Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because most states require certification for all specialty roles identified as advanced practice. This is crucial for ensuring that nurse practitioners have met specific educational and clinical practice requirements to provide safe and competent care. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: Nurse anesthetists and nurse-midwives are not the only advanced practice roles that require certification in most states. Other roles such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists also require certification. C: The increasing number of new advanced practice roles does not necessarily mean that the scope of practice remains unclear in state nurse practice acts. Certification requirements help define the scope of practice for each role. D: Certification is not automatic when applying for an advanced practice license. Nurses must complete specific educational programs and pass certification exams to obtain certification for their chosen specialty role.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because nursing judgment related to withholding medication based on vital signs requires critical thinking, clinical knowledge, and experience. This decision-making process involves assessing the patient's condition, interpreting vital signs, and determining if medication should be given or withheld to ensure patient safety. This function cannot be delegated to someone without the appropriate training and expertise. A: Assessment of skin integrity on the third day of hospitalization can be delegated to other healthcare team members such as LPNs or nursing assistants, as long as they have been trained and deemed competent. B: Evaluation of patient teaching related to turn, cough, and deep breathing exercises can be delegated to other healthcare team members, as long as they have the appropriate training and supervision. D: The statement that RNs do not delegate to other RNs is incorrect. RNs can delegate certain tasks to other RNs based on their scope of practice and level of experience. It is not limited to LPNs or unlicensed assistive personnel.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The novice nurse is demonstrating priority setting by asking about the consequences of not completing a task. This skill involves determining the most crucial tasks to be completed first based on their potential impact on patient outcomes. By understanding the implications of task completion, the nurse can effectively prioritize their workload. Delegation involves assigning tasks to others, organization involves arranging tasks in a systematic way, and clinical skills refer to the technical abilities in providing patient care. These skills are not directly demonstrated by the nurse's question about the consequences of task completion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: American Nurses Association Nurses Strategic Action Team (N-STAT). Rationale: 1. N-STAT is a strategic action team within the American Nurses Association, which is a reputable organization representing nurses' interests. 2. N-STAT focuses on political advocacy and provides information on political platforms of candidates running for national office. 3. Contacting N-STAT would provide the nurse with accurate and relevant information about the candidate's political platform. Summary of other choices: A: National Registry for Candidates - Not a known entity, unlikely to provide specific political platform information. C: National League of Nurses - Focuses on nursing education and standards, not political platforms. D: National Council of State Boards of Nursing - Focuses on regulatory aspects of nursing practice, not political platforms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: decontamination. Decontamination is the process of removing harmful chemicals from equipment and supplies to prevent further exposure and contamination. In this scenario, the disaster medical assistance team is working to contain contaminants first and then proceed with decontamination to ensure the safety of personnel. Containment (choice A) refers to preventing the spread of contaminants, not removing them. Triage (choice C) is the process of prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries, not removing chemicals. Scene assessment (choice D) involves evaluating the situation to determine the extent of the disaster, not the removal of harmful chemicals.