Ch. 9 PrepU: Legal & Ethical Issues
When it is discovered that a nurse did not act reasonably when providing care in accordance with the standards of professional practice, which factor would confirm the nurse has been negligent?
The nurse was responsible for client injury
A nurse working on a psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from a client's employer. The employer asks for a copy of the client's latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so that client's medical records in employee health can be updated. Based on the nurse's knowledge about issues surrounding breach of confidentiality, which response would be the most appropriate?
"I am unable to acknowledge whether or not your the client is a client on this unit."
A nurse is providing care to a client who is hospitalized with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which statement would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's medical record?
"Reported an inability to sleep because 'I heard voices throughout the night'."
The nurse is admitting a client to the hospital. The nurse gives the client information about client rights while in the hospital. Which statement by the client indicates that more teaching is needed?
"The doctor can copy my information and send it to my son."
As a result of the increasing severity of delusions and consequent unsafe behavior, a client has been admitted to a psychiatric facility and judged incompetent to make decisions. Who will now make decisions for the client?
A guardian appointed by the court
Which role of the nurse-client relationship is being exhibited when the nurse informs the client and then supports him or her in whatever decision he or she makes?
Advocate
What action by a nurse best promotes the ethical principle of justice?
Advocating for enhanced mental health services in an underserved neighborhood
A client with depression tells the nurse, "I want to stop taking my antidepressant medication because I don't like taking medications." The nurse discusses the benefits of adhering to the medication plan and strongly urges the client to use the medication. The nurse interprets the client's statement as reflecting which ethical principle?
Autonomy
A 22-year-old client diagnosed with schizophrenia is refusing antipsychotic medication. The client states, "I don't like the dopey way it makes me feel. I feel like I'm walking underwater when I take it." The nurse explains to the client, "Your schizophrenia is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain, and this medication helps fix that chemical imbalance. You need to take it so your symptoms will get better." This conversation reflects a conflict between which two types of ethical principles?
Autonomy and beneficence
A psychiatric mental health facility is undergoing a change from paper-based health records to electronic records. What action should the nurse prioritize in order to ensure client rights are protected?
Being vigilant to identify any potential threats to client confidentiality
A client is being seen in the mental health clinic because of relapse. The client has been nonadherent with the medication regimen. The nurse reinforces the advantages of taking medications. The nurse is using which ethical principle?
Beneficence
Which intervention does not meet the standard of care for the client in seclusion?
Documented assessment by the nurse every 1 to 2 hours
An agitated client has been put in restraints against the client's will because of inadequate staffing. The nurse determines this as which form of malpractice?
False imprisonment
What is the therapeutic goal of seclusion?
Give the client the opportunity to gain self-control
A group of psychiatric-mental health nurses are discussing current trends in mental health care. One of the nurses voices the opinion that there should be equitable access to mental health care and resources for those who live in rural areas, for those without health insurance, and for those with very little income. The nurse's opinion most closely reflects which ethical principle?
Justice
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is working with local government officials in establishing programs that allow access to services for all individuals in the community. The nurse is integrating which ethical principle?
Justice
When assessing if a procedural risk to a client is justified, the ethical principle underlying the dilemma is known as what?
Nonmaleficence
A client with a psychiatric illness has become extremely aggressive and the nurse decides that the client needs to be restrained. Which action would be considered human restraint?
The nurse and a group of paramedics hold the client.
A client who is involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric facility refuses to take a psychotropic medication. The nurse holds the client down to give the medication. Which statement is true regarding this situation?
The nurse may be held legally liable.
Professional regulations and laws that govern nursing practice are in place for what reason?
To protect the safety of the public
