ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 4 : Patient Rights and Legal Issues Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who is hospitalized for a mental disorder. The nurse is legally obligated to breach the patient?s confidentiality if the patient states which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nurses are legally obligated to breach confidentiality when there is a credible threat of harm to others, such as a statement of intent to kill someone, under the duty to warn (Tarasoff principle).
Question 5 of 5
Which patient would the nurse determine to be the most likely a candidate for involuntary commitment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Involuntary commitment is warranted when a patient poses a danger to themselves or others or is gravely disabled due to mental illness. Screaming in the street and disturbing others suggests potential danger or severe impairment.