ATI RN
Current Issues in Maternal and Child Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which step of the nursing process is being used when the nurse decides whether an ethical dilemma exists?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Analysis is the step of the nursing process being used when the nurse decides whether an ethical dilemma exists. During the analysis step, the nurse gathers and interprets data to make sense of a clinical situation. In the case of ethical dilemmas, the nurse would assess the situation, gather relevant information, and analyze it to determine if there is a conflict in values, beliefs, or principles, which would classify it as an ethical dilemma. Once the nurse identifies the existence of an ethical dilemma through analysis, they can then move on to the planning phase to decide on a course of action.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse working in a labor and birth unit is asked to take care of two high-risk patients in the labor and birth suite: a 34 weeks’ gestation 28-year-old gravida 3, para 2 in preterm labor and a 40-year-old gravida 1, para 0 who is severely preeclamptic. The nurse refuses this assignment telling the charge nurse that based on individual patient acuity, each patient should have one-on-one care. Which ethical principle is the nurse advocating?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Justice is the ethical principle that involves fair and equal distribution of resources and care. In this scenario, the nurse is advocating for justice by asserting that each high-risk patient should receive one-on-one care based on their individual acuity levels. By refusing to take on both patients simultaneously, the nurse is advocating for fairness and equal opportunity for proper care and attention for each patient. This is in line with the principle of justice, which emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals fairly and providing them with the appropriate level of care they need.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse who works in the emergency department (ED) is assigned to a patient who is experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding at 12 weeks’ gestation. An ultrasound has confirmed the absence of a fetal heart rate, and the patient is scheduled for a dilation and evacuation of the pregnancy. The nurse refuses to provide any further care for this patient based on moral principles. What is the nurse manager’s initial response to the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse manager's initial response should prioritize patient care and safety. In this situation, the patient requires urgent medical attention due to heavy vaginal bleeding and the need for a dilation and evacuation procedure. The nurse's refusal to provide care based on personal moral principles can be considered as patient abandonment, which is a serious ethical and legal issue in healthcare. The nurse manager must advise the nurse to continue providing care for the patient to ensure that the patient's needs are met and to prevent harm resulting from abandonment. The nurse manager should also address the nurse's concerns separately through appropriate channels, such as discussing ethical considerations, providing support, and exploring options for accommodation or transfer if necessary.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who is 6 months pregnant has sought medical attention, saying she fell down the stairs. Which scenario would cause an emergency department nurse to suspect that the woman has been battered?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the emergency department nurse would be most likely to suspect that the woman has been battered based on the presence of injuries on various parts of her body that are in different stages of healing. This pattern of injuries, known as the "battered woman syndrome," is a red flag for domestic violence. The varying stages of healing indicate that the injuries are not from a single accidental fall down the stairs but rather from repeated incidents of physical abuse. Additionally, the fact that the injuries are in different locations on the body further suggests that they are not the result of a single traumatic event. This situation warrants further investigation and intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the pregnant woman and her unborn child.
Question 5 of 5
While teaching an Asian patient regarding prenatal care, the nurse notes that the patient refuses to make eye contact. Which is the most likely cause for this behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In many Asian cultures, avoiding eye contact can be a sign of respect, modesty, or a way to show deference to authority figures. Making direct eye contact during a conversation, especially with someone in a position of authority like a healthcare provider, can be seen as disrespectful or confrontational. Understanding and respecting these cultural beliefs is crucial when providing care to patients from diverse backgrounds. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of these cultural differences and adjust their communication styles accordingly to ensure effective and culturally sensitive care.