Halter: Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach, 8th Edition

Chapter 06: Legal and Ethical Considerations Halter: Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach, 8th Edition MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Which action by a psychiatric nurse best applies the ethical principle of autonomy? a. Exploring alternative solutions with the patient, who then makes a choice. b. Suggesting that two patients who were fighting be restricted to the unit. c. Intervening when a self-mutilating patient attempts to harm self. d. Staying with a patient demonstrating a high level of anxiety. ANS: A Autonomy is the right to self-determination, that is, to make one’s own decisions. By exploring alternatives with the patient, the patient is better equipped to make an informed, autonomous decision. The distracters demonstrate beneficence, fidelity, and justice. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 6-3, 4 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment 2. A nurse finds a psychiatric advance directive in the medical record of a patient currently experiencing psychosis. The directive was executed during a period when the patient was stable and competent. The nurse should a. review the directive with the patient to ensure it is current. b. ensure that the directive is respected in treatment planning. c. consider the directive only if there is a cardiac or respiratory arrest. d. encourage the patient to revise the directive in light of the current health problem. ANS: B The nurse has an obligation to honor the right to self-determination. An advanced psychiatric directive supports that goal. Since the patient is currently psychotic, the terms of the directive now apply. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 6-16 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment