Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because denying the older person with Alzheimer's disease the right to ambulate violates their autonomy by restricting their freedom to make choices about their own body and movement. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual's right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this situation, the person should have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to ambulate, even if they have advanced Alzheimer's disease. Choice B is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse medical treatment based on their beliefs, which is an expression of autonomy. Choice C is incorrect because the mentally competent visitor has the right to refuse examination, which is also an expression of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect because the mentally competent adult has the right to refuse a local anesthetic, which is also an expression of autonomy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it specifies a measurable and achievable goal related to improving cardiac function through physical activities. It follows the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Option B does not provide a specific outcome, while Option C focuses on pharmaceutical approaches rather than outcomes. Option D is unrelated to the goal of improving outcomes for heart failure patients. Thus, option A is the most appropriate choice for a well-defined and relevant outcome for the care of heart failure patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Medicaid is funded by both state and federal governments, but benefits vary from state to state." Rationale: 1. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, meaning it is funded by both levels of government. 2. States have flexibility in designing and administering their Medicaid programs, leading to variations in benefits across states. 3. When an individual covered by Medicaid moves to a different state, they may experience changes in benefits due to these state-specific variations. Summary: A: Incorrect. While local governments may have some influence, Medicaid is primarily funded by both state and federal governments. B: Incorrect. The federal government does provide funding for Medicaid, but states also contribute, and benefits do vary across states. C: Incorrect. State benefits under Medicaid are not solely determined by the present economy; they are influenced by various factors and state policies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because lacking consistent providers is a common issue among the poor utilizing Medicaid. This impacts continuity of care, leading to fragmented health services and poor health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as Medicaid does provide some level of access to healthcare. Choice B is incorrect as unnecessary treatments are not a common issue among the poor on Medicaid. Choice D is incorrect as preventive services are underutilized rather than abused by the poor on Medicaid.

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.