The nurse is caring for a client who is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). During this phase of AKI, the nurse might anticipate which of the following findings?

Choice A reason: Assault involves threatening harm, not applicable here, as the issue is failure to document assessments, not intentional threats by staff. The client’s self-harm resulted from inadequate monitoring, not a staff-initiated threat, making assault an incorrect legal issue in this scenario.

Choice B reason: Battery involves unauthorized physical contact, not relevant to failure to document assessments. The client’s self-harm stemmed from inadequate observation, not staff-inflicted harm, making battery an inappropriate legal claim compared to negligence in monitoring and documentation.

Choice C reason: Suicide risk is a clinical concern, not a legal issue to defend against. While the client’s self-harm indicates risk, the hospital’s liability arises from failure to follow monitoring protocols, not the risk itself, making this option incorrect for the legal defense context.

Choice D reason: Malpractice involves negligence, such as failing to document hourly assessments for a high-risk client, leading to harm. This breach of standard care (1:1 observation) allowed self-harm, making the hospital liable for not adhering to protocols, requiring defense against malpractice for inadequate monitoring and documentation.

Choice A reason: Neighborhood watch programs enhance community safety but do not directly address mental health needs. They lack therapeutic components to manage symptoms or prevent decompensation, which are critical for preventing readmission in clients with mental health disorders, making this factor less relevant to sustained community stability.

Choice B reason: Taking meals at a food bank addresses nutritional needs but does not directly support mental health stability. While nutrition is important, it does not provide the therapeutic interventions or coping strategies needed to manage mental health disorders and prevent relapse or hospital readmission.

Choice C reason: Participation in treatment, such as therapy or medication adherence, directly addresses mental health symptoms, improving coping skills and emotional regulation. Consistent treatment reduces relapse risk, enhances stability, and supports community integration, making it the most effective factor for preventing readmission in clients with mental health disorders.

Choice D reason: A safe living environment reduces stress and safety risks but is secondary to active treatment. Without ongoing therapy or medication, environmental safety alone cannot manage symptoms or prevent decompensation, making it less critical than treatment participation for maintaining community stability and avoiding readmission.