Chapter 3 Ethical and Legal Issues

Question 1

Define ethics.

Answer 1

branch of philosophy that deals with systematic approaches to distinguishing right from wrong behavior

Question 2

Define bioethics.

Answer 2

refers to concepts within the scope of medicine, nursing, and allied health

Question 3

Define moral behavior.

Answer 3

conduct that results from serious critical thinking about how individuals should treat others; reflects the way a person interprets basic respect for other persons, like respect for autonomy, freedom, justice, honesty, and confidentiality

Question 4

Define values.

Answer 4

personal beliefs about what is important and desirable

Question 5

Define values clarification.

Answer 5

process of self exploration through which individuals identify and rank their own personal values

Question 6

Define right.

Answer 6

valid, legally recognized claim encompassing both freedom from government interference or discriminatory treatment and entitlement to a benefit or service

Question 7

Define absolute right.

Answer 7

no restrictions on individual’s entitlement

Question 8

Define legal right.

Answer 8

society has agreed and formalized into law

Question 9

Define utilitarianism.

Answer 9

“greatest-happiness principle”; looks at end results of decision; the action that should be taken is whichever results in the most good/happiness for the most people

Question 10

Define Kantianism.

Answer 10

directly opposed to utilitarianism; the principle or motivation of the action is what matters; actions are bound by a sense of duty; decisions are made to respect moral law
“I made this choice because it’s morally right and my duty to do so”

Question 11

Define Christian Ethics.

Answer 11

treating others with the same respect and dignity with which we should be treated

Question 12

Define natural law theory.

Answer 12

based on St. Thomas Aquinas writings; decisions of right and wrong are self evident and determined by human nature; as rational humans, we inherently know the difference between good and evil

Question 13

Define ethical egoism.

Answer 13

what is right and good is what is best for the individual making the decision; only considers the individual making the decision and what is the most advantageous to them

Question 14

Define ethical dilemma.

Answer 14

situation that requires individual to make a choice between two equally unfavorable alternatives

Question 15

Define autonomy.

Answer 15

arises from Kantianism; people are independent moral agents whose right to determine their own destinies should always be respected

Question 16

Define beneficence.

Answer 16

one’s duty to benefit or promote the good of others

Question 17

Define nonmaleficence.

Answer 17

requirement that healthcare providers do no harm to their clients, intentionally or unintentionally; abstaining from negative acts toward another; acting carefully to avoid harm

Question 18

Define justice.

Answer 18

based on the notion of a hypothetical social contract between free, equal, and rational persons; duty to treat all individuals equally and fairly

Question 19

Define veracity.

Answer 19

one’s duty to always be truthful

Question 20

What model/steps should be used to make ethical decisions?

Answer 20

Assessment: gather objective and subjective data; consider personal values and values of others involved

Problem Identification: identify the conflict between two or more alternative actions

Planning: weight benefits and consequences of alternative actions; consider ethical theories; select action

Implementation: act on decision made and communicate decision to others

Evaluation: evaluate outcomes

Question 21

What rights do patients have specifically in psychiatric mental health nursing?

Answer 21

right to treatment
right to refuse treatment (including meds)
right to least restrictive treatment alternative

Question 22

What are the Nurse Practice Acts?

Answer 22

defines the legal parameters of professional and practical nursing

Question 23

What are the types of laws that pertain to nurses?

Answer 23

statutory law: enacted by a legislative body; ex. nurse practice acts
common laws: derived from decisions from previous cases; ex. different states dealing with nurse’s refusal to provide care for a specific client

Question 24

Define civil law and subcategories of civil law.

Answer 24

protects private and property rights of individuals and businesses; includes torts and contracts

Question 25

Define tort.

Answer 25

violation of civil law in which an individual has been wronged

Question 26

Define contracts.

Answer 26

one party asserts that the other party failed to fulfill an obligation and demands compensation or performance of the obligation

Question 27

Define criminal law.

Answer 27

provides protection from conduct deemed injurious to public welfare.

Question 28

What are exceptions to HIPAA?

Answer 28

duty to warn, suspected child or elder abuse

Question 29

What are exceptions/conditions when informed consent does not need to be obtained?

Answer 29

client is mentally incompetent to make a decision and treatment is necessary to preserve life or avoid serious harm

when refusing treatment endangers the life or health of another

in an emergency when a client is in no condition to exercise judgement

when client is a child (consent from parent or surrogate)

in case of therapeutic privilege (information may hinder or complicate necessary treatment, cause severe psychological harm, or be so upsetting that it prevents a rational decision by the client)

Question 30

What is the nurse’s role in ensuring informed consent?

Answer 30

ensuring three elements of informed consent are addressed:

knowledge (adequate information to make a decision)

competency (cognition is not impaired and doesn’t interfere with decision making)

free will (consent was given voluntarily without pressure or coercion from others)

Question 31

What are some standards made by the Joint Commission on seclusion and restraint?

Answer 31

• minimize use of restraint and seclusion, but when used, use safely
• discontinue seclusion or restraint at earliest possible time regardless of when the order expires
• orders for restraint or seclusion must be renewed every 4 hours for adults 18 or older, every 2 hours for ages 9 to 17, every hour for children younger than 9
• assess patient in restraints or seclusion every 15 minutes

Question 32

Define false imprisonment.

Answer 32

deliberate and unauthorized confinement of a person within fixed limits by the use of verbal or physical means

Question 33

What are some reasons for involuntary commitments?

Answer 33

danger to self or others
gravely disabled (can’t provide for basic personal needs due to mental illness, needs like food, clothing, shelter, medical care, safety)
need of treatment

Question 34

Define negligence.

Answer 34

failure to exercise the care toward others that a reasonable or prudent person would do in the circumstances

Question 35

Define malpractice.

Answer 35

act or continuing conduct of a professional that doesn’t meet the standard of competence and results in provable damages to the patient

Question 36

What are types of lawsuits that occur in psychiatric nursing?

Answer 36

breach of confidentiality
defamation of character (libel, slander)
invasion of privacy
assault and battery
false imprisonment

Question 37

Define defamation of character.

Answer 37

information is shared that is detrimental to the client’s reputation
includes libel (written) and slander (verbal)

Question 38

Define invasion of privacy.

Answer 38

client is searched without probable cause

Question 39

Define assault.

Answer 39

act that results in person’s genuine fear and apprehension that they will be touched without consent.

Question 40

Define battery.

Answer 40

unconsented touching of another person

Question 41

An operating room nurse asks a psychiatric nurse, “How can you work with the mentally ill day in and day out?” The psychiatric nurse replies, “It’s just the right thing to do.” The psychiatric nurse is operating from which ethical framework?

A. Kantianism
B. Christian ethics
C. Ethical egoism
D. Utilitarianism

Answer 41

A. Kantianism

Question 42

As a last resort, an agitated, physically aggressive client is placed in four-point restraints. The client yells, “I’ll sue you for assault and battery.” The unit manager determines that the nurses are protected under which condition?

A. The client is voluntarily committed and poses a danger to others on the unit.
B. The client is voluntarily committed and has a history of being a danger to others.
C. The client is involuntarily committed because of a history of violent behavior.
D. The client is involuntarily committed and is refusing treatment.

Answer 42

A. The client is voluntarily committed and poses a danger to others on the unit.

Question 43

As a last resort, an agitated, physically aggressive client is placed in four-point restraints. The client yells, “I’ll sue you for assault and battery.” The unit manager determines that the nurses are protected under which condition?

A. The client is voluntarily committed and poses a danger to others on the unit.
B. The client is voluntarily committed and has a history of being a danger to others.
C. The client is involuntarily committed because of a history of violent behavior.
D. The client is involuntarily committed and is refusing treatment.

Answer 43

A. The client is voluntarily committed and poses a danger to others on the unit.

Question 44

A nurse gave a client 5 mg of haloperidol (Haldol) for agitation. The client’s chart was clearly stamped “Allergic HALDOL.” The client suffered anaphylactic shock
and died. How would the nurse’s actions be labeled?

A. Intentional tort
B. Negligence
C. Battery
D. Assault

Answer 44

B. Negligence

Question 45

The nurse decides to go against family wishes and tell the patient of his terminal status because that is what she would want if she were the patient. Which of the following ethical theories is considered in this decision?

a. Kantianism
b. Christian ethics
c. Natural law theories
d. Ethical egoism

Answer 45

B. Christian Ethics

Question 46

The nurse decides to respect family wishes and not tell the patient of his terminal status because that would bring the most happiness to the most people. Which of the following ethical theories is considered in this decision?

a. Utilitarianism
b. Kantianism
c. Christian ethics
d. Ethical egoism

Answer 46

A. Utilitarianism

Question 47

The nurse decides to tell the patient of his terminal status because she believes it is her duty to do so. Which of the following ethical theories is considered in this decision?
a. Natural law theories
b. Ethical egoism
c. Kantianism
d. Utilitarianism

Answer 47

c. kantianism

Question 48

The nurse assists the physician with electroconvulsive therapy on his patient who has refused to give consent. With which of the following legal actions might the nurse be charged because of this nursing action?
a. Assault
b. Battery
c. False imprisonment
d. Breach of confidentiality

Answer 48

b. battery

Question 49

A competent, voluntary client has stated that he wants to leave the hospital. The nurse hides his clothes in an effort to keep him from leaving. With which of the following legal actions might the nurse be charged because of this nursing action?
a. Assault
b. Battery
c. False imprisonment
d. Breach of confidentiality

Answer 49

c. false imprisonment

Question 50

Joe is very restless and is pacing a lot. The nurse says to Joe, “If you don’t sit down in the chair and be still, I’m going to put you in restraints!” With which of the following legal actions might the nurse be charged because of this nursing action?
a. Defamation of character
b. Battery
c. Breach of confidentiality
d. Assault

Answer 50

D. assault

Question 51

An individual may be considered gravely disabled for which of the following reasons? (Select all that apply.)
a. A person, because of mental illness, cannot fulfill basic needs.
b. A mentally ill person is in danger of physical harm based on inability to care for self.
c. A mentally ill person lacks the resources to provide the necessities of life.
d. A mentally ill person is unable to make use of available resources to meet daily living requirements.

Answer 51

A, B, D

Question 52

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the use of restraints? (Select all that apply.)
a. Restraints may never be initiated without a physician’s order.
b. Orders for restraints must be reissued by a physician every 2 hours for children and adolescents.
c. Clients in restraints must be observed and assessed every hour for issues regarding circulation, nutrition, respiration, hydration, and elimination.
d. An in-person evaluation must be conducted within 1 hour of initiating restraints.

Answer 52

b, d

Question 53

Guidelines relating to “duty to warn” state that a therapist should consider taking action to warn a third party when his or her client does which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
a. Threatens violence toward another individual
b. Identifies a specific intended victim
c. Is having command hallucinations
d. Reveals paranoid delusions about another individual

Answer 53

a, b

Question 54

Attempting to calm an angry client by using “talk therapy” is an example of which of the following clients’ rights?
a. The right to privacy
b. The right to refuse medication
c. The right to the least restrictive treatment alternative
d. The right to confidentiality

Answer 54

c.

Question 55

The nurse finds that a client with schizophrenia is aggressive and has attempted suicide. On inquiry, the nurse learns that the client also harmed the caregiver while the caregiver tried to rescue the client. Which ethical principle should the nurse break in this situation?

A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Nonmaleficence

Answer 55

B. Autonomy

Question 56

A client has been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. The nurse discloses the client’s health information to the client’s family members. Which information does the nurse document in the client’s record following disclosure? Select all that apply.

A. Date of disclosure
B. Reason for disclosure
C. Specific information disclosed
D. Contact number of professional who disclosed the information
E. Address of person to whom information was disclosed

Answer 56

A, B, C

Question 57

The student nurse is assigned to care for a client with severe mental illness who has a designated legal representative. Which action of the student nurse violates the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

A. Discussing the client’s health information at the reception desk
B. Maintaining confidentiality of the client’s health information
C. Providing notice of privacy policies to the client’s representative
D. Discussing the client’s health information with the client’s representative in a private area

Answer 57

A. Discussing the client’s health information at the reception desk

Question 58

Following an accident, the health-care provider schedules surgery for an 8-year-old child. Which intervention should the nurse implement prior to surgery?

A. Obtain consent from a health-care colleague
B. Obtain consent from the child’s guardian
C. Obtain consent from the client
D. Obtain consent from the client’s 16-year-old sibling

Answer 58

B. Obtain consent from the child’s guardian

Question 59

The health-care provider is caring for a psychotic client in need of a renal transplant. Unfortunately, the client has no family or friends who can serve as health-care proxy. Which action is appropriate for the health-care provider to take?

A. Avoid scheduling the client’s renal transplant
B. Proceed with the renal transplant as planned
C. Request the court to appoint a guardian for the client before surgery takes place
D. Obtain informed consent from the hospital administrator for the client’s renal transplant

Answer 59

C. Request the court to appoint a guardian for the client before surgery takes place

Question 60

The primary health-care provider suggests that the nurse provide verbal therapy rather than restraining therapy to a client with cognitive impairment. Which right of the client is protected in this situation?

A. The right to privacy
B. The right to freedom
C. The right to confidentiality
D. The right to the least-restrictive treatment

Answer 60

D. The right to the least-restrictive treatment

Question 61

The nurse does not administer medication or provide food to a client at correct time intervals. Which behavior is depicted by the nurse in this case?

A. Assault
B. Seclusion
C. Negligence
D. Breach of confidentiality

Answer 61

C. Negligence

Question 62

Which client requires the renewal of restraint orders every 2 hours unless state law is more restrictive?

A. A client who is 8 years old
B. A client who is 13 years old
C. A client who is 20 years old
D. A client who is 35 years old

Answer 62

B. A client who is 13 years old

Question 63

The nurse is caring for a depressed client in a health-care setting. Which action should the nurse implement to avoid accidental false imprisonment of the client?

A. Only touch the client when absolutely necessary
B. Reduce actions that might frighten the client during treating
C. Reduce use of restraints with the client
D. Only administer medication as prescribed.

Answer 63

C. Reduce use of restraints with the client

Question 64

The family members of a client diagnosed with a life-threatening disease tell the nurse, “Don’t tell the client about his disease, because he gets depressed.” The nurse responded, “I am going to tell the client about his condition because it is my moral duty.” Which ethical principle did the nurse follow?

A. Ethical egoism
B. Kantianism
C. Utilitarianism
D. Natural law theory

Answer 64

B. Kantianism

Question 65

During ethical decision making, the nurse effectively follows and communicates the decision made. Which step of a model for making ethical decisions does the nurse exemplify?

A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Evaluating
D. Implementation

Answer 65

D. Implementation

Question 66

Which ethical theory involves a mental conflict between moral values?

A. Kantianism
B. Ethical egoism
C. Ethical dilemma
D. Natural law theory

Answer 66

C. Ethical dilemma

Question 67

Which client is capable of making independent decisions about his or her own medical treatment?

A. An elderly client in the end stage of life
B. An 8-year-old client diagnosed with diabetes
C. A teenaged client diagnosed with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder
D. An elderly client suffering from severe Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 67

A. An elderly client in the end stage of life

Question 68

Which interventions should the nurse implement to prevent malpractice while caring for a client with psychiatric illness? Select all that apply.

A. Responding to the client
B. Careful documentation of the client’s response
C. Educating the client about his or her condition
D. Discussing the client’s condition with other nurses
E. Performing routine body searches in mentally ill clients

Answer 68

A, B, C

Question 69

While documenting a client’s response, the nurse writes false information in the client’s record that results in defamation of the client’s character. What charge could the nurse face in a lawsuit resulting from this situation?

A. Libel
B. Slander
C. Assault
D. Battery

Answer 69

A. Libel

Question 70

A nursing instructor tells a group of nursing students, “You have to treat clients with the same respect and dignity with which you would expect to be treated.” Which ethical theory is the nursing instructor teaching the students?

A. Kantianism
B. Ethical egoism
C. Christian ethics
D. Natural law theory

Answer 70

C. Christian ethics

Question 71

Which ethical principle can be overridden by the nurse when clients have been deemed to be at risk of harming themselves or others?

A. Justice
B. Veracity
C. Autonomy
D. Beneficence

Answer 71

C. Autonomy

Question 72

While treating a client who is critically ill, the primary health-care provider tells the client’s family members, “The treatment is very painful and the chances of survival are limited. I would suggest you take the client home.” Which ethical principle can be inferred from the primary health-care provider’s statements?

A. Justice
B. Autonomy
C. Beneficence
D. Nonmaleficence

Answer 72

D. Nonmaleficence

Question 73

The nurse is teaching a newly recruited nurse about unlawful acts. Which action described by the nurse would be categorized as intentional tort?

A. Failing to fulfill an obligation to others
B. Stealing hospital supplies and drugs
C. Showing negligence during a medical treatment
D. Touching a client without his or her consent

Answer 73

D. Touching a client without his or her consent

Question 74

When can the nurse disclose a client’s information to others without obtaining consent from the client?
A. If the client is mentally ill
B. If the client is younger than 10 years old
C. If the client is in a life-threatening situation
D. If the client is in the end stage of life

Answer 74

C. If the client is in a life-threatening situation

Question 75

A client suffering from a psychiatric disorder tells the nurse, “I am going to kill my girlfriend. She cheated on me.” Which nursing interventions are valid in this situation? Select all that apply.

A. Documenting the situation in a written format
B. Conveying the information to the primary health-care provider
C. Restraining the client’s movement
D. Protecting the client’s privacy by not disclosing the information to others
E. Discussing the client’s situation with other members of the health-care team

Answer 75

A, B, E

Question 76

In which situation may the nurse be charged with assault and battery?
A. The nurse touched the client without his or her consent.
B. The nurse disrespected the decision of a mentally ill client.
C. The nurse disclosed the client’s information during an emergency situation.
D. The nurse performed a life-sustaining treatment that the client refused.

Answer 76

D. The nurse performed a life-sustaining treatment that the client refused.

Question 77

Which ethical principle indicates that a nurse should always be truthful in his or her profession?

A. Justice
B. Veracity
C. Autonomy
D. Beneficence

Answer 77

B. Veracity

Question 78

While making an ethical decision, the nurse thinks, “It is my moral duty to convey the truth to the client even if it is not beneficial.” Which phase of ethical decision making is indicated by the nurse’s thought process?

A. Planning
B. Evaluation
C. Assessment
D. Problem identification

Answer 78

A. Planning

Question 79

A nursing instructor is teaching a group of student nurses about the methods used to determine right or wrong behavior during nursing practice. Which concept is the nursing instructor trying to teach the students?

A. Rights
B. Values
C. Bioethics
D. Ethics

Answer 79

C. Bioethics

Question 80

The nurse is receiving informed consent from a client who has been scheduled for a knee-replacement surgery. What should the nurse check before receiving the consent? Select all that apply.

A. Whether the client has received adequate information about the procedure
B. Whether the client is properly able to make decisions
C. Whether the client is giving consent voluntarily
D. Whether the client has a caregiver at home
E. Whether the client has received proper nutritional counseling

Answer 80

A, B, C

Question 81

Which is the appropriate nursing intervention when taking care of a mechanically restrained client?

A. Arranging video equipment near the client
B. Changing the leather straps frequently
C. Monitoring the client’s respiratory rate but not heart rate
D. Performing in-person evaluation within 15 minutes of restraint

Answer 81

D. Performing in-person evaluation within 15 minutes of restraint

Question 82

A client with severe and persistent bipolar disorder is scheduled for emergency neurosurgery. Which action would the nurse take in this situation?

A. Explain the entire treatment procedure to the client.
B. Secure informed consent from the client’s family member.
C. Give ample time for the client to decide about the treatment.
D. Instruct the client to sign the consent form

Answer 82

B. Secure informed consent from the client’s family member.

Question 83

During evaluation, the registered nurse concludes that a new trainee nurse is implementing the ethical principle of justice effectively. Which action of the trainee nurse supports the registered nurse’s conclusion?

A. Avoiding harm to the client intentionally or unintentionally
B. Avoiding secrecy about the client’s condition
C. Ensuring that the client fulfills his or her needs without any help
D. Treating both married and unmarried clients equally

Answer 83

D. Treating both married and unmarried clients equally

Question 84

Which law provides protection from conduct deemed injurious to the public welfare?

A. Civil law
B. Criminal law
C. Common law
D. Statutory law

Answer 84

B. Criminal law

Question 85

The primary health-care provider instructs the nurse to seclude a psychotic client showing aggressive behaviors. Which action should the nurse take in this situation?

A. Take the client for shock therapy
B. Administer tranquilizers to the client
C. Restrain the client’s extremities with leather straps
D. Place the client alone in a closed, minimally furnished room

Answer 85

D. Place the client alone in a closed, minimally furnished room

Question 86

The nurse tells a client who is psychotic, “If you don’t keep quiet, I am going to give you your medication with a needle.” The nurse can be charged with which legal action?

A. Assault
B. Battery
C. False imprisonment
D. Breach of confidentiality

Answer 86

A. Assault

Question 87

Which action may place a nurse at risk of being charged with slander?

A. Discussing the client’s condition with another nurse
B. Spreading false information about a client by word of mouth
C. Providing information to others about the client’s condition without his or her consent
D. Writing malicious and false information about the client during assessment

Answer 87

B. Spreading false information about a client by word of mouth

Question 88

Which steps should the nurse follow while making an ethical decision? Arrange the steps in order of their priority.

Implement the decision made and communicate the same to others
Explore the benefits and consequences of each alternative
Identify the conflict between two or more alternative actions
Evaluate the outcomes of the decision
Gather objective and subjective information about the situation

Answer 88

1. Gather objective and subjective information about the situation
2. Identify the conflict between two or more alternative actions
3. Explore the benefits and consequences of each alternative
4. Implement the decision made and communicate the same to others
5. Evaluate the outcomes of the decision

Question 89

Which statement made by the student nurse indicates effective learning about restraints? Select all that apply.

A. “Restraints are straps that should be made only of leather.”
B. “Restraints will help promote the psychological well-being of the client.”
C. “Restraints can be used for the staff’s convenience during a medical procedure.”
D. “Restraints should only be used if the client’s behavior poses a risk to his or her physical safety.”
E. “Restraints can include a medication that causes sedation and controls the client’s behavior.”

Answer 89

D, E

Question 90

A client with a psychotic disorder shows symptoms of agitation and psychotic behavior. What is the priority nursing intervention to reduce agitation in the client?

A. Administer tranquilizers to the client
B. Speak with the client in a simplified fashion
C. Restrict the client’s freedom of movement by using mechanical restraints
D. Restrain the client by confining him or her to a room from which he or she is unable to leave

Answer 90

B. Speak with the client in a simplified fashion

Question 91

Which theory of ethical decision making states that ethical decisions that are “right” are determined by the decision’s tendency to bring happiness to the client?

A. Kantianism
B. Utilitarianism
C. Ethical egoism
D. Christian ethics

Answer 91

B. Utilitarianism

Question 92

What provisions are included in a state’s nursing practice act? Select all that apply.

A. The ethical issues pertaining to nursing practice
B. The scope of practice for various levels of nursing
C. The general powers and authority of the state board of nursing
D. The rights of the clients pertaining to medical treatment
E. The educational and training requirements for nursing licensure

Answer 92

B, C, E

Question 93

A representative of a client with bipolar disorder asks the nurse to show him or her the client’s medical records. What should the nurse do in this situation?

A. Report it to the primary health-care provider immediately
B. Tell the client’s representative that this is not allowed according to the health-care facility’s policies.
C. Ignore the representative’s words and continue to work.
D. Respect the representative’s wish and allow him or her to access the medical records.

Answer 93

D. Respect the representative’s wish and allow him or her to access the medical records.

Question 94

Under the supervision of the registered nurse (RN), a group of student nurses is discussing the Patient Self-Determination Act. Which statements by the group demonstrate effective learning? Select all that apply.

A. “We should include the client in periodic revision of his or her care plan.”
B. “We should allow inpatient clients access to phones and mail while caring for them.”
C. “We should get consent from the client’s representative during a life-threatening condition.”
D. “We should send the client’s blood specimen for analysis after getting consent.”
E. “We should use restraint techniques to medicate the client.”

Answer 94

A, B, D

Question 95

The registered nurse is teaching about the ethical principle of advocacy that has to be followed while caring for a client on the psychiatric unit. Which actions taken by the student nurse indicate teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.

A. Educating the client’s family about legal rights
B. Encouraging the client to fulfill his or her own needs without assistance
C. Being honest with the client’s family about the client’s condition
D. Avoiding harming the client
E. Speaking about the client’s condition on his or her behalf to secure necessary health care services

Answer 95

A, B, D, E

Question 96

What is the priority nursing intervention for a newly admitted client in a psychiatric unit?

A. Scheduling follow-up visits for the client
B. Notifying the psychiatrist before assessing the client.
C. Providing notice of privacy policies to the client and the client’s representative
D. Explaining the entire treatment procedure to the client’s representative

Answer 96

C. Providing notice of privacy policies to the client and the client’s representative

Question 97

Which actions in nursing practice can result in the nurse being accused of false imprisonment? Select all that apply.

A. Keeping an aggressive client alone in a room
B. Taking the clothes of a depressed client against his or her wishes
C. Restraining the extremities of a voluntary competent client demanding release
D. Locking the client in a room for the nurse’s convenience
E. Administering tranquilizers to the client who attempts to harm others

Answer 97

B, C, D

Question 98

After undergoing an abortion, an adolescent client asks the nurse, “Can you provide me with some information regarding birth control pills?” Which response from the nurse indicates ethical egoism?

A. “You can ask the primary health-care provider about birth control pills.”
B. “I will provide you the information if it is really helpful to avoid pregnancy.”
C. “It is my moral duty not to provide information about birth control pills to teenagers.”
D. “I am sorry. Providing information about birth control pills to teenagers will pose a risk for my job.”

Answer 98

D. “I am sorry. Providing information about birth control pills to teenagers will pose a risk for my job.”

Question 99

The nurse is caring for a critically ill client who is often complains about treatment and is uncooperative. During an unfavorable event, the nurse becomes very defensive in his or her approach to the client. Which outcome may be expected due to the nurse’s approach to the client?

A. Increased likelihood of a lawsuit from the client against the nurse
B. Improved interpersonal communication between the nurse and the client
C. Increased chances of avoiding nursing malpractice
D. Improved chances of fulfilling the emotional needs of the client

Answer 99

A. Increased likelihood of a lawsuit from the client against the nurse

Question 100

Which term is used to refer to the personal beliefs of the nurse about what is important and desirable in a given situation?

A. Rights
B. Moral behavior
C. Ethics
D. Values

Answer 100

D. Values

Question 101

The nursing instructor is teaching a group of student nurses about clients’ rights that were established by the American Hospital Association (AHA). Which statement made by a student nurse demonstrates effective learning?

A. “The guidelines about clients’ rights are legal documents.”
B. “The health-care facility can make changes to the clients’ rights if required.”
C. “The nurses and health-care facility are responsible for upholding the clients’ rights.”
D. “The guidelines drafted by the AHA are different from those drafted by the National League for Nursing (NLN).”

Answer 101

C. “The nurses and health-care facility are responsible for upholding the clients’ rights.”

Question 102

While caring for an elderly client with a mental disorder, the nurse finds that the family feels the client is a burden for them and does not provide proper home care. What is the best nursing intervention in this situation?

A. The nurse does not get involved in the issue.
B. The nurse advocates on behalf of the client.
C. The nurse suggests the client contact a long-term care facility.
D. The nurse arranges for the client to be transferred to a permanent room in the hospital.

Answer 102

B. The nurse advocates on behalf of the client.

Question 103

During a follow-up visit, the legal representative of a client with mental illness has withdrawn consent for treatment after it was given. What should the nurse expect the primary health-care provider to do in this situation?

A. Launch a court case against the client’s representative
B. Discuss this with the client’s insurance agents
C. Continue the treatment upon rejecting the representative’s wish
D. Stop the treatment and inform the client’s representative of risks associated with the interrupted treatment

Answer 103

D. Stop the treatment and inform the client’s representative of risks associated with the interrupted treatment

Question 104

A police officer brought a client who is dangerous to himself and others to a community hospital. The health-care professionals made an emergency commitment for the client. When is the client scheduled for a court hearing?

A. Within 3 days
B. Within 7 days
C. Within 1 hour
D. Within 24 hours

Answer 104

A. Within 3 days