Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Environment. Nursing theory often includes the concept of environment, which encompasses physical, social, and psychological factors influencing a patient's health. This concept helps nurses understand the context in which care is provided and how it impacts health outcomes. Incorrect choices: B: Health - While health is a fundamental aspect of nursing, it is not specific to nursing theory concepts. C: Nursing - This is a broad term encompassing the profession itself, not a specific concept within nursing theory. D: Relevance - This term is not directly associated with nursing theory concepts and does not provide a framework for understanding nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Review the overall situation to identify the core issues. This is the initial step when addressing an ethically challenging situation because it allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation before delving into specific details. By reviewing the overall situation, you can identify the key ethical issues at play and prioritize which aspects need to be addressed first. This step sets the foundation for developing an effective strategy to navigate the ethical dilemma. Incorrect answers: A: Identifying all those involved is important, but it should come after reviewing the situation. C: Gathering facts is necessary, but reviewing the overall situation should precede this step. D: Determining the ethical dilemma is crucial, but it is more effective to first review the entire situation to fully grasp the complexities before pinpointing the ethical issue.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mental. The nurse's inability to concentrate and view the healthcare milieu sensibly indicates a lack of mental energy. Mental energy is crucial for focus, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills necessary for quality management. Physical energy (A) is related to physical stamina, spiritual energy (C) to inner peace and purpose, and emotional energy (D) to emotional resilience. However, in this case, the nurse's issue is primarily cognitive, highlighting the absence of mental energy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because keeping the RN informed of any abnormal blood pressure readings is an essential part of the UAP's responsibility. This ensures that the RN is aware of any potential issues with the patients' health and can intervene if necessary. It is important for the UAP to communicate such vital information promptly to the RN, who has the clinical expertise to assess the situation and make appropriate decisions. Choice A is incorrect because the UAP should not delegate tasks to another UAP without prior authorization from the RN. Choice C is incorrect because calling the physician directly is beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Choice D is incorrect because initiating a low-sodium diet for hypertensive patients is a clinical decision that should be made by the RN or physician, not the UAP.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The DRG payment system is a fixed reimbursement amount for a specific diagnosis or procedure. In this case, the cost of care exceeded the DRG reimbursement amount due to the extended ICU stay caused by the client's smoking history. The hospital will only be reimbursed at the set fee specified by the DRG, regardless of the actual cost incurred. Choice A is incorrect because the hospital cannot collect additional fees from the insurance company beyond the DRG reimbursement amount. Choice C is incorrect as the client is not typically held responsible for the additional costs incurred. Choice D is incorrect because physician payment is not directly impacted by the hospital's financial losses. The DRG system focuses on fixed reimbursements based on diagnoses, not individual physician payments.