Exam 5: Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychiatricmental Health Nursing

Without authorization, a nurse administers an extra dose of narcotic tranquilizer to an agitated client. The nurse's coworker observes this action but does nothing for fear of repercussion. What is the ethical interpretation of the coworker's lack of involvement?

Which statement should a nurse identify as correct regarding a client's right to refuse treatment?

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia receives fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Decanoate) from a home health nurse. The client refuses medication at one regularly scheduled home visit. Which nursing intervention is ethically appropriate?

An inpatient psychiatric physician refuses to treat clients without insurance and prematurely discharges those whose insurance benefits have expired. Which violation of an ethical principle should a nurse recognize in this situation?

Which situation reflects the ethical principle of veracity?

There is one bed available on an inpatient psychiatric unit. For which client should a nurse advocate emergency commitment?

A client is concerned that information given to the nurse remains confidential. Which is the nurse's best response?

In the situation presented, which nursing intervention constitutes false imprisonment?

What is the legal significance of a nurse's action when the nurse threatens a demanding client with restraints?

Which situation exemplifies both assault and battery?

During a hiring interview, which response by a nursing applicant should indicate that the applicant operates from an ethical egoism framework?

A psychiatric nurse working on an inpatient unit receives a call asking if an individual has been a client in the facility. Which nursing response reflects appropriate legal and ethical obligations?

A nursing instructor is presenting content on the provisions of the nurse practice act as it relates to their state. Which student statement indicates a need for further instruction?

An inpatient client, whom the treatment team has determined to be a danger to self, gives notice of intention to leave the hospital. What information should the nurse recognize as having an impact on the treatment team's next action?

Group therapy is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory, on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The unit manager's policy is that clients can make a choice about whether or not to attend group therapy. Which ethical principle does the unit manager's policy preserve?

Which is an example of an intentional tort?

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia refuses to take medication, citing the right of autonomy. Under which circumstance would a nurse have the right to medicate the client against the client's wishes?

An involuntarily committed client is verbally abusive to the staff and repeatedly threatening to sue. The client records the full names and phone numbers of the staff. Which nursing action is most appropriate to decrease the possibility of a lawsuit?

Which client should a nurse identify as a potential candidate for involuntary commitment?

Which is an accurate description of a common law?