Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing Related

Review Contemporary Ethical Issues in Nursing related questions and content

When an RN is asked to accept an assignment that he or she may not be qualified to perform, the nurse should:

  • A. accept the assignment as appropriate if assigned by a legitimate power.
  • B. be primarily concerned with the number of patients being assigned.
  • C. ask how other nurses have handled the assignment in the past.
  • D. determine whether he or she is familiar with the types of patients being assigned.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why Answer D is correct:
1. Ensures patient safety: RN should only accept assignments they are qualified for to provide safe care.
2. Upholds professional standards: Accepting only familiar assignments aligns with nursing scope of practice.
3. Legal and ethical responsibility: RN must prioritize patient well-being over external pressures.
4. Promotes personal growth: RN can seek additional training for unfamiliar assignments.

Summary:
- A: Incorrect. Accepting based on power dynamics disregards patient safety and professional ethics.
- B: Incorrect. Patient safety should be the primary concern over workload.
- C: Incorrect. Past handling may not guarantee appropriateness. Focus should be on personal qualification.