Question 1

A public health nurse is faced with an ethical dilemma. Which question should the nurse consider first when deciding how to resolve the dilemma?

Accepted Answer

A framework is applied in public health ethics inquiry. Three core functions of this inquiry include (1) identifying and clarifying the ethical dilemma, (2) analyzing it in terms of alternative courses of action and their consequences, and (3) resolving the dilemma by deciding which course of action best incorporates and balances the guiding principles and values.

Question 2

A community health nurse is working with a grassroots lobbying group to bring equitable health care access to a rural farm migrant area. Which fundamental ethical principle is the nurse using to guide provisions of care for the migrant population?

Accepted Answer

Justice refers to treating people fairly, such as by ensuring equal access to health care and not limiting the amount or quality of services due to income level. Veracity refers to telling the truth, giving clients accurate information in a timely manner. Veracity involves treating clients as equals. Fidelity means keeping promises or commitments to foster trust and trustworthiness. Respect involves acknowledging clients as valued participants in shaping their own and the community's health outcomes.

Question 3

A community health nurse is promoting legislation to protect the environment from industry pollutants. Which fundamental ethical principle is the nurse using to guide provisions of care for the population?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence is avoiding or preventing harm to others as a consequence of a person's own choices and actions. Veracity involves treating clients as equals. Fidelity means keeping promises or commitments to foster trust and trustworthiness. Justice refers to treating people fairly, such as by ensuring equal access to health care and not limiting the amount or quality of services due to income level.

Question 4

A community health nurse is discussing the core functions of public health inquiry with a group of student nurses. Which statement made by a student nurse indicates the need for further discussion about the core functions?

Accepted Answer

One of the three core functions of public health inquiry is not being an active member of the community in order to understand the need first hand. This statement made by the student indicates there is a need for further discussion. The three core functions of public health inquiry include (1) identifying and clarifying the ethical dilemma; (2) analyzing it in terms of alternative courses of action and their consequences; and (3) resolving the dilemma by deciding which course of action best incorporates and balances the guiding principles and values.

Question 5

A community health nurse is working with a group of parents concerned with drug use within the school system. The nurse is open to hear their concerns and values their input when working toward the development of meeting the needs of the group. Which fundamental ethical principle is the nurse using to guide decision-making in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Respect involves acknowledging clients as valued participants in shaping their own and the community's health outcomes. Justice refers to treating people fairly, such as by ensuring equal access to health care and not limiting the amount or quality of services due to income level. Veracity refers to telling the truth, giving clients accurate information in a timely manner. Veracity involves treating clients as equals. Fidelity means keeping promises or commitments to foster trust and trustworthiness.

Question 6

A community health nurse is working with a community group to meet the various needs in the area. Which principle would the nurse apply when working with the community group?

Accepted Answer

A nurse who uses the principle of autonomy promotes individuals' and groups' rights to and involvement in decision-making. Tenacity is firmness and is not one of the seven fundamental ethical principles. Advocacy and privacy are important when caring for a community; however, they are not a fundamental ethical principle.

Question 7

A nurse is researching a type of research which is housed in the Cochrane Collaboration and summarizes a known problem or situation. Which type of evidence is it classified?

Accepted Answer

Systematically searching all relevant research on a clinical question is important for the nurse. The evidence can be disseminated in a variety of reviews. Systematic or integrative reviews compile all research studies and summarize the problem or situation in the Cochrane Collaboration. Scoping reviews are conducted to discover new evidence on a subject, types of evidence available in a specific area of inquiry, or to determine missing areas in a body of literature. Meta-analysis is a statistical method to combine results of multiple smaller research studies to increase the statistical power of the overall findings. Evidence-based practice is a conscientious, problem-solving approach to clinical practice that incorporates the best evidence from well-designed studies, patient values and preferences, and a clinician's expertise in making decisions about a patient's care.

Question 8

A nurse is interviewing for a nursing job in a clinic. During the interview, the nurse manager asks the nurse to explain a situation using core nursing values. Which is an example of a nursing value?

Accepted Answer

Values in nursing, according to Bailee (2017), include respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, and working together for patients. The best example of working together is assisting the clinic staff to protect the clients. Counseling a family involves communication and a background in counseling, and this value is not displayed by every nurse. Commitment of picking up another shift is not a nursing value but rather an individual choice. Completing a nursing assessment is often required in acute care settings.

Question 9

There are basic protections for research participants when a nurse is conducting research. Which statements pertain to protecting patients in research? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Several aspects are critical to avoid harm and exploitation in research. No research can be done that may inflict permanent or serious harm. Research study must be stopped if it becomes evident that harm may come to participants. There is should be some identified benefits from participation and costs or risks should be outlined, so that participants can more easily determine the cost-benefit ratio often referred to as full disclosure. Participants can withdraw at any time. Consent forms that include full disclosure of the nature of the study, the time and commitment required, the researcher's contact information, and a pledge of confidentiality or assurance of privacy. Vulnerable subjects such as children; people with mental, emotional, or physical disabilities; pregnant women; and the terminally ill need special care to ensure protection of them, which can include consents from their caregivers.

Quiz 4: Evidence-Based Practice and Ethics in Communitypublic Health