A client with paranoid schizophrenia believes evil spirits are being summoned by a local minister and verbally threatens to bomb a local church.
The psychiatric nurse notifies the local minister.
The psychiatric nurse has:
Released the client's information without proper authorization.
Avoided charges of malpractice.
Demonstrated the duty to warn and protect.
Violated the patient's privacy and confidentiality.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
While it's true that the nurse has released the client's information without their explicit consent, this action is justified under the duty to warn and protect.
This duty supersedes the general obligation to maintain confidentiality when there's a serious and imminent threat to identifiable individuals or the public.
In this case, the client's verbal threat to bomb a local church constitutes a credible and foreseeable risk of harm, necessitating the breach of confidentiality to protect potential victims.
Choice B rationale:
Although the nurse's actions may help to avoid malpractice charges by demonstrating responsible care and adherence to ethical obligations, this is not the primary reason for notifying the minister.
The primary goal is to avert harm and fulfill the duty to warn, not to shield oneself from legal liability.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. The nurse has acted in accordance with the duty to warn and protect, which is a legal and ethical obligation in healthcare.
This duty mandates that healthcare professionals take reasonable steps to warn potential victims and protect the public when a patient communicates a serious threat of harm.
Choice D rationale:
While confidentiality is a cornerstone of healthcare ethics, it's not absolute.
The duty to warn and protect allows for limited breaches of confidentiality when necessary to prevent serious harm, as in this case.
The nurse's actions align with ethical principles and legal requirements, even though they involve disclosing confidential information.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
The correct answer/s is Choice/s.
Choice A rationale: Mental health support is generally considered a protective factor against suicide. Effective mental health care can help individuals manage their mental health conditions, which can reduce the risk of suicide.
Choice B rationale: Family history, particularly a family history of suicide, is a risk factor for suicide. The client’s mother’s suicide could potentially increase the client’s risk.
Choice C rationale: Good physical health is typically seen as a protective factor against suicide. Serious physical health conditions, including chronic pain, can increase suicide risk, but the client is reported to be in good physical health.
Choice D rationale: Support systems, such as feeling connected to family and community, are protective factors against suicide. They can provide emotional support and help individuals feel less isolated.
Choice E rationale: Alcohol consumption, especially misuse or addiction, is a risk factor for suicide. However, the client has attended rehabilitation and has not used alcohol for the past 4 years, which could be seen as a protective factor.
Choice F rationale: Access to lethal means is a risk factor for suicide. Limiting access to lethal means is a societal protective factor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Instructing the client on relaxation techniques for use when anxiety level increases is a beneficial intervention for a client with OCD. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse needs to understand the client’s condition, including the triggers for their ritualistic behaviors, before they can effectively guide the client in managing their anxiety.
Choice B rationale: Discussing many alternative coping strategies with the client is an important part of OCD management. However, this should come after understanding the client’s condition and the triggers for their ritualistic behaviors. Without this understanding, the coping strategies suggested may not be effective or relevant.
Choice C rationale: Identifying precipitating factors for ritualistic behaviors is the first action the nurse should take. Understanding what triggers the client’s OCD behaviors is crucial in developing an effective care plan. This understanding allows the nurse to work with the client to develop strategies to manage their triggers and reduce the frequency and intensity of their OCD behaviors.
Choice D rationale: Providing a highly structured activity schedule for the client can be helpful in managing OCD. However, this should not be the first action. The nurse needs to first understand the client’s condition, including the triggers for their ritualistic behaviors. This understanding will allow the nurse to develop a schedule that takes into account the client’s triggers and incorporates effective coping strategies.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
