ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
Throughout the history of health care in our nation, one particular piece of federal legislation provided funds for hospital construction. As the number of hospitals rapidly increased, the need for nurses to staff hospitals also increased, and the shift from community-based nursing care to hospital-based nursing care began. This fundamental piece of legislation was the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hill-Burton Act. The Hill-Burton Act, passed in 1946, provided federal funds for hospital construction, leading to a significant increase in the number of hospitals. This increase in hospital facilities created a higher demand for nurses to staff them, thereby initiating the shift from community-based nursing care to hospital-based care. The Sheppard-Towner Act (A) focused on maternal and child health programs, not hospital construction. The Veterans Bill (C) primarily addresses healthcare benefits for veterans. The Access to Health Care Bill (D) is a generic term and does not refer to a specific piece of legislation related to hospital construction or nursing staffing.
Question 2 of 9
A group of new graduate nurses is asked to speak to a group of politicians to describe the current state of professional nursing and how best to alleviate the nursing shortage. Which statements accurately portray professional nursing today and tomorrow? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the current trend in nursing education shows an increasing number of registered nurses (RNs) attaining a bachelor's degree compared to an associate degree or diploma. This shift is supported by research indicating that BSN-prepared nurses have better patient outcomes. Choice B is incorrect because while there is indeed a trend towards more outpatient and home health care, it does not necessarily mean that more RNs practice in these settings than in acute care. Choice C is incorrect as nurse practitioner is the most popular advanced practice specialty, not nurse anesthesia. Choice D is incorrect as it makes a broad and unsubstantiated statement based on ethnicity, which does not accurately represent the trends in nursing education and graduate studies.
Question 3 of 9
Several novice nurses share lunch breaks and have comments such as, "I have insomnia from worrying about what I forgot to do for my patient," and "I have no energy," and "I can't believe I can't do my job correctly." These novice nurses are each experiencing different symptoms of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: burnout. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. In this scenario, the novice nurses are exhibiting symptoms such as insomnia, lack of energy, and self-doubt, which are commonly associated with burnout. Burnout is specifically related to work-related stressors and can lead to negative feelings about one's job performance. Incorrect choices: B: Low self-esteem - While low self-esteem could be a contributing factor, the symptoms described are more indicative of burnout. C: Lack of confidence - Lack of confidence may be a result of burnout, but it is not the primary issue in this scenario. D: Resilience - Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, but the symptoms described suggest that the nurses are struggling with stress and exhaustion rather than demonstrating resilience.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is interested in learning the phases of the disaster continuum and realizes it has many similarities to the nursing process. To better understand the phases of a disaster, which is true when comparing the phases of the disaster continuum to the nursing process?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the preparedness phase of the disaster continuum aligns with the assessment and planning steps of the nursing process. In both situations, assessment involves identifying potential risks or needs, while planning entails developing strategies to address those risks or needs. Preparedness in disasters is about assessing vulnerabilities and creating plans to mitigate risks, which is akin to the initial steps in the nursing process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately match the phases of the disaster continuum with the corresponding steps in the nursing process. B incorrectly associates recovery with planning, C incorrectly links recovery with implementation, and D incorrectly pairs response relief with evaluation.
Question 5 of 9
A registered nurse (RN) is assigned as charge nurse for the first time. She knows to consult the state board of nursing to determine scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPN) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). She also realizes there are common policies which exist in most state practice acts that include:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when delegating tasks, the RN must first assess the patient to determine their needs and condition. This assessment is crucial in deciding which tasks can be safely delegated to the LPN or UAP. By assessing the patient, the RN can ensure that the delegated tasks are appropriate, match the competency of the delegatee, and are within the scope of practice for each individual. This step is essential to maintain patient safety and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect because while the RN is accountable for the decision to delegate, both accountability and responsibility rest with the RN, not just the delegatee. Choice B is incorrect because tasks should only be delegated within the scope of practice of the delegatee, not based on the delegatee's personal certainty of competence. Choice C is incorrect as LPNs have a distinct scope of practice that is separate from professional nursing, and they do not practice professional nursing.
Question 6 of 9
A male nurse hired to work in the emergency department is observed throwing a contaminated needle into the trash can. The team leader reprimands the nurse for not appropriately disposing of sharps. The nurse states, "You don't care that I threw the needle in the trash. You just want an all-female staff," putting the team leader in a defensive position. This communication technique is known as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: red herring. In this scenario, the male nurse deflects the issue of improper sharps disposal by accusing the team leader of having ulterior motives related to gender discrimination. This is a classic example of a red herring, where the nurse introduces an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the original issue. The nurse's response does not address the concern raised about sharps disposal but instead shifts the focus to an unrelated accusation. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the communication technique used in the scenario. A straw man involves misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack, slippery slope is a form of logical fallacy, and confusing cause and effect refers to a mistaken understanding of the relationship between two events.
Question 7 of 9
When planning, a nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because acknowledging that most tasks take longer than expected allows the nurse to allocate sufficient time and resources for effective planning. This helps in preventing delays, ensuring tasks are completed on time, and minimizing stress. Choice A is incorrect as delaying planning can lead to disorganization and inefficiency. Choice B is incorrect as rewarding oneself can be a positive reinforcement for motivation. Choice C is incorrect as excessive task rotation may hinder focus and productivity. In summary, being aware of task duration variations is crucial for effective planning in nursing practice.
Question 8 of 9
While participating in a task force to proactively plan for nursing care delivery over the next 20 years, a nurse learns that dramatic changes will occur as a result of: (select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the increase in the number of minimally invasive procedures being performed for disease treatment. This is because advancements in medical technology have led to a shift towards less invasive procedures, impacting how nursing care is delivered. Minimally invasive procedures often require specialized care and monitoring, necessitating changes in nursing practice. Choice B is incorrect as care provided for patients over an extended period in acute care settings is not a significant factor driving dramatic changes in nursing care delivery over the next 20 years. This scenario is more related to the current healthcare system rather than future changes. Choice C is incorrect as the reduction in the number of nurses and healthcare professionals available to provide care is unlikely to be a driving force for dramatic changes. In fact, efforts are being made to address the nursing shortage through various initiatives. Choice D is incorrect as widespread illiteracy and decreased self-efficacy of the aging patient population, while important considerations for nursing care, are not the primary factors driving dramatic changes in
Question 9 of 9
A patient who is interested in herbal medicine attends a seminar to learn more about complementary alternative medicine (CAM). The patient learns that a common belief related to all CAMs includes that: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Many different CAMs focus on specific body parts and the mind: This statement aligns with the holistic approach of CAM, which emphasizes treating the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. 2. CAMs are not limited to interventions for diseased body parts; they often aim to promote overall well-being and address underlying causes. 3. Individualized treatment is a common principle in CAM, but it is not the defining belief shared by all CAM practices. 4. The body's ability to repair itself is a fundamental concept in CAM, and natural remedies are often used to support and enhance this innate healing process. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because it contradicts the fundamental belief in the body's self-healing abilities in CAM. Choice C is incorrect because CAM often focuses on promoting health and preventing disease rather than just intervening in diseased body parts. Choice D is also incorrect as individualized treatment is not a universal belief among all