Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: The correct answer is A because statistics show that currently, less than half of all registered nurses work in hospital settings, with the majority working in community, home health, long-term care, and other non-hospital settings. This information is supported by recent workforce studies and trends in nursing practice. Summary of other choices: B: The average age for an RN is not necessarily 50 years, as there is a wide range of ages among RNs, with many entering the profession at younger ages. C: Approximately 25% of RNs are male, which is a significant proportion but does not encompass the majority of the nursing workforce. D: While the number of RNs with bachelor's degrees is increasing, the majority of RNs still do not hold a bachelor's degree as their highest level of education.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer D is correct: 1. Ensures patient safety: RN should only accept assignments they are qualified for to provide safe care. 2. Upholds professional standards: Accepting only familiar assignments aligns with nursing scope of practice. 3. Legal and ethical responsibility: RN must prioritize patient well-being over external pressures. 4. Promotes personal growth: RN can seek additional training for unfamiliar assignments. Summary: - A: Incorrect. Accepting based on power dynamics disregards patient safety and professional ethics. - B: Incorrect. Patient safety should be the primary concern over workload. - C: Incorrect. Past handling may not guarantee appropriateness. Focus should be on personal qualification.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions about their healthcare. In this scenario, the family's request to honor the terminally ill mother's advance directives aligns with the principle of autonomy as it acknowledges her right to make decisions about her own care. Accountability (A) pertains to taking responsibility for one's actions, nonmaleficence (C) involves avoiding harm, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness. While these principles are important in healthcare, in this specific case, autonomy takes precedence as it respects the patient's wishes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: letters of commendation. Nursing professionals typically include letters of commendation in their portfolios to showcase their achievements, skills, and positive feedback from colleagues or supervisors. This demonstrates their competence and professionalism. Family pictures (A) and high school achievements (D) are not relevant to a nursing portfolio. Articles describing lack of quality in healthcare (C) could reflect negatively on the professional and are not typically included in a portfolio meant to highlight accomplishments.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: point-of-care technology. Point-of-care technology refers to tools and devices that assist healthcare providers in delivering care at the patient's bedside. In this scenario, the nurse is accessing a software application on a Personal Digital Assistant to follow steps for accessing a portacath, which is a form of point-of-care technology. This technology enables quick and accurate access to necessary information, ensuring safe and efficient care delivery. Incorrect choices: A: Electronic health records (EHR) primarily store patient information and medical history but do not provide real-time guidance on procedures like accessing a portacath. C: Data management involves organizing and analyzing healthcare data but does not directly assist in patient care tasks like accessing a portacath. D: Telehealth involves remote healthcare services, which are not relevant to the nurse's immediate task of accessing a portacath.