ATI RN
Contemporary Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
When the policy process is compared with the nursing process, identifying the issue is consistent with which step of the nursing process?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assessment. In the nursing process, the first step is assessment, which involves gathering data to identify the issue or problem. Similarly, in the policy process, identifying the problem is equivalent to the assessment phase. This step sets the foundation for the subsequent steps of diagnosis, planning, and implementation. Choice B: Diagnosis is incorrect as it comes after assessment in the nursing process and focuses on analyzing the data to determine the underlying cause of the issue. Choice C: Planning is incorrect as it follows diagnosis in the nursing process and involves developing a plan of action based on the identified problem. Choice D: Implementation is incorrect as it is the final step in the nursing process where the plan is put into action after assessment, diagnosis, and planning have been completed.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is concerned about the risk of delegating tasks to licensed practical nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel. What is the best way for the nurse to determine competency of an inexperienced delegatee?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. By actually observing the delegatee perform the assigned task, the nurse can directly assess the competency of the delegatee in real-time. This allows the nurse to evaluate the delegatee's skills, knowledge, and adherence to protocols. Asking the delegatee how many times they have performed the task (B) may not accurately reflect their competency level. Asking the patient if the care provided was satisfactory (C) may not provide an objective assessment of the delegatee's competency. Asking other nurses if they feel the delegatee is competent (D) introduces bias and may not reflect the delegatee's actual abilities.
Question 3 of 9
A client who is reading a newspaper asks, "This article about health care states that many providers of health care lack effectiveness. What is the difference between effectiveness and efficiency?" The nurse explains that:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Define effectiveness and efficiency - Effectiveness is achieving the intended outcome, while efficiency is achieving the outcome with minimal waste. Step 2: Analyze option A - It correctly defines effectiveness as performing the correct test or intervention and efficiency as the wise use of supplies and resources for the desired outcome. Step 3: Justification - The nurse explains that many healthcare providers lack effectiveness, indicating they are not achieving the desired outcomes, which aligns with the definition of effectiveness in option A. Step 4: Summary of incorrect choices - B incorrectly defines efficiency as quick completion of tasks, C confuses efficiency with wastage, and D incorrectly associates efficiency with speed rather than minimal waste.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse explaining the above graph indicates the frequency of falls in 2011 to detect and possibly explain causes of variation. The peaks in June were attributed to regular staff vacations during which agency nurses were used. The nurse is employed in which role?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse's role involves analyzing data to identify causes of variation in falls, indicating a focus on quality improvement. Step 2: As a Quality Manager, the nurse is responsible for monitoring and improving the quality of care provided. Step 3: Case Managers focus on coordinating patient care, Forensic Nurses deal with legal aspects, and Occupational Health Nurses focus on workplace health. Step 4: Therefore, the nurse's role aligns most closely with a Quality Manager in this scenario, making choice B the correct answer.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse manager is preparing a budget that does not base annual budgets on the revenue and expenditures of the prior year and has the advantage that outdated information is not integrated into the budget. The manager is using which budget method?
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Zero-based Rationale: 1. Zero-based budgeting starts from scratch, evaluating each expense regardless of the prior year. 2. It helps eliminate inefficiencies and ensures resources are allocated to high-priority areas. 3. By not relying on past data, outdated information does not influence the budget decisions. Summary: B: Incremental budgeting builds on the previous year's budget, not starting from zero. C: Labor budget focuses specifically on labor costs, not the overall budgeting approach. D: Operational budget typically considers historical data and current operations, unlike zero-based budgeting.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is assisting with the delivery of twins. The first infant is placed on the scale to be weighed. The physician requests an instrument stat. The nurse turns to hand the instrument to the physician, and the infant falls off the scale. When evaluating the incident, the nurse and her manager list contributory factors such as the need for two nurses when multiple births are known, and the location of the scale so far from the delivery field. These nurses are performing a(n):
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: root cause analysis. Root cause analysis involves identifying the underlying causes of an incident to prevent its recurrence. In this scenario, the nurse and manager are examining factors contributing to the infant falling off the scale. They are looking beyond the immediate event to understand the systemic issues that led to the incident, such as the need for additional staff during multiple births and the placement of the scale far from the delivery field. By conducting a root cause analysis, they aim to address these underlying issues and prevent similar incidents in the future. A: Standardization of care refers to consistent application of best practices, which is not the focus of the nurse and manager's actions in this situation. C: Process variation involves analyzing inconsistencies in processes, which is not the primary concern in this incident. D: Analysis of a deployment flowchart examines the flow of resources in a process, which is not directly related to identifying the root causes of the incident.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse hopes to improve time management skills using the ABC prioritization approach. Which tasks would be prioritized as "B"? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reviewing the dress code policy to give feedback before an appointment in the morning is time-sensitive and directly impacts the nurse's professional responsibilities. This task falls under the "B" category in the ABC prioritization approach, which prioritizes tasks that are important but not urgent. This task requires attention before the morning appointment to ensure professionalism and compliance. Tasks A, C, and D are not prioritized as "B" because they are either more urgent or less important compared to reviewing the dress code policy before the morning appointment. Task A is important but not urgent as the time sheet is not due immediately. Task C is categorized as "A" as it involves a critical patient situation that requires immediate attention. Task D is categorized as "C" as it is important and time-sensitive, needing completion before discharge in 2 hours.
Question 8 of 9
A new graduate nurse is preparing for an interview for her first position and knows that: (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the primary goal for a new graduate nurse in their first job is to successfully complete the orientation process. This is crucial for transitioning from the academic setting to the professional nursing environment. Completing orientation ensures that the nurse is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care. Choice B is incorrect because scheduling interviews immediately after graduation may not allow the nurse enough time to prepare adequately for the interview process. Choice C is incorrect because while self-confidence is important, relying solely on past achievements of peers may not be a sustainable source of confidence in a new work environment. Choice D is incorrect because while work history and letters of recommendation can be valuable, they may not necessarily be the primary focus during the initial stages of a new nurse's career.
Question 9 of 9
Organizations measure the effectiveness of their budgets by examining actual revenues and expenditures versus:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: planned variances. Organizations compare actual revenues and expenditures to planned variances to measure budget effectiveness. Planned variances show the differences between the budgeted amounts and the actual results, highlighting areas of over or underperformance. This analysis helps organizations identify reasons for deviations and adjust future budgets accordingly. Explanation for other choices: B: Incremental budgets focus on adjusting previous budgets by a fixed amount, not on comparing actual versus planned amounts. C: Productivity metrics measure the efficiency of resources used, not specifically related to budget effectiveness. D: Expected performance is a vague term that does not directly address comparing actual versus planned financial data.