A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a mental illness. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the ethical concept of autonomy?
Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications.
Making sure the client understands expectations for client participation.
Explaining unit rules and policies regarding unacceptable behaviors.
Encouraging client feedback about satisfaction with the facility experience.
Calmly speaking the client's name out of the car window may seem like a non-threatening action, but it involves direct engagement with the client while he is holding a weapon. This could put the nurse at risk if the client reacts unpredictably or feels threatened.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications is a direct demonstration of respecting the client's autonomy. Autonomy in nursing is the right to self-determination, where patients are provided with adequate information to make their own decisions based on their beliefs and values. By supporting the client's decision, the nurse acknowledges the client's capacity to make informed choices about their own health care, even if the choice is different from what the medical team suggests.
Choice B Reason:
Ensuring that the client understands expectations for participation is more about informed consent and education rather than autonomy. While it is related to autonomy, it does not directly demonstrate the ethical concept since it does not involve a decision made by the client.
Choice C Reason:
Explaining unit rules and policies about unacceptable behaviors is part of the education process and setting boundaries within the healthcare environment. This action is necessary for all clients but does not specifically address the client's autonomy in making personal health decisions.
Choice D Reason:
Encouraging client feedback about satisfaction with the facility experience is a way to involve clients in the evaluation process of the facility's services. While this can be seen as respecting the client's opinions, it is not a direct action of supporting the client's autonomous decisions regarding their treatment plan
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Scheduling the client for a therapeutic group session may not be appropriate as a priority action. Clients with catatonia often experience significant psychomotor disturbances, which can include immobility or stupor, making participation in group activities challenging and potentially distressing.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging the client to walk in the hallway is not the most immediate concern. While mobility is important, the safety and medical stability of the client take precedence, especially considering the potential for immobility and resistance to movement in catatonic states.
Choice C Reason:
Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings at all times is not practical as a priority action. Catatonia can involve mutism or significantly reduced responsiveness, making it difficult for the client to express themselves verbally.
Choice D Reason:
Offering small, frequent fluids throughout the day is a priority action for a client with catatonia. Due to the potential for decreased oral intake and the risk of dehydration, ensuring the client receives adequate hydration is essential. This intervention addresses a basic physiological need and can prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Conversion is a defense mechanism where emotional distress is expressed through physical symptoms. This does not apply to the student's behavior, which is verbally directed towards the teacher and the course rather than manifesting as physical symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Regression involves reverting to behaviors typical of an earlier developmental stage when faced with stress. The student's behavior does not indicate a regression to childlike behaviors but rather an outward projection of feelings onto the teacher and course.
Choice C reason:
Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. In this case, the student is projecting their feelings of failure and frustration onto the teacher and course, blaming them for the negative outcome.
Choice D reason:
Undoing is a defense mechanism where a person tries to 'undo' an unhealthy, destructive, or otherwise threatening thought or action by engaging in contrary behavior. The student's action of berating does not attempt to undo the failure but instead shifts responsibility away from themselves.
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