Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: provide safe harbors for unjust or unsafe work assignments. This is the priority intervention because ensuring a safe work environment is crucial for nurses' well-being and quality of life. By addressing unjust or unsafe work assignments, nurses can feel supported and protected, leading to improved job satisfaction and overall quality of life. Option B: improving nurse-physician communications is important but not as critical as ensuring a safe work environment. Option C: requiring professional development courses is beneficial but may not directly address the immediate concerns of nurses' quality of life. Option D: improving vertical working relationships is important, but addressing unsafe work conditions should take precedence for nurses' well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining eye contact while focusing on the patient's description of pain level and location demonstrates active listening. This non-verbal communication shows empathy and attentiveness to the patient's concerns. Choice A focuses on providing information rather than actively listening. Choice C involves personalizing the situation rather than focusing on the patient's needs. Choice D involves agreeing with the patient's decision rather than actively listening to understand their perspective.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C (case manager) is correct: 1. A case manager coordinates referrals and services for patients with complex needs, such as this patient with diabetes and dementia. 2. In this scenario, the nurse is coordinating referrals to an endocrinologist and organizing physical therapy, which aligns with the role of a case manager. 3. Case managers ensure continuity of care and facilitate communication between different healthcare providers. 4. The nurse's role in organizing follow-up care and services for the patient falls under the responsibilities of a case manager. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Informatics specialist - This role focuses on managing health information systems, not coordinating referrals and services for patients. B: Educator - While education may be a component of the nurse's role, the primary focus in this scenario is on coordinating referrals and services, which is more in line with a case manager's responsibilities. D: Quality manager - Quality managers focus on ensuring healthcare services meet quality standards

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Appeal to emotion. The nurse is trying to justify their repeated tardiness by appealing to the emotions of the nurse manager, by invoking pity and sympathy. This type of logical fallacy involves using emotional manipulation to distract from the real issue of consistently being late to work. The nurse's personal circumstances are valid but do not excuse the behavior. Summary of other choices: B: Appeal to tradition - This fallacy involves justifying a belief or action based on the fact that it has been done that way in the past. This is not evident in the nurse's response. C: Hasty generalization - Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence. The nurse's explanation is specific to their own situation and not a broad generalization. D: Confusing cause and effect - Mistaking the cause of a situation for the effect or vice versa. The nurse is trying to use their personal circumstances as the cause of being consistently late, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because before addressing any ethical issue, it is vital to first identify and define the issue clearly. This helps in understanding the context and scope of the problem. Without knowing the specific ethical issue at hand, it is impossible to proceed with identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, or justifying the choice of action. Therefore, asking "What is the issue?" is the initial step in the ethical decision-making process. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because identifying alternatives comes after defining the issue. - Option C is incorrect as selecting the best option should be based on a clear understanding of the issue. - Option D is incorrect as justifying actions or inactions should come after determining the ethical problem.