ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which nurse died after deliberately acquiring two bites from yellow fever carrier mosquitoes to enable her to provide care to soldiers with yellow fever during the Spanish-American War?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clara Maas. Clara Maas died after deliberately acquiring two bites from yellow fever carrier mosquitoes to provide care during the Spanish-American War. This is correct because Clara Maas was a real historical figure known for her selfless dedication to nursing and her sacrifice to help others. Florence Nightingale (A) is renowned for her work in nursing during the Crimean War, but she did not die from acquiring yellow fever. Margaret Hoolihan (B) and Sairy Gamp (D) are fictional characters and not relevant to the historical context of the Spanish-American War.
Question 2 of 9
Which statement regarding informed consent is correct? Informed consent:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informed consent requires the registered nurse (RN) to communicate all necessary information to the patient so they can make an informed decision. This includes explaining the procedure, potential risks, benefits, alternatives, and any other pertinent information. The RN plays a crucial role in ensuring that the patient understands the information provided before giving consent. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because informed consent is not solely mandated by federal law, must disclose risks as well as benefits, and should not involve concealing any known risks.
Question 3 of 9
A pregnant woman reports back pain and wants to try a complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. The nurse knows that which CAM would be contraindicated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Magnet therapy. Magnet therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of unknown effects on the fetus. Magnets may interfere with the body's natural magnetic fields, potentially causing harm to the developing baby. Aromatherapy (B), imagery (C), and therapeutic touch (D) are generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by trained professionals and with appropriate precautions. Aromatherapy uses essential oils, imagery involves mental visualization techniques, and therapeutic touch uses energy-based techniques that do not pose significant risks to the pregnant woman or the fetus.
Question 4 of 9
The principle of autonomy is best supported by what intervention made available to palliative care patients?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because autonomy in palliative care emphasizes the patient's right to make decisions about their own care. By helping the patient decide on the details of their advanced plan of care, healthcare providers respect the patient's autonomy and ensure their preferences guide the care provided. Arranging in-home health care (A) may be beneficial, but it does not directly support the patient's autonomy. Addressing pain management needs (B) is important but does not specifically relate to decision-making autonomy. Conducting a performance status screening (D) is relevant for assessing the patient's overall health but does not directly support their autonomy in decision-making.
Question 5 of 9
In an attempt to persuade employees to bargain for another type of health insurance, a handout is circulated that describes the present employees' health care insurance as being insensitive, limiting choices of care providers, and providing inferior care. This reflects which aspect of Lewin's planned change?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Unfreeze. In this scenario, the handout is aimed at creating dissatisfaction with the current state of health insurance among employees, which aligns with the unfreezing stage of Lewin's planned change model. Unfreezing involves creating awareness of the need for change by highlighting deficiencies in the current state. The handout is triggering employees to reevaluate their current health insurance and consider alternative options. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not capture the initial stage of creating dissatisfaction and readiness for change, as seen in the unfreezing phase.
Question 6 of 9
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 7 of 9
A nurse learns of a mass casualty disaster following a known terrorist attack. On arriving at the scene, the nurse knows that:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a mass casualty disaster following a terrorist attack, the same ground rules practiced in other settings and during smaller crises will be applicable. This is because the scale and complexity of the disaster require established protocols and procedures to manage the situation effectively. Choice A is incorrect because the response of local hospitals may not necessarily be dictated by the federal government in such situations. Choice C is incorrect because assigning the least experienced nurses to triage patients based on their perceived risk or chances of survival is not ethical or effective. Choice D is incorrect because having multiple incident commanders can lead to confusion and delays in decision-making during a crisis.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse works on a unit where electronic health records (EHR) are being initiated and asks, "What is meant by 'meaningful use' standards that are in our education packet?" The best answer is that "meaningful use":
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because "meaningful use" standards in EHR refer to specific criteria that healthcare providers must meet to receive incentives for using EHR effectively. This includes improving quality, safety, efficiency, and reducing health disparities. By meeting these benchmarks, providers can qualify for funds from Medicare. Choice B is incorrect because "meaningful use" is not just about training competencies but about how EHR systems are used to improve patient care. Choice C is incorrect as it misinterprets the concept of meaningful use. It is not about a specific percentage of patients with data entered, but about the overall impact of EHR on healthcare delivery. Choice D is incorrect because while confidentiality and security are important aspects of EHR, they are not the sole focus of meaningful use standards.
Question 9 of 9
An RN delegates to an experienced LPN/LVN the task of administering oral medications to a group of patients. The LPN/LVN accepts the assignment, and the RN knows that the LPN/LVN has had the training and has acquired the skills needed to complete the task. The RN then observes the LPN/LVN recording a patient's medication administration just before entering the patient's room. The priority intervention by the RN is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of his actions in a nonjudgmental manner. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate issue of potentially incorrect documentation and allows for clarity and understanding between the RN and LPN/LVN. It promotes open communication and a chance to correct any errors that may have occurred. Choice A is incorrect because checking the drug packages after the fact does not address the issue of potentially incorrect documentation and missed medications. Choice C is incorrect as it is an extreme response that does not promote a collaborative and educational approach to resolving the situation. Choice D is incorrect as calling the pharmacy for replacement medications is not necessary at this stage and does not address the immediate concern of potentially incorrect documentation.