ATI RN
Contemporary Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
When the client is unable to make medical decisions for himself or herself, authorization that allows another person to make these decisions is called:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: durable power of attorney. This legal document grants authority to another person, known as the healthcare proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on behalf of the client when they are unable to do so themselves. This is essential for ensuring that the client's wishes are respected and that appropriate medical care is provided. A: A living will is a document that outlines a person's preferences for medical treatment in case they become incapacitated, but it does not appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf. C: Informed consent is the process of ensuring that a patient understands the risks and benefits of a medical treatment before giving consent, but it does not authorize someone to make decisions on their behalf. D: Immunity refers to protection from legal liability and is not relevant to authorizing someone to make medical decisions for a client.
Question 2 of 5
Which types of abuse are the nurse required to report or be subject to fines and imprisonment for not reporting? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Child abuse. Nurses are mandated reporters of child abuse, meaning they are legally required to report any suspected or witnessed cases to the appropriate authorities. Failure to report can result in fines and imprisonment. Child abuse is a serious issue that requires immediate intervention to protect the safety and well-being of the child. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Animal abuse - While animal abuse is also a serious concern, nurses are not legally required to report it in the same way as child abuse. C: Alcohol abuse - Nurses may provide assistance and support for individuals struggling with alcohol abuse, but it is not a mandatory reporting requirement. D: Infant abuse - While abuse of infants falls under the category of child abuse, the specific term "infant abuse" is not a separate reporting requirement for nurses.
Question 3 of 5
In attempting to decide which services should be offered to a community, the public health nurse decides to implement hypertension screening and treatment because most of the residents are hypertensive. This decision is based on the principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is the ethical principle that actions should be chosen based on their ability to maximize overall happiness or well-being. In this scenario, implementing hypertension screening and treatment for a community where most residents are hypertensive aligns with utilitarianism as it aims to benefit the greatest number of people by improving their health outcomes. This decision focuses on the overall good of the community, making it the most ethical choice. Rationale for why other choices are incorrect: A: Veracity is the principle of truthfulness. While honesty is important in healthcare decision-making, it is not the primary factor in this scenario. B: Values refer to personal beliefs and principles. While values may influence decision-making, the primary focus in this scenario is on maximizing community health outcomes. D: Autonomy is the principle of respecting individuals' right to make their own decisions. While autonomy is important in healthcare, it is not the guiding principle in this scenario where the focus is
Question 4 of 5
The nurse who admits making a medication error and immediately files an incident report is demonstrating:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: accountability. By admitting the error and filing an incident report, the nurse is taking responsibility for their actions, being transparent, and willing to face the consequences. This demonstrates professionalism and integrity. Choice B is incorrect because it does not address the nurse's responsibility. Choice C is incorrect as it does not relate to the nurse's actions. Choice D is incorrect as values clarification is not demonstrated by admitting an error and reporting it.
Question 5 of 5
A client and her husband used in vitro fertilization to become pregnant. The unused sperm was frozen so the couple could have more children later. The husband is killed while in combat, and the client journals her choices and the possible ramifications. She comes to the fertility clinic after looking at the situation from many perspectives and after considering many alternatives. She asks that the sperm be destroyed because her husband's faith prohibited remarrying, and allowing another person to use the sperm would conflict with her late husband's beliefs. The nurse realizes that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client's decision to destroy the husband's sperm was based on reflection and the value systems of both the wife and the husband. Firstly, the client considered her late husband's faith and beliefs, showing reflection on his values. Secondly, she analyzed the situation from various perspectives and considered alternatives, indicating a rational decision-making process. This decision was reached after careful consideration of ethical and moral implications, demonstrating a logical and reasoned approach. In contrast, choices A and C imply shortcomings in the client's decision-making process, while choice B focuses solely on validation without considering the underlying reasoning. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate as it aligns with the client's thoughtful and value-based decision-making process.