The nurse is evaluating clients in the emergency department (ED) for pending mental health admissions. Which client will be admitted for involuntary hospitalization?
A client who states they intend to harm self and others
A client who has diabetes who refuses to follow the prescribed diet
A client who is unable to control rage and is assaulting others
A client who does not bathe regularly or change clothes often
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Stating intent to harm self and others meets criteria for involuntary hospitalization (e.g., 302 commitment), as it indicates imminent danger. Mental health laws prioritize safety, requiring inpatient evaluation to prevent suicide or violence, making this client eligible for involuntary admission to stabilize their condition.
Choice B reason: Refusing a diabetic diet is nonadherence but does not meet criteria for involuntary mental health hospitalization, which requires mental health-related danger to self or others. This behavior may warrant medical intervention, but it lacks the psychiatric urgency needed for involuntary admission.
Choice C reason: Uncontrolled rage with assaultive behavior indicates imminent danger to others, meeting criteria for involuntary hospitalization. Mental health laws allow commitment to protect others and stabilize the client, as assault reflects a severe mental health crisis requiring inpatient intervention to prevent further harm.
Choice D reason: Poor hygiene does not constitute imminent danger to self or others, a requirement for involuntary hospitalization. While it may indicate mental health issues, it lacks the acute risk needed for commitment, making outpatient evaluation or support more appropriate than involuntary admission.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Legislation changing civil commitment procedures occurred later, notably in the 1960s–1970s, with deinstitutionalization movements. In the 1950s, institutional care was still prevalent, and legislative reforms were not the primary change in mental health treatment, making this option incorrect for that decade.
Choice B reason: Community support services expanded significantly during the 1960s with deinstitutionalization, not the 1950s. While some early community efforts existed, they were not the hallmark change of the 1950s, when institutional care dominated, and psychotropic drugs revolutionized treatment approaches for mental illness.
Choice C reason: The Patient’s Bill of Rights was formalized in the 1970s, not the 1950s. While patient advocacy began to emerge later, the 1950s focused primarily on medical advancements like psychotropic drugs, not legal frameworks for patient rights, making this option incorrect.
Choice D reason: In the 1950s, psychotropic drugs like chlorpromazine were introduced, revolutionizing mental health treatment. These medications effectively managed psychosis, reducing symptoms and enabling outpatient care, decreasing reliance on long-term institutionalization. This marked a significant shift in psychiatric care, making it the key change of the decade.
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.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.