ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
A nurse caring for a patient with anemia and heart failure prepares to hang a unit of packed red blood cells and realizes her break is in 5 minutes. She decides it is not necessary to have another nurse check the blood against the patient's information since the patient's blood type is O+ which she incorrectly remembered to be the universal donor. She hangs the blood, noting the patient is "reading and vital signs normal." She leaves the floor for her break and does not report leaving or ask anyone to perform required vital signs. Upon returning she meets a family friend who is visiting and time "just flies." She returns to the patient's room after admitting a new patient. The patient is hypotensive and color is cyanotic and anxious. She reports the findings to the charge nurse, who then contacts the physician. A blood reaction occurrence is noted. The nurse providing care is charged:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: with criminal negligence. The nurse displayed a reckless disregard for the patient's safety by not verifying the blood type, leaving for an extended break without ensuring proper monitoring, and failing to report her absence. These actions were highly irresponsible and demonstrated a severe lack of care and attention to the patient's well-being. Criminal negligence involves a conscious disregard for the consequences of one's actions, which in this case resulted in a serious adverse event for the patient. Choices A and B do not fully capture the gravity of the nurse's actions, as they imply a lesser degree of fault. Choice D, under the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, would be inappropriate in this scenario as the nurse's actions directly contributed to the adverse outcome.
Question 3 of 5
Ethics applied to nursing can best be defined as:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ethics applied to nursing can best be defined as care based on what should be done in keeping with the values of the client (Choice C). This answer emphasizes the importance of respecting the client's values and preferences in decision-making, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical nursing practice. It involves considering the client's beliefs, culture, and autonomy when providing care. Other choices are incorrect: A: Doing what is best for the client (Choice A) is subjective and may not always align with the client's values. B: Making good decisions about care (Choice B) is vague and does not specifically address the ethical considerations related to the client's values. D: Rules for providing competent care based on scientific principles (Choice D) focus on clinical competence rather than the ethical dimension of nursing practice.
Question 4 of 5
When assessing an ethical issue, the nurse must first:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.
Question 5 of 5
A 13-year-old female is brought to the family planning clinic by her enraged father, who has just learned that she is pregnant. The pregnant client states, "I want to have this baby and give it up for adoption." However, the father is adamant that she will disgrace the family and demands that the health care providers tell his daughter that she has a physical condition that would prohibit her from carrying this baby to a viable stage. The nurse realizes that this is a conflict that involves the ethical principle of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: autonomy. Autonomy refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions about their healthcare, including the right to accept or refuse treatment. In this scenario, the 13-year-old female has expressed her desire to have the baby and give it up for adoption. By respecting her autonomy, healthcare providers must support her decision, even if it goes against her father's wishes. A: Deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following moral rules and duties. While autonomy is a principle within deontology, the main focus in this scenario is on respecting the patient's autonomy rather than following a specific moral rule. B: Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling. While honesty is important in healthcare, the main issue in this scenario is respecting the patient's autonomy rather than truth-telling. D: Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and promote the well-being of the patient. In this scenario, respecting the patient's autonomy is