ATI RN
Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which task is appropriate for the RN to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) provided the delegatee has had experience and training?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because obtaining a sterile urine sample from a patient with a Foley catheter connected to a closed drainage system is a task that can be safely delegated to UAP who have experience and training. Here's the rationale: 1. Task Complexity: This task involves a straightforward procedure that does not require specialized medical knowledge. 2. Training and Experience: UAP can be trained to perform this task under supervision and with specific guidelines. 3. Minimal Risk: When performed correctly, obtaining a sterile urine sample carries minimal risk to the patient. 4. Routine Procedure: This task is a common and routine procedure that UAP can be trained to perform effectively. Other Choices: A: Evaluating the ability of a patient to swallow ice after a gastroscopy involves medical assessment and potential risk of aspiration, which should be done by a licensed healthcare professional. B: Assisting a postoperative hip replacement patient to ambulate for the first time requires monitoring for complications and assessing patient response, which should be done
Question 2 of 5
A registered nurse (RN) is assigned as charge nurse for the first time. She knows to consult the state board of nursing to determine scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPN) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). She also realizes there are common policies which exist in most state practice acts that include:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when delegating tasks, the RN must first assess the patient to determine their needs and condition. This assessment is crucial in deciding which tasks can be safely delegated to the LPN or UAP. By assessing the patient, the RN can ensure that the delegated tasks are appropriate, match the competency of the delegatee, and are within the scope of practice for each individual. This step is essential to maintain patient safety and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect because while the RN is accountable for the decision to delegate, both accountability and responsibility rest with the RN, not just the delegatee. Choice B is incorrect because tasks should only be delegated within the scope of practice of the delegatee, not based on the delegatee's personal certainty of competence. Choice C is incorrect as LPNs have a distinct scope of practice that is separate from professional nursing, and they do not practice professional nursing.
Question 3 of 5
Accrediting agencies such as The Joint Commission address staffing by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because accrediting agencies like The Joint Commission focus on ensuring patients receive satisfactory care through evidence-based practices. They evaluate the quality of care provided rather than specific staffing levels or ratios. Imposing maximum staffing levels (A) can be restrictive and may not account for varying patient needs. Requiring a specific staff mix (B) may not always be feasible or reflective of best practices. Stipulating nurse-patient ratios (C) can be important but may not address the overall quality of care provided to patients. In summary, option D is correct as accrediting agencies prioritize evidence of satisfactory care delivery over rigid staffing requirements.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is admitted with coronary artery disease and is scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). According to the clinical pathway the patient should be extubated and discharged from critical care the day after surgery. During surgery the patient's oxygen saturation decreased drastically as a result of chronic tobacco abuse. Subsequently, the patient remained on the ventilator an additional 2 days postoperatively. According to the clinical practice guideline for CABG, this situation represents a:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: variance. In this scenario, the patient's extended time on the ventilator deviates from the expected clinical pathway of extubation and discharge the day after surgery. Variances are deviations from established protocols or guidelines. This situation highlights a deviation from the standard practice and requires further evaluation to understand the reasons for the delay in extubation. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Patient outcome refers to the result of care received by the patient, not the deviation from the expected process. C: Goal represents the desired outcome or target to achieve, not the deviation from the pathway. D: Standard is the established protocol or guideline to follow, not the deviation from it.
Question 5 of 5
A hospital is concerned with nurse retention and realizes that job satisfaction is a major influence. To enhance employee satisfaction related to staffing, the management team:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Participatory management involves nurses in decision-making, increasing job satisfaction. 2. Involving nurses in staffing decisions can lead to better scheduling and workload distribution. 3. This empowerment can improve morale and foster a sense of ownership among nurses. 4. Ultimately, participatory management enhances job satisfaction and retention. Summary: - Choice A (additional agency nurses) may address short-term staffing needs but doesn't directly improve job satisfaction. - Choice B (more part-time employees) may not address underlying issues of satisfaction and can lead to scheduling challenges. - Choice D (using float nurses) may help cover vacancies but doesn't involve nurses in decision-making or address satisfaction directly.