ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
When the nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, he or she is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when a nurse manager conducts a qualitative analysis of budget variances, they need to reconcile the underlying assumptions on which the budget was based with current conditions. This involves reviewing the initial budget assumptions to see if they still hold true and adjusting them accordingly. This step ensures that the budget remains relevant and accurate. A is incorrect because determining the percentage increase of supply usage does not involve a qualitative analysis of budget variances. B is incorrect because identifying the overall increase in the dollar amount of salaries paid for overtime is a quantitative analysis, not qualitative. C is incorrect because comparing productivity metrics across nursing units is a different type of analysis and not specifically related to budget variances.
Question 2 of 5
A teenage patient is using earphones to listen to hard rock music and is making gestures in rhythm to the music. The nurse assesses the amount of urine output in the Foley catheter and leaves the room. What communication technique is demonstrated in both of these situations?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blocking. In both situations, the patient's actions are ignored or dismissed, indicating a lack of active listening. Blocking involves avoiding communication by not acknowledging the patient's gestures or needs. The nurse fails to engage with the patient and address their non-verbal cues. Summary: B: Filtration is not relevant as it involves selectively presenting information. C: Empathy is not demonstrated as the nurse is not responding to the patient's non-verbal cues. D: False assurance is not applicable as it involves giving misleading reassurance, which is not present in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse gives Dilantin intravenously with lactated Ringer's solution containing multivitamins. The drug precipitates and obstructs the only existing line. When the team leader informs the nurse that these drugs cannot be mixed, the nurse states, "Everyone just pushes the medicine slowly. No one checks for compatibility. There isn't even a compatibility chart on the unit." Which type of logical fallacy has influenced the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Appeal to common practice. The nurse's argument that "everyone just pushes the medicine slowly" and that "no one checks for compatibility" is based on the common practice in the unit rather than on scientific evidence or guidelines. This logical fallacy assumes that just because something is commonly done, it must be correct. In this case, the nurse is disregarding the importance of checking drug compatibility and following proper protocols. Incorrect choices: A: Ad hominem abusive - This choice involves attacking the person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself, which is not evident in the scenario. C: Appeal to emotion - This choice would involve using emotions to manipulate the audience rather than relying on logic or evidence, which is not the case in the scenario. D: Appeal to tradition - This choice would involve arguing that something is right or good because it has been done that way for a long time, which is not explicitly stated in the scenario.
Question 4 of 5
During a health history interview, the nurse listens to a patient relating the precipitating events that led to the onset of chest pain. She focuses her attention on the patient, makes eye contact, and acknowledges what the patient has to say. The nurse is exhibiting:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: active listening. Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, making eye contact, acknowledging what they are saying, and showing genuine interest in their words. In this scenario, the nurse is attentively listening to the patient's account of the events leading to chest pain, demonstrating active listening skills by being present in the moment and engaging with the patient's narrative. A: Assertive communication involves expressing one's thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is not actively expressing her thoughts or feelings in this situation. C: Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another. While empathy is important in nursing care, the nurse in this scenario is primarily engaged in listening rather than specifically expressing empathy. D: Passive communication is characterized by a lack of assertiveness and active engagement in the conversation. This choice is incorrect because the nurse is actively listening and engaging with the patient's narrative.
Question 5 of 5
A patient's spouse was just diagnosed with lung cancer although there was no history of tobacco use. The spouse states, "I am so mad. How can you get cancer without smoking?" Which statement by the nurse represents empathy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging and validating the spouse's feelings of anger. By stating, "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis," the nurse shows compassion and understanding towards the spouse's emotional response. This response helps to build trust and rapport with the patient's spouse during a difficult time. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses more on providing information rather than acknowledging the spouse's emotions. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the spouse's feelings of anger and is not relevant to the situation. Choice D is incorrect as it comes across as confrontational and may make the spouse feel defensive.