NSG 436 Exam 2 V3 | NSG 436 Leadership, Ethics,
and Policy in Health Care | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG436 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A nurse manager is applying the principle of justice in the unit’s staffing schedule. Which
actions by the manager reflect this ethical principle? (Select all that apply.)
A. Ensuring that holiday shifts are rotated fairly among all staff members.
B. Allocating overtime opportunities based on a first-come, first-served basis without bias.
C. Providing the same ratio of nursing care to a prisoner as to a local business owner.
D. Granting special leave to a high-performing nurse while denying it to others for the same
reason.
E. Distributing resources to patients based solely on their ability to pay.
F. Considering individual needs when distributing workload to ensure equitable outcomes.
Correct Answer: A, B, C, F
Explanation: Justice in nursing ethics refers to fairness and the equitable distribution of
resources and responsibilities. By ensuring fair rotation and unbiased resource allocation,
the manager treats all individuals with equal moral worth regardless of status. This
principle prevents favoritism and ensures that every staff member and patient is treated
with consistent standards of care and respect.
,2. A nurse leader is using a transformational leadership style to address high turnover rates.
Which characteristic is most representative of this style?
A. Using a system of rewards and punishments to ensure compliance with unit protocols.
B. Inspiring staff by communicating a compelling vision for the future of the unit.
C. Maintaining the status quo and intervening only when standards are not met.
D. Delegating all decision-making authority to the frontline staff without providing
guidance.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Transformational leadership focuses on building relationships and
motivating followers through a shared vision and intellectual stimulation. This style
empowers staff members to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the
organization. Unlike transactional leadership, which is based on exchanges,
transformational leadership fosters an environment of innovation and long-term
engagement.
3. Which ethical theory suggests that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined
solely by the consequences produced?
A. Utilitarianism
B. Deontology
C. Virtue Ethics
D. Ethics of Care
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism where the moral value of an
action is measured by its ability to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of
people. In contrast, Deontology focuses on duties and rules regardless of the outcome.
Understanding these theories helps nurses navigate complex ethical dilemmas by
evaluating whether the focus should be on the process or the results.
4. A nurse is advocating for a change in health policy regarding workplace violence. Which
action is the most effective first step in the policy-making process?
A. Drafting a bill to be presented to the state legislature immediately.
B. Implementing a new security protocol at the facility level before consulting stakeholders.
C. Lobbying local representatives to support a general increase in security funding.
D. Identifying and defining the specific problem through data collection and evidence.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The first step in policy-making is problem identification and definition, which
involves gathering evidence to demonstrate the scope and impact of the issue. Without a
clear definition, it is difficult to develop effective solutions or gain support from
stakeholders. Once the problem is quantified and clearly articulated, the advocate can then
move toward policy formulation and adoption.
, 5. A nurse is faced with an ethical dilemma where a patient’s family requests that the patient
not be told about a terminal diagnosis. Which ethical principle is most directly challenged by
this request?
A. Beneficence
B. Fidelity
C. Non-maleficence
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and the ability to
make informed decisions about their own medical care. Withholding information about a
diagnosis prevents the patient from exercising this right and making plans for their future.
While the family may believe they are acting out of beneficence, the nurse must prioritize
the patient’s legal and ethical right to the truth.
6. Which of the following are essential components of informed consent that a nurse must
ensure are present? (Select all that apply.)
A. Disclosure of the nature and purpose of the proposed procedure.
B. Explanation of the risks and benefits associated with the treatment.
C. Information regarding alternative treatments and their risks.
D. A guarantee that the procedure will be 100% successful.
and Policy in Health Care | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG436 Exam 2) | Grand Canyon
University
1. A nurse manager is applying the principle of justice in the unit’s staffing schedule. Which
actions by the manager reflect this ethical principle? (Select all that apply.)
A. Ensuring that holiday shifts are rotated fairly among all staff members.
B. Allocating overtime opportunities based on a first-come, first-served basis without bias.
C. Providing the same ratio of nursing care to a prisoner as to a local business owner.
D. Granting special leave to a high-performing nurse while denying it to others for the same
reason.
E. Distributing resources to patients based solely on their ability to pay.
F. Considering individual needs when distributing workload to ensure equitable outcomes.
Correct Answer: A, B, C, F
Explanation: Justice in nursing ethics refers to fairness and the equitable distribution of
resources and responsibilities. By ensuring fair rotation and unbiased resource allocation,
the manager treats all individuals with equal moral worth regardless of status. This
principle prevents favoritism and ensures that every staff member and patient is treated
with consistent standards of care and respect.
,2. A nurse leader is using a transformational leadership style to address high turnover rates.
Which characteristic is most representative of this style?
A. Using a system of rewards and punishments to ensure compliance with unit protocols.
B. Inspiring staff by communicating a compelling vision for the future of the unit.
C. Maintaining the status quo and intervening only when standards are not met.
D. Delegating all decision-making authority to the frontline staff without providing
guidance.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Transformational leadership focuses on building relationships and
motivating followers through a shared vision and intellectual stimulation. This style
empowers staff members to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the
organization. Unlike transactional leadership, which is based on exchanges,
transformational leadership fosters an environment of innovation and long-term
engagement.
3. Which ethical theory suggests that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined
solely by the consequences produced?
A. Utilitarianism
B. Deontology
C. Virtue Ethics
D. Ethics of Care
,Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism where the moral value of an
action is measured by its ability to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of
people. In contrast, Deontology focuses on duties and rules regardless of the outcome.
Understanding these theories helps nurses navigate complex ethical dilemmas by
evaluating whether the focus should be on the process or the results.
4. A nurse is advocating for a change in health policy regarding workplace violence. Which
action is the most effective first step in the policy-making process?
A. Drafting a bill to be presented to the state legislature immediately.
B. Implementing a new security protocol at the facility level before consulting stakeholders.
C. Lobbying local representatives to support a general increase in security funding.
D. Identifying and defining the specific problem through data collection and evidence.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The first step in policy-making is problem identification and definition, which
involves gathering evidence to demonstrate the scope and impact of the issue. Without a
clear definition, it is difficult to develop effective solutions or gain support from
stakeholders. Once the problem is quantified and clearly articulated, the advocate can then
move toward policy formulation and adoption.
, 5. A nurse is faced with an ethical dilemma where a patient’s family requests that the patient
not be told about a terminal diagnosis. Which ethical principle is most directly challenged by
this request?
A. Beneficence
B. Fidelity
C. Non-maleficence
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and the ability to
make informed decisions about their own medical care. Withholding information about a
diagnosis prevents the patient from exercising this right and making plans for their future.
While the family may believe they are acting out of beneficence, the nurse must prioritize
the patient’s legal and ethical right to the truth.
6. Which of the following are essential components of informed consent that a nurse must
ensure are present? (Select all that apply.)
A. Disclosure of the nature and purpose of the proposed procedure.
B. Explanation of the risks and benefits associated with the treatment.
C. Information regarding alternative treatments and their risks.
D. A guarantee that the procedure will be 100% successful.
