:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical principle that focuses on maximizing overall well-being and minimizing harm. In this scenario, the decision to provide extended care to the two critical individuals with life-threatening injuries aligns with utilitarianism as it prioritizes saving the most lives and reducing suffering. By choosing to allocate resources to those with the most severe injuries, the healthcare providers are aiming to maximize the overall benefit to society. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B: Deontology focuses on following rules and duties regardless of the consequences. In this case, the decision to provide care based on severity of injuries goes against a strict deontological approach. C: Autonomy emphasizes respecting individuals' rights to make their own decisions about their care, which is not the primary consideration in this scenario. D: Veracity pertains to honesty and truthfulness in communication, which is not directly relevant to the decision-making process in this healthcare scenario.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is admitting a Mexican-American child, and the mother comments that the child was exposed to mal ojo. The nurse should expect to find which symptom associated with this exposure?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nervous tension. Mal ojo, commonly known as the evil eye, is a belief in many Latin American cultures that certain people have the power to cause harm with their gaze. Symptoms associated with mal ojo typically include nervous tension, irritability, and restlessness. Fever (choice A) is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Bruising (choice C) is also not typically associated with mal ojo. Somnolence (choice D) refers to excessive sleepiness, which is not a common symptom of mal ojo. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it aligns with the cultural belief and expected symptoms of mal ojo.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse is submitting a grant application to improve access to health care and mortality for minority groups. The grant focuses on the six causes of death that are identified as priorities for minorities, which include:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is because COPD is a leading cause of death among minority groups due to factors like smoking, pollution exposure, and healthcare disparities. This aligns with the grant's goal of improving health outcomes for minorities. Malnutrition (B) is not a top cause of death for minorities. Cirrhosis of the liver (C) is more common in certain populations but not a top priority for this grant. Cancer (D) is a significant concern, but COPD is more prevalent among minority groups.

Question 4 of 5

A cultural phenomenon that is based on biologic variation would include:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it describes a cultural belief that attributes a physical trait (cleft lip) to a specific biological event (exposure to an eclipse during pregnancy). This choice demonstrates a cultural phenomenon based on biologic variation. Choice B is incorrect because it attributes denser bones in blacks to less morbidity from osteoporosis, which is a generalization and not necessarily a cultural phenomenon. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a family dynamic related to healthcare decision-making and not a cultural belief based on biologic variation. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a family tradition related to feasting and decision-making, which does not directly involve biologic variation.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse caring for a Hispanic child admitted with diarrhea notices the child is wearing red yarn around the wrist. The nurse compliments the child's "jewelry," knowing it is believed to prevent:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: mal ojo. In Hispanic culture, red yarn around the wrist is believed to protect against mal ojo, or "evil eye." This belief stems from the idea that envy or admiration can lead to negative energy being directed at a person, particularly children, causing harm or illness. By complimenting the child's "jewelry," the nurse is acknowledging and respecting the cultural belief in warding off mal ojo. Summary: - A: Mal ojo is the correct answer as the red yarn is believed to protect against it. - B: Susto is a condition related to fright or soul loss, not associated with red yarn. - C: Bilis refers to bile and is not relevant to the red yarn. - D: Empacho is a digestive illness, unrelated to the red yarn tradition.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions