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. Dementia is a progressive cognitive decline that affects memory, reasoning, and behavior. While exhaustion and distraction could be seen in dementia, it is unlikely in an otherwise healthy nurse.
B. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic workplace stress. Symptoms include fatigue, cynicism, reduced effectiveness, and dissatisfaction with work.
C. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a head injury and leads to cognitive and physical symptoms like memory loss, headaches, and coordination issues, which do not align with the scenario.
D. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania and depression, not just exhaustion and dissatisfaction. It is a clinical mental health condition, whereas burnout is work-related stress.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Reinforce the importance of treatment to a client who speaks a language different from the nurse." Effective communication requires using an interpreter rather than reinforcing information in a language the client may not understand.
B. "Minimize contact with a client who is angry." Avoiding an angry client can damage trust. The nurse should use therapeutic communication techniques to address their concerns.
C. "Use clinical terminology to help a client better understand their diagnosis." Clinical terminology can be confusing. The nurse should use simple, clear language to explain medical concepts.
D. "Fulfill a promise by allowing a client to visit with family members." Keeping promises builds trust and demonstrates reliability, a key component of the nurse-client relationship.
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.