Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because master's programs, like the one for clinical nurse leaders, indeed provide entry into practice with a focus on interdisciplinary and bedside nursing care for complex client populations. This choice stands out as it specifically addresses the advanced level of education and specialization required for handling complex cases. Choice A is incorrect because diploma programs typically focus on basic nursing skills rather than specialization in complex client populations. Choice B is incorrect as most practicing RNs nowadays graduate from associate's or bachelor's degree programs, not diploma programs. Choice C is incorrect because baccalaureate programs emphasize a broader education including leadership, research, and critical thinking skills rather than just technical and hands-on nursing skills.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: altruism. Altruism is the selfless concern for the wellbeing of others, which is demonstrated by the staff members helping the patient in need without hesitation. In this scenario, the staff members are putting the patient's needs above their own, showing compassion and empathy. This aligns with the principle of altruism in nursing, where caregivers prioritize the welfare of their patients. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty. While these are important traits in nursing, they are not the focus of the staff members' actions in this scenario. C: Autonomy is the right of individuals to make decisions about their own care. In this situation, the patient is not exercising autonomy, but rather relying on the staff for assistance. D: Whistle-blowing involves reporting unethical or illegal behavior within an organization. There is no indication of any wrongdoing that would require whistle-blowing in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects the shift in focus from tuberculosis in the 1980s to the emergence of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s in the field of nursing. Tuberculosis was a major concern in the 1980s, and the AIDS epidemic became a primary focus in the 1990s. Choice A is incorrect because it discusses preventable diseases caused by unsafe lifestyles, which is not directly related to the comparison of nursing between the two decades. Choice C is incorrect because it mentions a decrease in ambulatory services in the 1980s leading to an increase in public health nurses in the 1990s, which is not supported by the historical context of nursing during those decades. Choice D is incorrect because it suggests that the demand for advanced practice nurses increased in both the 1980s and the 1990s due to economic reasons and national health concerns, which is not specifically relevant to the comparison between nursing in the two decades.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse is at risk for HIPAA violations by sharing patient information on social media. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patients' privacy and prohibits healthcare providers from disclosing their health information without consent. In this scenario, the nurse shared specific details about the patient's health condition, visit to the ED, and financial situation, which could easily identify the patient. This violates the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the focus should be on the HIPAA violation rather than empathy, policy following, or logical fallacies. The nurse should have found alternative ways to help the patient without compromising their privacy.