When assessing an ethical issue, the nurse must first:

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Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 5

When assessing an ethical issue, the nurse must first:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.

Question 2 of 5

The Health Care Reform Act provides insurance for all U.S. citizens and legal residents presenting far-reaching ethical considerations related to diverse individual patient health care beliefs for those delivering nursing care. Nurses must consider their civil rights under the rights of conscience and how new health care agendas such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) could affect their practice in situations that may conflict with their own belief system. Today's practicing nurse must:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Professional duty: Nurses have a duty to provide patient-centered care regardless of personal beliefs. 2. Legal liability: Withholding treatment based on personal beliefs can lead to legal consequences. 3. Ethical considerations: Nurses must prioritize patient care over personal beliefs. 4. Rights of conscience: Nurses may have the right to refuse to participate in certain treatments, but they must still ensure patient care. 5. Patient-centered care: Nurses must respect patient autonomy and provide care based on the patient's wishes. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B. Irrelevant to the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care. C. Nurses should not impose their beliefs on patients but should respect and support their choices. D. Suggesting the hospital not accept federal funding does not address the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care.

Question 3 of 5

A Mexican-American patient is attacked and beaten. This patient is at risk for "fright disease," which is known as:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: susto. Susto is a cultural-bound syndrome in Mexican-American culture characterized by emotional distress due to a frightening or traumatic experience. This patient, having been attacked and beaten, is at risk for susto due to the emotional impact of the incident. Empacho refers to indigestion, bilis to anger, and mal ojo to the evil eye, none of which are directly related to the emotional distress caused by a traumatic event like in the case of susto.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is given a referral to make a home visit to a Russian immigrant. The nurse knows very little about the health beliefs of this ethnic group. To research this group, she can use an Internet search engine and enter the term "Russian cultures" or "Russian health beliefs." To obtain more generalized information, she could also search under:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: federally recognized minorities. This is because Russian immigrants are considered a federally recognized minority group in the United States. By searching under this category, the nurse can find specific and relevant information about the health beliefs and practices of this particular ethnic group. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically pertain to the Russian immigrant population. Marginalized populations (B) may include various minority groups but may not provide specific information about Russian immigrants. Similarly, Asian/Pacific Islander cultures (C) and Latino cultures (D) do not encompass the unique health beliefs and practices of Russian immigrants.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse plans to move to an area that is rich in immigrants from several countries and is concerned about respecting others' cultural beliefs. The nurse's first step to ensure cultural competence and sensitivity is to:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: conduct a cultural self-assessment. This is the first step to ensure cultural competence because it allows the nurse to reflect on their own beliefs, biases, and cultural background, which can impact interactions with culturally diverse clients. By understanding one's own cultural identity, the nurse can better appreciate and respect the beliefs of others. Choice A is incorrect because enrolling in a nursing theories course may provide knowledge but does not address the nurse's own biases. Choice B is also incorrect as immersion in nursing literature may increase knowledge but does not promote self-awareness. Choice C is incorrect as focusing on health assessment variations does not necessarily address cultural sensitivity in interactions. Conducting a cultural self-assessment is essential for building a foundation of cultural competence and respect.

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