Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following presents an important emerging challenge to changes in health care?

• A. Decreased immigration
• B. Nursing staff shortages
• C. Bioterrorism
• D. Increased surgical procedures

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bioterrorism is considered an important emerging challenge to changes in health care due to its potential to disrupt healthcare systems, cause mass casualties, and create public health emergencies. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to emerging challenges in health care. While nursing staff shortages are a significant issue, bioterrorism poses a different kind of threat that requires specific preparedness and response strategies.

2. A recent ethical issue has resulted in uneasiness and discomfort for several nurses on a unit. The unit manager has decided to discuss the issues at the next team meeting. The situation has resulted in which of the following for some of the nurses?

• A. Moral suffering
• B. Moral distress
• C. Ethical dilemma
• D. Veracity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Moral suffering occurs when a situation results in a feeling of uneasiness or concern because of behaviors or circumstances that challenge one�s own morals and beliefs.

3. Which of the following best describes the concept of patient autonomy?

• A. The right of patients to make their own healthcare decisions
• B. The duty to do no harm
• C. The obligation to tell the truth
• D. The responsibility to provide equitable care

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patient autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own healthcare decisions based on their values and preferences. It emphasizes the importance of respecting patients' rights to choose their treatment options, even if their decisions may not align with healthcare providers' recommendations. Choice B, the duty to do no harm, refers to the ethical principle of nonmaleficence, which is separate from patient autonomy. Choice C, the obligation to tell the truth, is related to the principle of veracity and does not directly encompass patient autonomy. Choice D, the responsibility to provide equitable care, pertains to the concept of justice in healthcare and is not synonymous with patient autonomy.

4. The staff nurse delegates AM care for two patients to the UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Person). What principle of delegation is the nurse following?

• A. Delegation requires a situation with clearly defined superiors.
• B. Delegation can only exist with a subordinate.
• C. Delegation is a tool used by various healthcare professionals.
• D. You can delegate only those tasks.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'You can delegate only those tasks.' Delegation in nursing involves transferring responsibility for the performance of a task while retaining accountability for the outcome. The principle of delegation does not require a situation with clearly defined superiors (choice A). Delegation can exist not only with a subordinate but also with colleagues or other healthcare team members (choice B). Delegation is not exclusive to nurses and is a tool used by various healthcare professionals (choice C). Therefore, the best choice is D as it accurately reflects the principle of delegation in nursing.

5. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Incompetence jeopardizes patient safety. Therefore, the formal process for handling these practices should be followed.

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