Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice A is correct: 1. Quality in healthcare should be consumer-centric, meeting their needs and preferences. 2. Consumer needs and wants drive patient satisfaction and outcomes. 3. Patient-centered care leads to better health outcomes and overall quality of care. 4. Focusing on consumer needs promotes individualized and effective care delivery. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: - Choice B (economical care) does not necessarily ensure high-quality care. - Choice C (technologic advancement) is important but not the sole focus of quality healthcare. - Choice D (equally distributed services) is important for equity but does not define quality in healthcare.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Electronic messaging. In today's fast-paced world, electronic messaging, such as emails, text messages, and social media, is the most commonly used means of societal communication due to its immediacy, convenience, and widespread accessibility. It allows people to communicate quickly across long distances and reach a large audience efficiently. Facial expressions (A) are important but limited in reach. Spoken word (B) is also crucial but less prevalent in today's digital age. Written messages (C) are still used but electronic messaging has largely replaced traditional written communication for its speed and efficiency.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Karnofsky Prognostication Scale is commonly used in patients with terminal illness, such as AIDS, to assess their functional status and predict their prognosis. Patients with AIDS often experience rapid decline in health, making this scale useful in determining their overall well-being and potential outcomes. Incorrect choices: A: Respiratory diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not commonly used for screening patients with respiratory diseases. B: Cancers - While the Karnofsky scale can be used for cancer patients, it is most commonly associated with terminal illnesses like AIDS. C: Cardiac diseases - The Karnofsky scale is not typically used for screening patients with cardiac diseases.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Professional duty: Nurses have a duty to provide patient-centered care regardless of personal beliefs. 2. Legal liability: Withholding treatment based on personal beliefs can lead to legal consequences. 3. Ethical considerations: Nurses must prioritize patient care over personal beliefs. 4. Rights of conscience: Nurses may have the right to refuse to participate in certain treatments, but they must still ensure patient care. 5. Patient-centered care: Nurses must respect patient autonomy and provide care based on the patient's wishes. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: B. Irrelevant to the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care. C. Nurses should not impose their beliefs on patients but should respect and support their choices. D. Suggesting the hospital not accept federal funding does not address the nurse's duty to provide patient-centered care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: conduct a cultural self-assessment. This is the first step to ensure cultural competence because it allows the nurse to reflect on their own beliefs, biases, and cultural background, which can impact interactions with culturally diverse clients. By understanding one's own cultural identity, the nurse can better appreciate and respect the beliefs of others. Choice A is incorrect because enrolling in a nursing theories course may provide knowledge but does not address the nurse's own biases. Choice B is also incorrect as immersion in nursing literature may increase knowledge but does not promote self-awareness. Choice C is incorrect as focusing on health assessment variations does not necessarily address cultural sensitivity in interactions. Conducting a cultural self-assessment is essential for building a foundation of cultural competence and respect.