A nurse in a mental health unit is discussing the concepts of competency and capacity with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the concepts?
"Competency and capacity are often discussed as being the same thing, but they are different."
"Capacity and competency are the same thing and can be used interchangeably."
"A client who has been deemed legally incompetent can provide informed consent for treatment."
"Competency and capacity are rarely a concern when caring for clients who have a mental illness."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Competency and capacity are often discussed as being the same thing, but they are different." Competency is a legal determination made by a court, while capacity is a clinical assessment made by healthcare providers. Although they are related, they are distinct concepts.
B. "Capacity and competency are the same thing and can be used interchangeably." This is incorrect because capacity refers to a person's ability to make a decision at a specific moment, while competency is a broader legal determination regarding decision-making ability.
C. "A client who has been deemed legally incompetent can provide informed consent for treatment." A legally incompetent client cannot provide informed consent. Instead, a legally designated surrogate (guardian or power of attorney) makes medical decisions on their behalf.
D. "Competency and capacity are rarely a concern when caring for clients who have a mental illness." Mental illness can impact decision-making capacity, making assessments crucial. Competency and capacity evaluations are common in mental health settings, especially for clients with cognitive impairment or psychosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Displacement: Displacement involves shifting emotions from one target to another (e.g., yelling at a coworker after being scolded by a boss).
B. Conversion: Conversion disorder is when emotional distress manifests as physical symptoms, such as blurred vision or numbness.
C. Rationalization: Rationalization is justifying behaviors or feelings with logical explanations (e.g., “I didn’t get the job because the interviewer was biased”).
D. Identification: Identification involves imitating behaviors of another person (e.g., a child mimicking a parent’s speech).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Resolution phase: The resolution phase is the final phase when the client gradually takes control of their care and prepares for discharge.
B. Identification phase: The identification phase is when the client identifies problems and begins to develop a sense of belonging with the nurse.
C. Orientation phase. The orientation phase is when the nurse collects data, assesses knowledge, establishes trust, and collaborates with the client to develop mutual goals.
D. Exploitation phase : The exploitation phase (working phase) is when the client actively engages in treatment and utilizes available resources.
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