Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Law (EMTALA). This act prohibits hospitals from transferring patients in active labor or with an emergency condition based on insurance status or ability to pay. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of insurance or immigration status, receive necessary emergency medical treatment. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient privacy and does not address transfer of patients in active labor. C: Patient Self-Determination Act focuses on patient autonomy in making healthcare decisions, not on preventing transfer based on insurance status. D: The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act promotes patient safety and quality improvement but does not specifically address transfer of patients in active labor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because in a mass casualty disaster following a terrorist attack, the same ground rules practiced in other settings and during smaller crises will be applicable. This is because the scale and complexity of the disaster require established protocols and procedures to manage the situation effectively. Choice A is incorrect because the response of local hospitals may not necessarily be dictated by the federal government in such situations. Choice C is incorrect because assigning the least experienced nurses to triage patients based on their perceived risk or chances of survival is not ethical or effective. Choice D is incorrect because having multiple incident commanders can lead to confusion and delays in decision-making during a crisis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: infection control. In this scenario, the nurse is focusing on preventing and controlling the spread of hospital-acquired diarrhea among pediatric patients. By investigating the incidence rates and implementing measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission, the nurse is fulfilling the role of infection control. Quality management (A) focuses on improving processes and outcomes, not specifically on infection prevention. Occupational health (C) involves ensuring workplace safety for employees, not patient infection control. Forensics (D) involves investigating and analyzing evidence related to crimes or legal matters, not infection control in a healthcare setting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Coercive. Managers with an authoritative behavioral style tend to use coercive power, which involves the ability to influence others through threats or punishment. This style relies on fear and control to achieve compliance. Informal power (A) is based on relationships and influence, expert power (B) is derived from knowledge and expertise, and reward power (D) is based on the ability to provide incentives. However, coercive power aligns most closely with an authoritative style as it emphasizes control and dominance over subordinates.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clara Maas. Clara Maas died after deliberately acquiring two bites from yellow fever carrier mosquitoes to provide care during the Spanish-American War. This is correct because Clara Maas was a real historical figure known for her selfless dedication to nursing and her sacrifice to help others. Florence Nightingale (A) is renowned for her work in nursing during the Crimean War, but she did not die from acquiring yellow fever. Margaret Hoolihan (B) and Sairy Gamp (D) are fictional characters and not relevant to the historical context of the Spanish-American War.