A nurse in orientation is rotating to a psychiatric unit where they observe a client in seclusion. Which of the following statements by the nurse’s preceptor best explains the use of seclusion on a unit?
The reduced sensory input allows the client to regain control.
Clients are encouraged to communicate with others.
Clients are forced to be responsible for themselves.
The unit can be managed with fewer staff.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Seclusion is used in psychiatric settings primarily to manage patients who are exhibiting aggressive or severely disturbed behavior. The reduced sensory input in a seclusion room helps the patient to regain control over their emotions and behavior by minimizing external stimuli that could exacerbate their condition. This controlled environment can be crucial in preventing harm to the patient and others, and it allows the patient to calm down in a safe space. The goal is to provide a therapeutic setting that aids in the patient’s recovery and stabilization.
Choice B Reason:
While communication is an essential part of psychiatric care, seclusion is not intended to encourage interaction with others. In fact, seclusion is used when a patient needs to be isolated to prevent harm to themselves or others. Encouraging communication is more appropriate in other therapeutic settings where the patient is stable and can engage safely with others. Therefore, this statement does not accurately explain the purpose of seclusion.
Choice C Reason:
Forcing clients to be responsible for themselves is not the primary goal of seclusion. Seclusion is a measure taken to ensure safety and to help the patient regain control over their behavior in a controlled environment. Responsibility and self-management are important aspects of psychiatric treatment, but they are typically addressed through other therapeutic interventions and not through seclusion. Thus, this statement is not an accurate explanation of the use of seclusion.
Choice D Reason:
Managing the unit with fewer staff is not a valid reason for using seclusion. The primary purpose of seclusion is to ensure the safety of the patient and others, not to reduce staffing needs. In fact, the use of seclusion requires careful monitoring and adherence to strict protocols, which can actually increase the need for staff attention. Therefore, this statement does not correctly explain the rationale behind the use of seclusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administer the medication with food.
Administering clonazepam with food can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, but it is not the most critical consideration. While it is beneficial to minimize potential side effects like nausea, it does not address the primary safety concerns associated with clonazepam use.
Choice B Reason:
Administer the medication to the client at night to avoid daytime sedation.
Administering clonazepam at night can help avoid daytime sedation, which is a common side effect of benzodiazepines. However, this is not the most critical safety concern. While managing sedation is important, it does not address the potential for more serious interactions and risks.
Choice C Reason:
Encourage the client to avoid drinking alcohol when taking this medication.
This is the correct response. Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of clonazepam, leading to dangerous levels of sedation, respiratory depression, and even death. It is crucial to educate clients about the risks of combining alcohol with benzodiazepines to prevent potentially life-threatening interactions.
Choice D Reason:
Assess for history of smoking.
While assessing for a history of smoking is part of a comprehensive health assessment, it is not the most critical consideration when administering clonazepam. Smoking does not have the same immediate and severe interaction risks with clonazepam as alcohol does.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
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.