ATI RN
Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which functions can be delegated only to another RN with appropriate experience and training? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because nursing judgment related to withholding medication based on vital signs requires critical thinking, clinical knowledge, and experience. This decision-making process involves assessing the patient's condition, interpreting vital signs, and determining if medication should be given or withheld to ensure patient safety. This function cannot be delegated to someone without the appropriate training and expertise. A: Assessment of skin integrity on the third day of hospitalization can be delegated to other healthcare team members such as LPNs or nursing assistants, as long as they have been trained and deemed competent. B: Evaluation of patient teaching related to turn, cough, and deep breathing exercises can be delegated to other healthcare team members, as long as they have the appropriate training and supervision. D: The statement that RNs do not delegate to other RNs is incorrect. RNs can delegate certain tasks to other RNs based on their scope of practice and level of experience. It is not limited to LPNs or unlicensed assistive personnel.
Question 2 of 9
During an admission history and physical, a female patient states, "I use 5000 mg/day of calcium to prevent osteoporosis and to maintain health." The nurse should assess for:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: kidney stones. High calcium intake increases the risk of kidney stones due to excess calcium being excreted in the urine. The nurse should assess for symptoms like flank pain, hematuria, and frequent urination. Excessive bleeding (choice A) is not directly related to high calcium intake. Lower blood sugar (choice C) and jaundice (choice D) are not typically associated with calcium intake.
Question 3 of 9
A comparison of nursing in the 1980s to nursing in the 1990s reveals that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects the shift in focus from tuberculosis in the 1980s to the emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s in the field of nursing. Tuberculosis was a major concern in the 1980s, and the AIDS epidemic became a primary focus in the 1990s. Choice A is incorrect because it discusses preventable diseases caused by unsafe lifestyles, which is not directly related to the comparison of nursing between the two decades. Choice C is incorrect because it mentions a decrease in ambulatory services in the 1980s leading to an increase in public health nurses in the 1990s, which is not supported by the historical context of nursing during those decades. Choice D is incorrect because it suggests that the demand for advanced practice nurses increased in both the 1980s and the 1990s due to economic reasons and national health concerns, which is not specifically relevant to the comparison between nursing in the two decades.
Question 4 of 9
The disaster medical assistance team works quickly to contain contaminants from a chemical plant explosion. Afterward, personnel undergo a special process to remove harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies. This removal process is known as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: decontamination. Decontamination is the process of removing harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies to prevent further exposure and contamination. In this scenario, the disaster medical assistance team is working to contain contaminants first and then proceed with decontamination to ensure the safety of personnel. Containment (choice A) refers to preventing the spread of contaminants, not removing them. Triage (choice C) is the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries, not removing chemicals. Scene assessment (choice D) involves evaluating the situation to determine the extent of the disaster, not the removal of harmful chemicals.
Question 5 of 9
A researcher calculated the risk-to-benefit ratio and concluded that no harmful effects were associated with a survey of college sophomores. The researcher was applying the principles of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: beneficence. Beneficence refers to the ethical principle of maximizing benefits and minimizing harm in research. In this scenario, the researcher calculated the risk-to-benefit ratio and concluded that no harmful effects were associated with the survey of college sophomores. By considering the well-being of the research participants and ensuring that the benefits outweigh any potential risks, the researcher demonstrated the application of beneficence. Summary: Choice A is correct because it aligns with the ethical principle of beneficence in research. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the consideration of risks and benefits in research involving human participants.
Question 6 of 9
Which nursing model is referred to as the "class without walls"?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Articulation. This nursing model is referred to as the "class without walls" because it focuses on seamless academic progression and collaboration between educational institutions. Articulation promotes a smooth transition of nursing students from one level of education to another, eliminating barriers and creating a cohesive learning experience. The other choices (B, C, D) do not specifically emphasize the concept of breaking down walls or barriers in education like the Articulation model does.
Question 7 of 9
Although a hospital reversed all charges when a client was the victim of wrong site surgery, the court awarded the client $5 million. The client was able to return to work in 6 weeks and had no permanent damages. This monetary compensation is termed:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their wrongful actions. In this case, the hospital's negligence in performing wrong site surgery resulted in harm to the client, even though the hospital reversed the charges. The court awarded $5 million to punish the hospital for their negligence, as the client suffered emotional distress and the potential risk of harm. The other choices are incorrect because: A: res ipsa loquitur is a legal doctrine used to shift the burden of proof from the plaintiff to the defendant in cases where the negligence is obvious. C: vicarious liability holds an employer responsible for the actions of their employees, which is not directly applicable in this scenario. D: immunity refers to protection from legal liability, which is not relevant in a case where the court awarded monetary compensation.
Question 8 of 9
When the novice nurse asks, "What will happen if this task is not completed," which skill is being demonstrated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The novice nurse is demonstrating priority setting by asking about the consequences of not completing a task. This skill involves determining the most crucial tasks to be completed first based on their potential impact on patient outcomes. By understanding the implications of task completion, the nurse can effectively prioritize their workload. Delegation involves assigning tasks to others, organization involves arranging tasks in a systematic way, and clinical skills refer to the technical abilities in providing patient care. These skills are not directly demonstrated by the nurse's question about the consequences of task completion.
Question 9 of 9
Occupational health nursing features beliefs similar to those of which early nursing pioneer?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Florence Nightingale. Occupational health nursing shares beliefs with Florence Nightingale as she emphasized the importance of proper sanitation, hygiene, and preventive care in nursing practice. Nightingale's focus on maintaining a healthy environment aligns with the core principles of occupational health nursing. Lillian Wald is known for her work in public health nursing, Clara Barton for founding the American Red Cross, and Mary Seacole for her contributions during the Crimean War. While these pioneers made significant contributions to nursing, their beliefs and focus areas differ from those of occupational health nursing.