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
During a seminar on ethics, the educator realizes that more information is needed when a participant describes which situation as a violation of the ethical principle of autonomy?
A. An older person with advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease is denied the right to ambulate in the hallway.
B. A mentally competent adult refuses medical treatment for the autoimmune disease lupus erythematosus, stating that this condition reflects the will of a higher power.
C. A mentally competent visitor fell during visiting hours but refused to be examined by the physician on call.
D. A mentally competent adult with a broken wrist refuses to be given a local anesthetic prior to a procedure.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — An older person with advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease is denied the right to ambulate in the hallway.
The correct answer is A because denying the older person with Alzheimer's disease the right to ambulate violates their autonomy by restricting their freedom to make choices about their own body and movement. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this situation, the person should have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to ambulate, even if they have advanced Alzheimer's disease.
Choice B is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment based on their beliefs, which is an expression of autonomy.
Choice C is incorrect because the mentally competent visitor has the right to refuse examination, which is also an expression of autonomy.
Choice D is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse a local anesthetic, which is also an expression of autonomy.
Question 2
According to the Hallmarks of the Professional Nursing Environment, a nurse should ask a potential employer:
A. how salaries compare with those of larger facilities.
B. what benefits are provided to RNs that are not available to other health care providers.
C. what role nurses have in determining the quality of care.
D. how the employer plans to provide long-term economic security to RNs.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — what role nurses have in determining the quality of care.
Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Asking about the role nurses have in determining the quality of care is crucial to understanding the level of autonomy and influence nurses have in the workplace. This question shows the nurse's commitment to patient care and the importance of nursing contributions in improving outcomes. It also indicates the nurse's interest in being part of a collaborative healthcare team.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: This question focuses primarily on financial aspects and does not address the nurse's professional role in patient care.
B: While benefits are important, asking about benefits specific to RNs only may come off as self-centered and not reflective of the nurse's commitment to patient care.
D: Inquiring about long-term economic security is essential, but it does not directly address the nurse's role in quality care delivery, which is the primary focus of professional nursing practice.
Question 3
Although the NCLEX-RN examination has new formats for questions, the most common format is the:
A. fill-in-the-blank item because candidates are not provided with clues from distracters.
B. multiple-choice question item, which allows candidates to select the one correct answer.
C. multiple-response item because these questions require a higher level of critical thinking.
D. hot-spot item because these questions are written at the application level of Bloom's analysis.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — multiple-choice question item, which allows candidates to select the one correct answer.
The correct answer is B: multiple-choice question item, which allows candidates to select the one correct answer. This is because the multiple-choice format is widely used in the NCLEX-RN examination as it is effective in assessing a candidate's knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to make decisions. The distractors in the answer choices provide clues and test the candidate's ability to differentiate between correct and incorrect information.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: fill-in-the-blank item is not the most common format for NCLEX-RN questions as candidates are indeed provided with clues from distractors in multiple-choice questions.
C: multiple-response item, although requiring critical thinking, is not the most common format on the NCLEX-RN exam.
D: hot-spot item is not the most common format on the NCLEX-RN exam, and it is not necessarily written at the application level of Bloom's analysis.
Question 4
During orientation, an RN learns that LPN/LVNs in the facility receive additional training to perform some tasks such as hanging continuously infusing intravenous fluids that have no additives. It is important for the RN to understand that:
A. the health care facility can override the state practice act by having all LPN/LVNs and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) participate in on-site training.
B. LPN/LVNs are licensed, and accountability for their own practice rests with each LPN/LVN.
C. UAPs cannot be held responsible for their own actions or inactions.
D. the nurse practice act and state regulations related to delegation override the organization's policies.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — LPN/LVNs are licensed, and accountability for their own practice rests with each LPN/LVN.
Rationale for Correct Answer (B - LPN/LVNs are licensed, and accountability for their own practice rests with each LPN/LVN):
1. LPN/LVNs are licensed professionals, accountable for their own scope of practice as outlined by the state nursing board.
2. Accountability ensures that LPN/LVNs are responsible for their actions and decisions in providing patient care.
3. LPN/LVNs must adhere to the state's nursing practice act and regulations, ensuring safe and competent care delivery.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: The health care facility cannot override the state practice act as licensure requirements are set by the state nursing board.
C: UAPs, although important in the care team, do not have the same level of accountability as licensed nurses.
D: The nurse practice act and state regulations related to delegation are essential in guiding delegation practices, but they do not necessarily override organization policies.
Question 5
Following a terrorist attack, victims are exhibiting posttraumatic stress syndrome, and care providers are exhibiting compassion fatigue. Which federal response system should be initiated?
A. Strategic National Stockpile
B. Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
C. Commissioned Corps Readiness Force
D. National Disaster Medical System
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — National Disaster Medical System
The correct answer is D: National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). This system is designed to provide medical care during disasters, including addressing mental health needs like posttraumatic stress syndrome in victims and compassion fatigue in care providers. NDMS coordinates federal medical response resources and personnel to support communities during disasters.
A: Strategic National Stockpile focuses on providing medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies, but does not directly address mental health needs or provide medical care.
B: Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) focuses on local response capabilities for mass casualty incidents, but does not have the same scope as NDMS in providing comprehensive medical care.
C: Commissioned Corps Readiness Force is a team of healthcare professionals within the U.S. Public Health Service, but it is not specifically designated for disaster medical response like NDMS.
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Question 6
In the United States, the system of healthcare has historically given and continues to give stronger support to which types of care?
A. Individual care with a focus on cure
B. Community care with a focus on cure
C. Individual care with a focus on prevention
D. Community care with a focus on prevention
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale:
1. Historically, US healthcare system emphasizes individual care over community care.
2. The focus is on providing treatment and cure for individual patients.
3. This approach is reflected in the dominant fee-for-service model.
4. Preventive care has gained importance recently but historically, focus has been on curative care.
5. Therefore, choice A is correct as it aligns with the historical emphasis on individual care and cure.
Summary:
A: Individual care with a focus on cure - Correct. Reflects historical emphasis on curative care.
B: Community care with a focus on cure - Incorrect. US system historically prioritizes individual care.
C: Individual care with a focus on prevention - Incorrect. Although prevention is important, historical emphasis is on cure.
D: Community care with a focus on prevention - Incorrect. US system traditionally focuses more on individual care than community care.
A nurse interested in an entry level position as a registered nurse prepares the cover letter. A correctly written cover letter might include:
A. "I am interested in a position where community outreach is valued as noted in your organization's mission statement."
B. "I am highly educated and have several degrees including an Associate Degree in accounting, a certification in word processing, a Bachelor's degree in journalism, and a Bachelor's degree in nursing."
C. "I am looking for a position that will allow me to develop my skills and still have a balanced home and work life."
D. "I am married, a Christian, a single parent, and due to the downturn in the economy will be willing to work any shift or nursing unit."
Correct answer:
Rationale for Correct Answer A: The correct answer is A because it emphasizes alignment with the organization's values, specifically community outreach. This shows the nurse has researched the organization and tailored their cover letter accordingly, demonstrating genuine interest in the position. It also indicates a willingness to contribute to the organization's mission, which is appealing to employers.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: This choice focuses too much on unrelated degrees and certifications, which may not be relevant to the nursing position. It does not address the specific needs of the organization.
C: While work-life balance is important, this choice does not demonstrate a clear connection to the organization or the nursing position.
D: This choice includes personal information that is not relevant to the job application and does not highlight any qualifications or interest in the organization.
As part of a quality assurance project, a nurse is to round on every patient daily for 1 month to ensure the intravenous tubing is labeled with date hung and nurse's initials. The nurse is hoping to be promoted to a full-time position within the quality department, and her success on this project is very important to her receiving the position. The nurse retains all other assignments, and she is often interrupted to help other staff or answer call lights. The nurse discusses her concerns with the manager, who frees her for 1 hour each day to make rounds. During this 1 hour each day the nurse will organize herself and environment by practicing the:
A. art of "no detourism."
B. reducing stacked-desk syndrome.
C. art of "wastebasketry."
D. managing e-mail and memo mania.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: reducing stacked-desk syndrome. This term refers to the practice of organizing tasks and environment to prevent work from piling up. In this scenario, the nurse is given 1 hour each day to focus solely on the quality assurance project, helping her prevent tasks from accumulating and ensuring she can complete her rounds efficiently. This practice enhances productivity and enables the nurse to manage her workload effectively.
Choice A, "art of 'no detourism,'" is irrelevant in this context as it does not address the issue of organizing tasks and environment. Choice C, "art of 'wastebasketry,'" is not applicable as it pertains to the skill of decision-making and prioritization, which is not the primary concern in this scenario. Choice D, "managing e-mail and memo mania," is also not directly related to the nurse's need to organize herself and environment for the quality assurance project.
A new graduate is excited about finding the first job but doesn't want to make the costly mistake of taking the first job offered or taking a job that doesn't meet her career goals. She learns the best way to know the culture of the potential employer is networking with:
A. the executives at the competing agency.
B. alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area.
C. nurses currently working in the agency.
D. friends or people who have been patients at the agency.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: alumni that graduated from the same school and work in the area. Networking with alumni who graduated from the same school and work in the area is the best way to know the culture of the potential employer because they can provide insider insights based on their own experiences. Alumni are likely to offer honest and firsthand information about the work environment, company culture, and career growth opportunities. They can also provide valuable advice on how to navigate the hiring process and make an informed decision. Networking with executives at a competing agency (choice A) may not provide accurate information about the potential employer's culture. Nurses currently working in the agency (choice C) may not have a comprehensive view of the overall culture. Friends or people who have been patients at the agency (choice D) are unlikely to provide relevant insights into the work culture.
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was just admitted to the labor and birth unit in active labor at term. The patient informed the nurse, “I have not received any prenatal care because I cannot afford to go to the doctor. And, this is my third baby, so I know what to expect.” What is the nurse’s primary concern when developing the patient’s plan of care?
A. Low birth weight
B. Oligohydramnios
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Gestational hypertension
Correct answer:
The nurse's primary concern when developing the plan of care for a patient who has not received prenatal care and is now in active labor is the risk of low birth weight for the baby. Prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, ensuring appropriate growth and development, and identifying any potential issues early on. Without prenatal care, important factors such as maternal nutritional status, appropriate weight gain, screening for conditions that can affect the baby's growth, and management of any complications during pregnancy may not have been addressed. As a result, the baby is at increased risk for being born with a low birth weight, which can lead to various health problems and complications both immediately after birth and in the long term. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring and addressing the risk of low birth weight in this situation.
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was just admitted to the labor and birth unit in active labor at term. The patient informed the nurse, “I have not received any prenatal care because I cannot afford to go to the doctor. And, this is my third baby, so I know what to expect.†What is the nurse’s primary concern when developing the patient’s plan of care?
A. Low birth weight
B. Oligohydramnios
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Gestational hypertension
Correct answer:
The nurse's primary concern when developing the plan of care for a patient who has not received prenatal care and is now in active labor is the risk of low birth weight for the baby. Prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, ensuring appropriate growth and development, and identifying any potential issues early on. Without prenatal care, important factors such as maternal nutritional status, appropriate weight gain, screening for conditions that can affect the baby's growth, and management of any complications during pregnancy may not have been addressed. As a result, the baby is at increased risk for being born with a low birth weight, which can lead to various health problems and complications both immediately after birth and in the long term. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring and addressing the risk of low birth weight in this situation.
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was just admitted to the labor and birth unit in active labor at term. The patient informed the nurse, “I have not received any prenatal care because I cannot afford to go to the doctor. And, this is my third baby, so I know what to expect.†What is the nurse’s primary concern when developing the patient’s plan of care?
A. Low birth weight
B. Oligohydramnios
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Gestational hypertension
Correct answer:
The nurse's primary concern when developing the plan of care for a patient who has not received prenatal care and is now in active labor is the risk of low birth weight for the baby. Prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, ensuring appropriate growth and development, and identifying any potential issues early on. Without prenatal care, important factors such as maternal nutritional status, appropriate weight gain, screening for conditions that can affect the baby's growth, and management of any complications during pregnancy may not have been addressed. As a result, the baby is at increased risk for being born with a low birth weight, which can lead to various health problems and complications both immediately after birth and in the long term. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring and addressing the risk of low birth weight in this situation.
A valuable tool for determining whether a potential employer is suitable for your career goals is to:
A. call The Joint Commission (TJC) to ask whether the organization meets required standards.
B. assess the work climate by walking through the facility.
C. review financial statements of the institution.
D. ask what they can do for you rather than what you can do for them.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B because assessing the work climate by walking through the facility allows you to gain firsthand insight into the organization's culture, values, and overall environment. By observing how employees interact, the cleanliness of the facility, and the general atmosphere, you can assess if it aligns with your career goals and preferences. This method provides tangible and direct evidence that can help you make an informed decision.
Choice A is incorrect because contacting The Joint Commission is not relevant to evaluating a potential employer's suitability for your career goals. Choice C is incorrect as reviewing financial statements may not provide insights into the work environment and culture. Choice D is incorrect because focusing solely on what the employer can do for you may not give a comprehensive understanding of whether the organization is a good fit for your career aspirations.
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was just admitted to the labor and birth unit in active labor at term. The patient informed the nurse, “I have not received any prenatal care because I cannot afford to go to the doctor. And, this is my third baby, so I know what to expect.” What is the nurse’s primary concern when developing the patient’s plan of care?
A. Low birth weight
B. Oligohydramnios
C. Gestational diabetes
D. Gestational hypertension
Correct answer:
The nurse's primary concern when developing the plan of care for a patient who has not received prenatal care and is now in active labor is the risk of low birth weight for the baby. Prenatal care plays a crucial role in monitoring the health of the pregnant woman and her baby, ensuring appropriate growth and development, and identifying any potential issues early on. Without prenatal care, important factors such as maternal nutritional status, appropriate weight gain, screening for conditions that can affect the baby's growth, and management of any complications during pregnancy may not have been addressed. As a result, the baby is at increased risk for being born with a low birth weight, which can lead to various health problems and complications both immediately after birth and in the long term. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring and addressing the risk of low birth weight in this situation.
A nurse is heard making this comment, "I believe human dignity is based on perceived self-worth while caring is based on perceived role in society that forms the basis of nursing practice." This nurse is:
A. demonstrating a model of human dignity.
B. evaluating the relevance of Leininger's Theory.
C. applying Mishel's Theory of Disease Uncertainty.
D. making a proposition concerning the constructs of nursing practice.
Correct answer:
Step-by-step rationale for why answer choice D is correct:
1. The nurse's statement suggests a proposition concerning the constructs of nursing practice, linking human dignity and caring to nursing roles.
2. The nurse is not demonstrating a model of human dignity (A), as they are discussing the relationship between human dignity and nursing practice, not modeling it.
3. The nurse is not evaluating the relevance of Leininger's Theory (B), as the statement does not mention cultural care theory, which is central to Leininger's work.
4. The nurse is not applying Mishel's Theory of Disease Uncertainty (C), as the statement does not discuss uncertainty in illness situations, which is the focus of Mishel's theory.
In summary, answer choice D is correct because the nurse is making a proposition regarding the constructs of nursing practice based on the relationship between human dignity and caring in nursing roles.
RN exams ethics practice questions, set 8 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the RN exams exam guide.
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