You pick the legal, honest next step when rights, consent, or a policy collide with a request. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the RN exams exam guide or more RN exams practice questions.
Five ethics questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
A nurse manager wants his nursing unit to be a place where all nurses want to work, where patient satisfaction is high, and care is innovative and interdisciplinary. Staff are encouraged to chair taskforces to improve quality of care and he counsels staff in areas of measuring patient outcomes. Other managers want to mimic this manager's approach to improve their own units. This nurse is which type of leader?
A. Transformational
B. Transactional
C. Laissez-faire
D. Authoritative
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Transformational
The correct answer is A: Transformational. This nurse manager is focused on creating a positive work environment, encouraging innovation, empowering staff, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Transformational leaders inspire and motivate followers to achieve high levels of performance by emphasizing shared vision, personal growth, and values. This nurse manager's approach aligns with the characteristics of a transformational leader.
Incorrect Choices:
B: Transactional leaders focus on rewards, punishments, and exchanges with followers based on performance. This nurse manager's approach goes beyond transactional interactions.
C: Laissez-faire leaders are hands-off and provide little guidance or direction. This nurse manager is actively involved in guiding and supporting staff.
D: Authoritative leaders make decisions independently and expect followers to follow orders. This nurse manager encourages staff involvement and input in decision-making processes.
Question 2
A nurse is offered several health care plans as part of employee benefits. Which plan is based on a monthly fee per participant and offers a range of preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services?
A. Prospective payment system
B. Retrospective payment system
C. Single-payer system
D. Capitation
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Capitation
The correct answer is D: Capitation. Capitation is a payment model where healthcare providers receive a fixed amount per patient per month to provide all necessary healthcare services. This aligns with the description of the plan in the question, offering services based on a monthly fee per participant. Capitation also emphasizes preventive care, diagnostic services, and treatment, making it the most suitable choice.
A: Prospective payment system is a method where healthcare providers are paid a fixed amount per service in advance. This does not match the description of the plan in the question.
B: Retrospective payment system involves reimbursing healthcare providers after services are delivered based on the actual costs incurred. This is not based on a monthly fee per participant.
C: Single-payer system refers to a healthcare system where a single public or quasi-public agency organizes healthcare financing. This is not based on a monthly fee per participant.
Question 3
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:
A. the RN is held accountable for the decision to delegate, but responsibility rests only with the delegatee.
B. the RN may only delegate tasks that are not in the scope of practice of the LPN if the delegatee is certain they are competent to perform the task.
C. since the LPN is licensed, they practice professional nursing.
D. to determine what tasks can be safely delegated, the RN must first assess the patient.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — to determine what tasks can be safely delegated, the RN must first assess the patient.
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 4
A nurse is concerned that the policy of using povidone-iodine (Betadine) to clean foot ulcers may lead to unwarranted allergic reactions and drying of surrounding tissue. A literature review is performed to determine the "best practice" related to care of foot ulcers. This nurse: (select all that apply)
A. is applying evidence-based practice to the clinical setting.
B. is using critical thinking to change procedures performed in the care of foot ulcers.
C. is minimally educated at the master's level and participating in research to provide cost-effective care (soap is less expensive than povidone-iodine).
D. lacks clinical competence in health assessment and in application of theory to the clinical setting.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — is applying evidence-based practice to the clinical setting.
The correct answer is A because the nurse is using evidence-based practice by conducting a literature review to determine the best practice for caring for foot ulcers. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. This nurse is ensuring that the care provided is based on current research and best practices, which can lead to better patient outcomes.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the nurse's action of conducting a literature review to determine best practices for foot ulcer care. Choice B mentions critical thinking but does not specifically address evidence-based practice. Choice C focuses on cost-effectiveness and level of education, which are not relevant to the nurse's evidence-based practice. Choice D refers to clinical competence, which is not the main focus of the nurse's action in this scenario.
Question 5
The mentor states, "Prevention was the focus of nursing when I graduated. We stressed preventive health measures such as smoking cessation education to reduce preventable diseases and prevention to reduce the spread of infectious disease such as AIDS." The mentor asks, "What do you think the challenges will be for nurses graduating now? The correct response would be: (select all that apply)
A. coordinating care for a more diverse aging population who have complex health values.
B. managing care provided by nurses who are technologically advanced and skilled at interprofessional collaboration.
C. providing care to well-informed consumers who are younger with narrow health values.
D. redesigning nursing care delivery models to streamline care based on fewer generational differences.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — coordinating care for a more diverse aging population who have complex health values.
Step 1: The correct answer is A because nurses now face challenges in coordinating care for a more diverse aging population. This is due to the increasing complexity of health issues and values among this demographic.
Step 2: As the aging population grows, nurses must be equipped to address the unique needs and preferences of diverse individuals, which requires a deep understanding of cultural, social, and health-related factors.
Step 3: Nurses need to adapt their care delivery strategies to provide patient-centered care that considers the individual's values, beliefs, and preferences. This includes coordinating care across different healthcare settings and disciplines to ensure holistic and effective care.
Summary: Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific challenges faced by nurses graduating now, which primarily revolve around managing the complexities of caring for a diverse aging population with varying health values.
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Question 6
A novice nurse is assigned a patient who has an order to draw blood for culture and sensitivity from a central line before antibiotic therapy is started. The novice reads and rereads the procedure manual. An hour later he stands at the bedside of the patient and stares at the central line, without knowing how to proceed. This phase of reality shock is termed:
A. honeymoon.
B. shock or rejection.
C. recovery.
D. resolution.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: shock or rejection. This phase of reality shock is characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of how to proceed despite having knowledge. The novice nurse is experiencing a sense of rejection towards the situation due to the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This phase is common among new healthcare professionals as they transition from academic learning to real-world clinical practice.
A: Honeymoon phase refers to the initial period of excitement and enthusiasm in a new role.
C: Recovery phase is when the individual starts to adapt and become more comfortable with the new role.
D: Resolution phase is the final stage where the individual fully integrates into the role and becomes confident and competent.
In this scenario, the novice nurse is clearly struggling and feeling overwhelmed, indicating that they are in the shock or rejection phase, making choice B the correct answer.
A comparison of nursing in the 1980s to nursing in the 1990s reveals that:
A. in the 1990s nursing experienced a significant reduction occurred in preventable diseases caused by unsafe/unhealthy lifestyles.
B. tuberculosis was the primary concern for nursing in the 1980s, whereas the AIDS epidemic emerged and was its focus during the 1990s.
C. a decrease in ambulatory services in the 1980s prompted an increase in public health nurses in the 1990s.
D. the demand for advanced practice nurses increased in the 1980s and the 1990s as a result of the economy and concern about the health of the nation.
Correct answer:
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.
A nurse in a rehabilitation unit plans activities of daily living to prevent excessive fatigue, helps the patient dress before the family visits, assists with range of motion, and allows the patient to decide which clothes to wear during the visit. This nurse is best applying which theory to practice?
A. Watson's Theory of Caring
B. Rogers' Theory of Unitary Humans
C. Levine's Theory of Conservation
D. Leininger's Theory of Transcultural Nursing
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Watson's Theory of Caring. This theory emphasizes the importance of caring relationships in nursing practice. In this scenario, the nurse is demonstrating caring by helping the patient prevent fatigue, assisting with dressing, and respecting the patient's autonomy in choosing clothes. Watson's theory focuses on promoting holistic care and building a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Rogers' Theory of Unitary Humans focuses on the interconnectedness of humans with their environment, which is not the primary focus of the nurse's actions in the scenario.
C: Levine's Theory of Conservation emphasizes maintaining the patient's energy and structural integrity, which is not the main focus of the nurse's actions in the scenario.
D: Leininger's Theory of Transcultural Nursing focuses on providing culturally competent care, which is not the central theme of the nurse's actions in the scenario.
A novice nurse is stressed due to always being behind with her assignments. She is overheard saying, "No one here worries about checking nasogastric tube placement before they give medications and hang feedings. Skipping that step would save me an extra 30 minutes to be used for charting. If they can do it, so can I." This nurse is experiencing which stage of reality shock?
A. loner.
B. "rutter."
C. change agent.
D. "native."
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D, "native." In this scenario, the nurse is rationalizing skipping a crucial safety step by justifying it with the actions of others, indicating a lack of understanding regarding the importance of the procedure. The "native" stage of reality shock occurs when individuals start to adopt the norms and behaviors of their workplace without questioning or critically evaluating them. This nurse is displaying a mindset of conforming to unsafe practices to fit in with her colleagues, which aligns with the characteristics of the "native" stage.
Incorrect choices:
A: "loner" does not apply as the nurse is not isolating herself but rather seeking to emulate the actions of others.
B: "rutter" does not fit as this stage involves feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the job, not justifying unsafe practices.
C: "change agent" is not relevant as the nurse is not actively seeking to instigate change but rather conforming to existing practices.
A hospital's policy requires that all nurse managers must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing. A BSN nurse new to the hospital has recently been hired as nurse manager for the oncology unit. An RN who has worked on this unit for many years is unable to be promoted to a nurse manager position because of his educational status and has been commenting to physicians and staff, "The new nurse manager has book sense but no leadership abilities." What is the best approach that can be used by the new nurse manager who is attempting to gain the trust and respect of the nursing staff on the unit?
A. Send memos to all staff except the upset nurse to invite them to a luncheon.
B. Ask management to transfer the upset nurse to another unit.
C. Assign the upset nurse to committees that do not directly affect that nursing unit.
D. Acknowledge the clinical expertise of the upset nurse and clearly explain the expectations for teamwork and open, honest communication.
Correct answer:
Step 1: Acknowledge the clinical expertise of the upset nurse - This shows respect for the upset nurse's experience and expertise.
Step 2: Clearly explain the expectations for teamwork - Setting clear expectations fosters a collaborative environment.
Step 3: Emphasize open, honest communication - Encouraging open dialogue helps address concerns and build trust among the team.
Overall, option D is the best approach as it combines acknowledging the upset nurse's expertise, setting expectations for teamwork, and promoting open communication, which are crucial for gaining trust and respect among the nursing staff.
Summary of other choices:
A: Sending memos excludes the upset nurse and may create further resentment.
B: Transferring the upset nurse does not address the issue and may lead to more conflict.
C: Assigning the upset nurse to unrelated committees may isolate them and not address the underlying problem of lack of trust and respect on the unit.
Care delivery using the team-based approach is used on a telemetry nursing unit. The team consists of one registered nurse (RN), two licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and one unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Staff have been charged to improve quality of care while ensuring cost containment. Which assignments would meet both criteria?
A. The RN administers all medications to all patients.
B. The LPN performs sterile dressings and IV tubing changes on all central lines.
C. The experienced UAP places telemetry electrodes and attaches to cardiac monitor.
D. The RN administers an enema to a stable patient who has an order "administer fleet enema PRN when no bowel movement in 2 days."
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because it aligns with improving quality of care and cost containment. LPNs are trained to perform sterile procedures like dressing changes and IV tubing changes, which can enhance patient outcomes. This assignment allows the RN to focus on tasks that require their specialized skills, promoting quality care. Furthermore, utilizing LPNs for these tasks is more cost-effective than having an RN perform them.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: Having the RN administer all medications to all patients is not utilizing the team effectively. LPNs and UAPs can handle medication administration under appropriate supervision.
C: While experienced UAPs can assist with attaching telemetry electrodes, this task does not fully utilize the skills of the LPNs and RN to improve care quality.
D: Administering an enema is within the scope of an LPN's practice, and assigning this task to the RN is not the most efficient use of resources.
One of the major trends that currently influences nursing education and practice is:
A. increased technology in the field of critical care.
B. a narrowing scope of practice for nurses.
C. incivility or disregard of others' rights in social interactions.
D. a decrease in ethnicity due to international programs allowing students to study from a distance.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: increased technology in the field of critical care. This trend is shaping nursing education and practice by improving patient care, enhancing efficiency, and requiring nurses to adapt to new technologies. The advancements in critical care technology have revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered and have become essential in providing high-quality patient care. This trend highlights the importance of nurses staying current with the latest technologies to deliver optimal care.
Choice B is incorrect because there is actually an expanding scope of practice for nurses as they take on more responsibilities and roles in healthcare. Choice C is incorrect as incivility and disregard of others' rights would not be considered a major trend shaping nursing education and practice. Choice D is incorrect as international programs increasing diversity in nursing education and practice would not result in a decrease in ethnicity.
A nonprofit organization that distributes to governmental agencies, the public, business, and health care professionals knowledge related to health care for the purpose of improving health is the:
A. Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
B. Institute of Medicine.
C. National Committee for Quality Assurance.
D. The Joint Commission.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Institute of Medicine. The Institute of Medicine is known for disseminating knowledge related to health care through government agencies, the public, business, and health care professionals to improve health outcomes. The organization conducts research and provides evidence-based recommendations to address health care challenges.
A: Institute for Safe Medication Practices focuses specifically on promoting safe medication practices, not a broad range of health care knowledge dissemination.
C: National Committee for Quality Assurance primarily focuses on accrediting and certifying health care organizations based on quality standards, rather than broadly distributing health care knowledge.
D: The Joint Commission is responsible for accrediting health care organizations and institutions, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards, but not specifically for distributing health care knowledge to various stakeholders.
A nurse is interested in practicing in a faith-based community; when researching the role of the parish nurse, the nurse finds that:
A. certification is available at a basic level after a qualifying examination is completed and a set number of practice hours have been worked, as defined by the state's nurse practice act.
B. this advanced practice role focuses on health promotion and disease prevention.
C. this role has no set standards or scope of practice but instead follows the doctrine of the denomination being served.
D. this role is recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as a specialty with a defined set of practice guidelines.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because the role of a parish nurse primarily focuses on health promotion and disease prevention within a faith-based community. Parish nurses typically work to integrate spiritual care with traditional healthcare services. This choice aligns with the core responsibilities of a parish nurse and accurately reflects the primary focus of their practice.
Summary of other choices:
A: Incorrect. While certification may be available for parish nurses, the process and requirements are not solely defined by state regulations; it usually involves additional training in faith-based healthcare practices.
C: Incorrect. The role of a parish nurse is typically guided by professional standards and organizational protocols rather than being solely dictated by the doctrines of a specific denomination.
D: Incorrect. While the ANA may acknowledge the role of parish nursing, it does not have specific practice guidelines for this specialty.
Which action will the public health team take during the Exposure Assessment stage of the EPA's four- step risk assessment following a train derailment resulting in a toxic chemical spill?
A. Identifying potential negative outcomes due to exposure to the toxic chemicals
B. Identifying how the amount of exposure relates to the severity of negative health outcomes
C. Quantifying the extent, frequency, and length of contact of the community with the toxic chemicals
D. Determining how the toxic chemicals are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body
Correct answer:
During the Exposure Assessment stage, the public health team quantifies the extent, frequency, and duration of contact of the community with the toxic chemicals. This is crucial to determine the potential health risks posed by the exposure. By quantifying these factors, the team can assess the level of risk to the community accurately.
Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on identifying negative outcomes rather than quantifying exposure levels. Choice B is incorrect as it relates exposure amount to health outcomes, which is more relevant in the Dose-Response Assessment stage. Choice D is incorrect as it pertains to the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion stage, which comes after exposure assessment.
In summary, choice C is correct as it directly aligns with the purpose of Exposure Assessment, while the other choices are either not relevant to this stage or belong to different stages of the risk assessment process.
RN exams ethics practice questions, set 6 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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