ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 4 : Patient Rights and Legal Issues Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing care to a male patient who is hospitalized with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient?s medical record?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Documentation should be specific, objective, and reflect patient statements or symptoms, such as reporting inability to sleep due to hearing voices, which is relevant to schizophrenia. Terms like ?crazily? are unprofessional.