Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sickle cell anemia. This genetic disorder is found in individuals of African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin. This condition is more prevalent in these ethnic groups due to historical reasons and natural selection against malaria. A: Mongolian spots are common in Asian infants but not in all the mentioned ethnicities. C: Lactose intolerance is more common in individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent but not specifically in American Indians. D: Thalassemia is more prevalent in individuals of Mediterranean, African, and Southeast Asian descent, not in all the mentioned ethnicities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse is at risk for discipline because failing to report the receipt of the message demonstrates poor ethical and legal role-modeling. By deleting the photo and not reporting the incident, the nurse is not upholding patient confidentiality and is potentially violating privacy laws. Sharing patient information, even if the patient is on the same floor, is unethical and illegal. Choices A and B are incorrect because simply deleting the photos does not absolve the nurse from potential consequences, and not being the sender does not excuse the nurse from being responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality. Choice D is incorrect because sharing patient information without authorization is a violation of ethical and legal standards.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the RN must have knowledge of laws and regulations governing nursing practice, including those that have unclear boundaries for UAP. This is crucial to ensure safe and effective delegation. Option A is incorrect because the nurse practice act typically does not define UAP roles. Option B is incorrect as delegation also requires assessing competency, not just training. Option C is incorrect as supervision is necessary regardless of the task's routine nature. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of legal knowledge for proper delegation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: 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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale for Answer D: The correct answer is D because the statement aligns with current data indicating a strong demand for nurses leading to ample job opportunities. This information is supported by various reports and studies highlighting the ongoing nursing shortage and the need for more healthcare professionals. Employment opportunities for nurses are indeed robust, with job growth projected to continue in the coming years due to factors like an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. Summary of Other Choices: A: Salaries of nurses being competitive with other professionals like teachers may vary depending on location and specialty, but it is not a direct indicator of the nursing shortage. B: The percentage of minority nurses is not directly related to the nursing shortage issue, making this statement irrelevant to the current data on the shortage. C: Job satisfaction and reasons for leaving the nursing profession may include various factors, but fear of contracting diseases is not a primary reason cited in current data on the nursing shortage.