ATI LPN
Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice
Chapter 4 : Patient Rights and Legal Issues Questions
Question 1 of 5
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is documenting information in a patient?s medical record. Which of the following would be least likely to increase the nurse?s legal liability?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Documenting a patient?s subjective report of feeling better is factual and low-risk, whereas administering medication, describing behavior, or applying restraints carries higher legal risk if not properly justified or executed.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a class of nursing students about the rights of persons receiving mental health services, the instructor determines a need for additional instruction when the students identify which of the following as a right?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Patients have rights to freedom from unnecessary restraints, access to their mental health records, and an individualized treatment plan, but they cannot refuse treatment in emergencies if they pose a danger to themselves or others.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is explaining advance care directives, or living wills, to a patient and the ascendancy spouse. Which of the following would the nurse include in the description?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An advance care directive, or living will, specifies a patient?s preferences for medical treatment, including what treatments to omit, in cases where they are unable to make decisions due to incapacity.
Question 4 of 5
A psychiatric-mental health nurse determines that a patient is competent when he is able to do which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Competency is determined by a patient?s ability to understand relevant information, appreciate their situation, and communicate choices effectively, not merely by language fluency, ability to write, or compliance.
Question 5 of 5
A patient receives a court order for commitment. Which of the following best exemplifies the concept of least restrictive environment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The least restrictive environment principle requires that treatment occur in the least confining setting possible, such as outpatient community mental health care, unless more restrictive measures are necessary for safety.