A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates the ethical concept of autonomy?
Spending extra time to calm an agitated client
Ensuring that a client understands expectations for group participation
Describing the adverse effects of a client's medications
Importing a client's wishes to refuse prescribed treatments
The Correct Answer is D
Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. Respecting autonomy means acknowledging and honoring a person's right to make choices based on their own values, beliefs, and preferences. By importing a client's wishes to refuse prescribed treatments, the nurse is recognizing and respecting the client's autonomy. This shows that the nurse values the client's right to make decisions about their own healthcare and supports their choice, even if it may differ from what the nurse may recommend.
Incorrect:
A. Spending extra time to calm an agitated client demonstrates the ethical principle of beneficence, which is the duty to promote the well-being and welfare of the client.
B. Ensuring that a client understands expectations for group participation relates to the ethical principle of fidelity, which involves maintaining trust and keeping promises to the client.
C. Describing the adverse effects of a client's medications is important for informed consent and promoting understanding, but it does not directly involve the client's autonomy unless it is accompanied by a discussion of the client's choices and preferences regarding medication.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Respecting and honoring the autonomy of the clients is important in a mental health setting. Allowing clients to determine the boundaries of the nurse-client relationship empowers them to have control over their own treatment and fosters a sense of autonomy. It encourages clients to express their needs, preferences, and comfort levels in the therapeutic relationship, which can contribute to a more collaborative and effective treatment process.
The other options mentioned are not appropriate actions for the nurse to take:
A. Orienting clients to their responsibilities on the unit is an important task, but it is not specific to the context of a community meeting. It is more relevant during individual client orientations or at the beginning of their admission.
B. Focusing on client weaknesses to increase adaptation is not a therapeutic approach. It is important to focus on clients' strengths and support their growth and development rather than emphasizing weaknesses.
C. Planning to discuss any topic presented by clients can be unfeasible or not relevant in a community meeting. It is essential to have structure and purpose in group discussions to facilitate meaningful interactions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule can promote better sleep hygiene and help regulate the client's sleep-wake cycle. By getting the client ready for sleep at the same time each night, the nurse helps create a predictable and calming routine that signals to the body that it is time to sleep.
Incorrect:
B. Move the client to a room next to the open nurses' station: This measure may increase noise and disturbances, which can further disrupt the client's sleep. Providing a quiet and peaceful environment is generally more conducive to restful sleep.
C. Encourage the client to take a 1-hour nap each afternoon: While short daytime naps can be beneficial for some individuals, they may interfere with the client's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. It is generally recommended to limit daytime napping, especially if the client is having trouble sleeping at night.
D. Play the client's favorite music in the room while the client is sleeping: While some individuals find soothing music helpful for relaxation and sleep, it is essential to consider the client's preferences. Not everyone finds music helpful for sleep, and it is important to respect the client's preferences and individual needs. Some clients may find silence or white noise more conducive to sleep.
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