Nursing Elites

1. A recent ethical issue has resulted in uneasiness and discomfort for several nurses on a unit. The unit manager has decided to discuss the issues at the next team meeting. The situation has resulted in which of the following for some of the nurses?

• A. Moral suffering
• B. Moral distress
• C. Ethical dilemma
• D. Veracity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, moral distress. Moral distress occurs when one knows the ethically correct action to take but feels constrained in their ability to take that action due to institutional, hierarchical, or other constraints. In this scenario, the nurses are experiencing uneasiness and discomfort due to an ethical issue, which aligns with the definition of moral distress. Choice A, moral suffering, is not the most appropriate term in this context as moral distress better describes the situation. Choice C, ethical dilemma, refers to a situation where a person is faced with two equally undesirable alternatives, which does not fully capture the nurses' current experience. Choice D, veracity, is unrelated to the nurses' situation and does not fit the context of the scenario.

2. What is the main purpose of a nursing code of ethics?

• A. To protect the rights and dignity of patients
• B. To ensure compliance with healthcare laws
• C. To set standards for clinical practice
• D. To provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main purpose of a nursing code of ethics is to provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice. While choice A is important, the primary focus of a nursing code of ethics is not solely to protect the rights and dignity of patients but to guide nurses in making ethical decisions. Choice B is more related to legal requirements, not the ethical aspects covered by a code of ethics. Choice C, setting standards for clinical practice, is important but distinct from the primary purpose of a code of ethics, which is centered on ethical decision-making.

3. A registered nurse (RN) is caring for a patient who is one of Jehovah�s Witnesses and has refused a blood transfusion even though her hemoglobin is dangerously low. After providing information about all the alternatives available and risks and benefits of each, the health-care provider allows the patient to determine which course of treatment she would prefer. The RN knows this is an example of which ethical principle?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Nonmaleficence
• C. Beneficence
• D. Distributive justice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This is an example of the ethical principle of autonomy.

4. A client who is nonambulatory notifies the nurse that their trash can is on fire. After the nurse confirms the presence of the fire, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Activate the emergency fire alarm.
• B. Extinguish the fire.
• C. Evacuate the client.
• D. Confine the fire.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse's priority should be to confine the fire. By confining the fire, the nurse can prevent it from spreading further and causing more harm. Activating the emergency fire alarm (choice A) is important but should come after confining the fire. Extinguishing the fire (choice B) might not be safe for the nurse to do without proper equipment and training. Evacuating the client (choice C) can be considered once the fire is confined to ensure the client's safety.

5. Which of the following is NOT considered a withdrawal behavior?

• A. Turnover
• B. Strategies
• C. Stress
• D. Punctuality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Strategies.' Withdrawal behaviors are actions employees take to mentally escape the work environment. Turnover, stress, and punctuality are examples of withdrawal behaviors. Turnover refers to employees leaving the workplace, stress leads to disengagement, and lack of punctuality can indicate disinterest or withdrawal. 'Strategies' do not fit the definition of withdrawal behaviors, making it the correct answer.

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