ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
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 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 3 of 9
A care provider sacrifices an animal and waves an herb-filled sack over a client who is complaining of painful joints and chest pain with exertion. This ritual represents health care during:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the prehistoric period. During this time, people relied heavily on spiritual beliefs and rituals for healing. Sacrificing animals and using herbs in rituals to treat ailments was common practice. In contrast, early civilization in Egypt (B) had more advanced medical practices, the Renaissance (C) saw a shift towards scientific medicine, and the Middle Ages (D) had a mix of spiritual and medical practices, but not as primitive as the prehistoric period.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is brought in who testifies that a professional with the knowledge and skill of an RN should understand that, before administering this drug, potassium level and pulse level is always checked to prevent such an occurrence. The nurse's testimony as to what constitutes reasonable care is based on:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the legal definition of standard of care. In healthcare, the standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare professional would provide in similar circumstances. Checking potassium level and pulse before administering a drug is considered standard practice to prevent adverse reactions. The nurse's testimony is based on this standard of care requirement to ensure patient safety and avoid potential harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the concept of standard of care in healthcare practice. B pertains to patient consent, C to the doctrine of "the thing speaks for itself," and D to immunity from liability for certain actions.
Question 5 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 6 of 9
A daughter tells the nurse that, "Mom will be as good as new when we get this advanced cancer cured." How can the nurse best help the daughter in the role of caregiver?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because setting realistic goals is crucial for managing expectations and promoting effective caregiving. By helping the daughter understand the reality of the situation and setting achievable goals, the nurse can support both the mother's care and the daughter's emotional well-being. Option B does not address the daughter's emotional needs or the importance of realistic expectations. Option C focuses on the patient's perspective rather than the daughter's role as a caregiver. Option D, while beneficial for emotional expression, does not directly address the need for realistic goal-setting in caregiving.
Question 7 of 9
Time is becoming crucial for the nurse to address issues related to sponsoring programs to include hearing aid costs as part of Medicare coverage. The nurse involved in grassroots political actions realizes that the least timely method of reaching elected officials would be via:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: letter. Writing a physical letter and sending it through traditional mail is the least timely method of reaching elected officials. It takes longer for letters to be delivered and processed compared to other electronic forms of communication like telephone, email, and fax. Elected officials may not receive and respond to letters in a timely manner, especially when time is crucial. Telephone, email, and fax offer quicker and more direct communication, allowing for faster responses and action. Therefore, choosing to reach out to elected officials via a letter would be the least timely method in this scenario.
Question 8 of 9
The use of research to guide nursing practice is called:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: utilization. Research utilization refers to the application of research findings in nursing practice to improve patient outcomes. Utilization involves integrating research evidence into clinical decision-making. Dissemination (B) refers to sharing research findings. Generalizability (C) pertains to the extent to which research findings can be applied to different populations or settings. Analysis (D) involves examining data to draw conclusions, but it does not specifically relate to using research in practice like utilization does.
Question 9 of 9
It is important for nurses to know the functions of the branches of the federal government. At a local meeting of the state nurses' association, an officer reminds members that the branch that is capable of originating major policy initiatives is thebranch.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: legislative. The legislative branch, which consists of Congress, is responsible for creating and enacting laws, including major policy initiatives. This branch has the power to propose, debate, and pass legislation that shapes public policy. The executive branch (choice A) enforces laws, the judicial branch (choice C) interprets laws, and the administrative branch (choice D) oversees the implementation of laws. In this context, the legislative branch is the primary entity for originating major policy initiatives, making it crucial for nurses to understand its functions.