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ATI Mental Health assessment
ATI Mental Health assessment ( 50 Questions)
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who tells the nurse about their intentions to harm an ex-partner. Which of the following actions is a legal duty of the nurse?
Keep the client hospitalized until there is no longer a threatThis option involves the nurse making a decision regarding the client's hospitalization based on the perceived threat. However, nurses typically do not have the authority to unilaterally decide to keep a client hospitalized against their will solely based on a verbal threat. Such decisions would typically involve psychiatric evaluation and determination by mental health professionals.
Ensure the client's ex-partner is notified of the threatThis option involves notifying the potential victim about the threat made by the client. While it's important to ensure the safety of others, the nurse's legal duty primarily lies with protecting the confidentiality of the client's information. Without consent from the client or a legal obligation, such as mandatory reporting laws for imminent harm, the nurse cannot disclose the threat to the ex-partner.
Ask a friend or family member to monitor the client
Involving a friend or family member to monitor the client may not be a feasible or appropriate solution. It's crucial to address potential threats through appropriate channels and ensure the client receives proper evaluation and management by qualified professionals.
Transfer the client to a mental health facilityIf the client presents a credible threat of harm to themselves or others, the appropriate action would be to transfer them to a mental health facility for further assessment and management. This ensures the safety of both the client and others while also providing appropriate psychiatric care.
A. Keep the client hospitalized until there is no longer a threat
This option involves the nurse making a decision regarding the client's hospitalization based on the perceived threat. However, nurses typically do not have the authority to unilaterally decide to keep a client hospitalized against their will solely based on a verbal threat. Such decisions would typically involve psychiatric evaluation and determination by mental health professionals.
B. Ensure the client's ex-partner is notified of the threat
This option involves notifying the potential victim about the threat made by the client. While it's important to ensure the safety of others, the nurse's legal duty primarily lies with protecting the confidentiality of the client's information. Without consent from the client or a legal obligation, such as mandatory reporting laws for imminent harm, the nurse cannot disclose the threat to the ex-partner.
C. Ask a friend or family member to monitor the client
Involving a friend or family member to monitor the client may not be a feasible or appropriate solution. It's crucial to address potential threats through appropriate channels and ensure the client receives proper evaluation and management by qualified professionals.
D. Transfer the client to a mental health facility
If the client presents a credible threat of harm to themselves or others, the appropriate action would be to transfer them to a mental health facility for further assessment and management. This ensures the safety of both the client and others while also providing appropriate psychiatric care.