A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a mental health unit. For which of the following clients is the nurse considered a mandated reporter to the appropriate agency?
A client who reports that he enjoys smoking marijuana on weekends
A client who reports that she took $20 from the cash register where she works
A client who reports lying to his provider about having suicidal ideation
A client who reports that her partner ties their child to a bed as punishment
The Correct Answer is D
A. A client who reports that he enjoys smoking marijuana on weekends:
This situation involves an individual admitting to recreational drug use. While marijuana use might be illegal in some jurisdictions, it is generally not a reportable offense by itself unless it involves a minor. However, the nurse should educate the client about the potential risks associated with drug use.
B. A client who reports that she took $20 from the cash register where she works:
This scenario involves a confession of theft. While stealing is a legal offense, it does not fall under the category of mandatory reporting unless it involves abuse or neglect of a vulnerable population (such as elderly individuals in a care facility). The appropriate action here would be for the nurse to address the issue within the facility's protocols, but it does not require reporting to an external agency.
C. A client who reports lying to his provider about having suicidal ideation:
This situation involves dishonesty with a healthcare provider. While it is concerning behavior, it does not typically fall under the category of mandatory reporting. Instead, it highlights the importance of addressing trust issues and ensuring open communication between the client and healthcare providers.
D. A client who reports that her partner ties their child to a bed as punishment:
This scenario involves a report of child abuse. Tying a child to a bed as punishment can be considered a form of physical abuse and a violation of the child's safety and well-being. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. They are required by law to report such incidents to the appropriate child protective services agency to ensure the safety of the child involved.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Reassure staff members that the debriefing is confidential:
Explanation: Ensuring confidentiality is crucial in creating a safe space for individuals to express their emotions and thoughts freely. It builds trust among the participants, making them more likely to open up about their experiences during the debriefing session. Confidentiality encourages honest communication and helps individuals feel secure in sharing their feelings without fear of repercussions.
B. Have staff members discuss their involvement in the event:
Explanation: After establishing confidentiality, the next step is to encourage participants to discuss their involvement in the traumatic event. This can help individuals process their experiences, share their perspectives, and express their emotions related to the incident. Sharing their involvement can provide context to their reactions and emotions, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of their experiences.
C. Ask staff members to describe their most traumatic memories of the event:
Explanation: Encouraging individuals to describe their most traumatic memories of the event is a way to help them confront and process specific experiences that might be causing distress. This step allows participants to verbalize and share their emotions and memories related to the incident. Talking about these specific memories can be therapeutic and can contribute to the overall healing process.
D. Provide stress-management exercises to the staff members:
Explanation: Providing stress-management exercises, such as relaxation techniques or breathing exercises, comes after individuals have had the opportunity to share their experiences. These exercises can help participants manage immediate stress and anxiety during the debriefing session. They provide practical tools for coping with overwhelming emotions and can be beneficial for individuals who are feeling distressed or overwhelmed during the process.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A family member of the client:
Using a family member might seem like a natural choice, but it could lead to issues of confidentiality, especially if the client does not want their family to know about their situation. Moreover, there could be bias or hesitancy to discuss certain matters in the presence of a family member.
B. A translator of the same gender as the client:
This choice is ideal because individuals might feel more comfortable discussing personal and sensitive topics with someone of the same gender due to cultural or personal reasons. This can foster trust and open communication, crucial in support groups addressing sensitive matters like substance use disorders.
C. A unit secretary who speaks the same language as the client:
While this person might be fluent in the language, their role as a unit secretary might create discomfort for the client. They may not feel as at ease discussing personal issues with someone in a different professional role, even if they share the same language.
D. Another client who speaks the same language as the client:
While peer support can be beneficial, using another client as a translator can compromise the confidentiality and professionalism of the support group. It’s important to maintain boundaries and ensure that communication is facilitated by a professional translator or staff member, especially in sensitive and confidential settings like therapy or support groups.
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