Exam 3: Legal Issues

An involuntarily admitted inpatient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia repeatedly calls the local mayor. The patient verbally abuses the person who answers the phone as well as the mayor. Select the most appropriate initial nursing intervention to help manage this behavior.

A nurse at the mental health center prepares to administer a scheduled injection of haloperidol decanoate to a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. As the nurse swabs the site, the patient shouts, "Stop, stop. I don't want to take that medicine anymore. I hate the side effects." What action should the nurse take?

How many violations of Medicare and Medicaid guidelines are evident in this documentation? Patient assaulted nurse in hall at 1730. Staff provided verbal intervention, but patient continued to strike out. Patient placed in seclusion at 1745. Observation instituted at hourly intervals. Order received from physician at 1930. Patient sleeping soundly at 2100. Patient released from seclusion at 2230 and returned to own room.

A crisis team led by a psychiatric nurse assesses a patient with a history of paranoid schizophrenia who is standing on the lawn shouting, "Don't come near me. People are poisoning my water." Which statement made to the police officer accurately identifies the patient's immediate needs?

A nurse in a community mental health center receives a call asking for information about a patient. Under which condition can the nurse release information to the caller?

Which patient behavior should be considered when evaluating the need for an involuntary commitment for psychiatric treatment?

A patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia believes that evil spirits are being stirred by a local minister and verbally threatens to bomb a local church. Considering the rights of this patient, what is the initial nursing responsibility?

Which individual would be the most likely candidate to require at court appointed guardian?

When discussing the precedent established in Wyatt v. Stickney with nursing students, the nurse demonstrates an accurate understanding or the decision by focusing on what factor?

A patient who is admitted involuntarily with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic phase, refuses a prescribed dose of lithium. The nurse assembles a show of force and intimidates the patient into taking the medication. What is a likely an outcome of this action for the patient?

A patient tells the nurse, "When I get out, I'm going to get even with a lot of people." With respect to the nurse's duty to warn, what priority action should the nurse take?

A nurse engaging in which behavior demonstrates a need for addition education regarding the release of patient information without expressed written consent?

Considering the M'Naghten Rule, what information is most important for the nurse to document when caring for a patient who will soon be tried on murder charges?

A nurse finds a mental health care directive in the medical record of a patient experiencing psychosis. The directive prohibits the prescription of specific medications. Considering the patient's impaired function, what is the nurse's primary responsibility regarding medication administration?

A patient was restrained after assaulting a staff member. Which nursing measure has priority?

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is admitted involuntarily during a manic phase. Lithium 300 mg PO t.i.d. is prescribed. The patient refuses the morning dose. What are the nurse's best actions? (Select all that apply.)

An adolescent hospitalized after a violent physical outburst tells the nurse, "I'm going to kill my parents, but you can't tell them." Select the nurse's initial response.

A patient backs into a corner of the room and shouts at the nurse, "Stay away from me." What is the nurse's best initial nursing intervention in this situation?

To reduce the risk of a lawsuit based on false imprisonment, mental health nurses must give the highest priority to which intervention?

A patient tells the nurse, "I still have suicidal thoughts, but don't tell anyone because I am supposed to be discharged today." Select the nurse's best course of action.