A psychiatric nurse working on an inpatient unit receives a call asking if an individual has been a client in the facility. Which nursing response reflects appropriate legal and ethical obligations?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A, which involves refusing to give any information to the caller and citing rules of confidentiality. As a psychiatric nurse, maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure the privacy and rights of the individual seeking treatment. Providing information about a client without their consent can breach confidentiality and violate ethical standards. Therefore, by declining to disclose any information to the caller, the nurse upholds the legal and ethical obligations of safeguarding client confidentiality.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Competency is a legal term that refers to a person's ability to make rational decisions. It is not determined based on a client's compliance with treatment or the medical opinion of a physician. Competency is essential for informed consent and respecting a client's autonomy. A competent client is able to understand information presented to them, appreciate the potential consequences of their decisions, and make reasoned choices. It is important for healthcare professionals to assess a client's competency when making healthcare decisions in collaboration with the client. Refusal of medication alone does not automatically indicate incompetency, as competency is a broader concept relating to decision-making abilities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Threatening a client with restraints is considered a form of assault, which is the intentional act of causing someone to fear that they will be harmed. Even if the nurse does not physically carry out the threat, the act of making the threat itself constitutes assault. Nurses have a duty to provide care in a safe and therapeutic manner, and threatening a client with restraints goes against the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in nursing practice. Legal actions can be taken against the nurse for engaging in such behavior, as it violates the ethical standards and can harm the trusting relationship between the nurse and the client.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Northern European Americans are more likely to value preventive medicine and primary health care due to their cultural emphasis on individual responsibility for health and well-being. This cultural group often places a high value on health promotion, disease prevention, and regular check-ups as a way to maintain overall well-being. In addition, their health care seeking behavior is often influenced by a strong belief in personal autonomy and self-care practices. Therefore, when planning a health fair focusing on preventive medicine and primary health care, the community health nurse can anticipate that Northern European Americans would be more receptive to and value such services.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In Asian American culture, respect for elders is a deeply ingrained value. Older individuals are often highly respected and maintain positions of authority within the family and community. It is important for healthcare providers, including nurses, to acknowledge and understand this cultural norm when caring for Asian American clients. Showing respect and deference to older clients can help build trust and rapport, leading to more effective communication and care.