A client asks the nurse to promise to keep confidential a plan they have to kill their father. Which of the following statements would be the best response for the nurse to make?
“You should share this thought with your psychiatrist.”
“I can make that promise to you based on nurse-client privilege.”
“Those kinds of thoughts will make your hospitalization longer.”
“I cannot promise that. Confidentiality does not include plans to hurt others.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
“You should share this thought with your psychiatrist.”
This response suggests that the client should discuss their harmful thoughts with their psychiatrist. While it is important for the client to communicate openly with their mental health provider, this response does not directly address the nurse’s ethical and legal obligation to report threats of harm. The nurse has a duty to ensure the safety of others, and simply redirecting the client to another professional does not fulfill this responsibility. According to the Tarasoff rule, healthcare providers have a duty to warn potential victims if a client poses a credible threat.
Choice B Reason:
“I can make that promise to you based on nurse-client privilege.”
This statement is incorrect because nurse-client privilege does not extend to situations where there is a threat of harm to others. Confidentiality in healthcare is crucial, but it has limits, especially when it comes to preventing harm. Nurses are legally and ethically obligated to report any threats of violence or harm to appropriate authorities to protect potential victims. Making such a promise would be misleading and could result in serious consequences.
Choice C Reason:
“Those kinds of thoughts will make your hospitalization longer.”
This response is inappropriate as it focuses on the potential consequences for the client rather than addressing the immediate concern of a threat to another person’s safety. It may also discourage the client from being honest about their thoughts in the future. The primary responsibility of the nurse in this situation is to ensure the safety of the client and others, which involves reporting the threat to the appropriate authorities.
Choice D Reason:
“I cannot promise that. Confidentiality does not include plans to hurt others.”
This is the correct response. It clearly communicates to the client that while confidentiality is important, it does not cover plans to harm others. The nurse must explain that they are obligated to report any threats of violence to ensure the safety of potential victims. This response aligns with legal and ethical guidelines, which mandate that healthcare providers report credible threats of harm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D Reason: 21g 1.5 in (3.8 cm) needle to the right ventrogluteal area. Use Z-track technique.
Choice A Reason:
Using a 23-gauge, 1-inch needle for an intramuscular (IM) injection in the deltoid muscle is generally appropriate for adults. The deltoid muscle is a common site for IM injections, especially for small volumes of medication (up to 2 mL). The acromion process is a correct landmark for locating the deltoid muscle. However, the deltoid muscle is not the best site for larger volumes or more viscous medications. Additionally, the needle length might not be sufficient for individuals with more subcutaneous fat, potentially leading to suboptimal medication delivery.
Choice B Reason:
A 25-gauge, 0.5-inch needle is typically used for subcutaneous injections rather than intramuscular injections. The rectus femoris muscle can be used for IM injections, but it is not the preferred site due to the potential for increased pain and discomfort. Aspiration before injection is a debated practice; current guidelines suggest that aspiration is not necessary for most IM injections, except when injecting into the dorsogluteal site, which is not recommended due to the risk of hitting the sciatic nerve.
Choice C Reason:
A 27-gauge, 1.5-inch needle is appropriate for IM injections, and the vastus lateralis is a suitable site, especially for infants and young children. However, massaging the injection site after administering an IM injection is not recommended. Massaging can cause the medication to disperse into the subcutaneous tissue, reducing its effectiveness and potentially causing irritation or bruising.
Choice D Reason:
Using a 21-gauge, 1.5-inch needle for an IM injection in the ventrogluteal area is considered safe and effective. The ventrogluteal site is preferred for IM injections because it is free from major nerves and blood vessels, reducing the risk of injury. The Z-track technique is used to prevent medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue, ensuring that it remains in the muscle for proper absorption. This technique is particularly useful for medications that can stain or irritate the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is a.
Choice A Reason:
The statement “Biofeedback” is correct. Biofeedback is a technique that uses electronic monitoring devices to help individuals gain control over involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. During biofeedback sessions, sensors are attached to the body to measure physiological functions, and the feedback from these sensors helps clients learn to control their physical responses to stress. This method is particularly effective for managing conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “Acupuncture” is incorrect. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy or qi. While acupuncture can help manage stress and pain, it does not use electronic monitoring devices to provide feedback on physiological functions5. Instead, it relies on the practitioner’s skill and knowledge of acupuncture points and meridians.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “Reiki” is incorrect. Reiki is a form of energy healing that involves the practitioner placing their hands lightly on or just above the client’s body to channel healing energy. Reiki aims to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support the body’s natural healing processes. However, it does not involve the use of electronic monitoring devices to provide feedback on physiological functions.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “Autogenic training” is incorrect. Autogenic training is a relaxation technique that involves self-suggestion and visualization to induce a state of relaxation and reduce stress. It focuses on creating sensations of warmth and heaviness in different parts of the body through repeated phrases and mental imagery. While effective for stress management, it does not use electronic monitoring devices to provide feedback on physiological functions.
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