The nurse is caring for a group of clients in the mental health outpatient clinic. Which client is most likely to be mandated by a criminal court for outpatient treatment?

A client with schizophrenia living in a single-family home with siblings

A homeless client arrested for petty theft of groceries from a convenience store

A client addicted to alcohol who has two driving under the influence offenses

A client with depression who was laid off from three jobs in the last 6 months

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Schizophrenia alone does not typically warrant court-mandated outpatient treatment unless associated with criminal behavior. Living with family suggests stability, reducing the likelihood of court intervention. Mandates are linked to legal infractions, not diagnosis alone, making this client less likely for mandated treatment.

Choice B reason: Petty theft may lead to legal consequences, but courts typically mandate treatment for offenses directly tied to mental health or substance use, like DUI. A single theft may not justify mandated outpatient mental health treatment unless it explicitly stems from a diagnosable condition requiring intervention.

Choice C reason: Two DUI offenses indicate repeated substance use (alcohol) posing public safety risks. Courts often mandate outpatient treatment for substance abuse in DUI cases to address addiction and prevent recidivism, making this client the most likely to receive a court-ordered treatment mandate for outpatient care.

Choice D reason: Job loss due to depression does not typically result in court-mandated treatment, as it lacks a criminal component. Treatment may be recommended, but courts intervene when behavior poses legal or safety risks, like DUI, making this client less likely for mandated outpatient treatment.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Defense mechanisms, like denial or projection, can strain relationships by avoiding honest communication or projecting blame, disrupting trust and emotional connection. While they may temporarily reduce anxiety, they hinder interpersonal dynamics, making this a negative outcome rather than a positive one in therapeutic interactions.

Choice B reason: Defense mechanisms can impair problem-solving by avoiding reality (e.g., denial) or displacing emotions, preventing rational analysis of issues. This leads to maladaptive coping, which does not address underlying problems, making it a negative consequence rather than a positive outcome of using defense mechanisms in mental health contexts.

Choice C reason: Defense mechanisms, such as repression or rationalization, temporarily reduce anxiety by shielding the individual from overwhelming emotions or stressors. By mitigating psychological distress, they provide short-term emotional relief, allowing the person to function under stress, making this a positive outcome when used adaptively in mental health management.

Choice D reason: Defense mechanisms can inhibit emotional growth by preventing individuals from confronting and processing emotions, leading to unresolved issues. Overreliance on mechanisms like avoidance stalls emotional development, hindering self-awareness and coping skills, making this a negative outcome rather than a positive benefit of defense mechanisms.

A. Allow the client to leave with community resources for follow-up care B. Contact the client’s family to request they convince the client to stay C. Initiate a 302 commitment D. Call security and ask them to detain the client

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Allowing a client with suicidal comments to leave against medical advice is unsafe, as it risks self-harm without immediate intervention. Providing resources does not address acute suicide risk, which requires inpatient stabilization to ensure safety, making this action inappropriate in the context of expressed suicidal ideation.

Choice B reason: Contacting family to persuade the client to stay does not address immediate suicide risk. While family support may be helpful, it lacks legal authority to prevent discharge and does not ensure safety, making it less effective than initiating a commitment for a client with suicidal intent.

Choice C reason: A 302 involuntary commitment is appropriate for a client expressing suicidal ideation, indicating imminent danger to self. This legal action ensures safety through inpatient evaluation and treatment, preventing self-harm. Mental health laws prioritize protection in such cases, making this the most appropriate nursing action.

Choice D reason: Calling security to detain the client is coercive and lacks legal basis without a formal commitment process. It may escalate agitation and violate autonomy. A 302 commitment is the proper legal mechanism to ensure safety for a suicidal client, making detention by security inappropriate.

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The nurse is caring for a group of clients in the mental health outpatient clinic. Which client is most likely to be mandated by a criminal court for outpatient treatment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client has used defensive communicating with the nurse today. Which can be a positive outcome from the use of defense mechanisms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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