A staff nurse completes orientation to a psychiatric unit. This nurse may expect an advanced practice nurse to perform which additional intervention?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In most states, prescriptive privileges are granted to masters-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on prescribing medication. The nurse prepared at the basic level is permitted to perform mental health assessments, establish relationships, and provide individualized care planning.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of the Behavioral Health Nurse Certification exam, the correct answer is D) Psychotherapy as part of the scope of an advanced practice psychiatric/mental health nurse only. This is because psychotherapy involves the specialized knowledge and skills required for providing therapeutic interventions to individuals with complex mental health needs, which goes beyond the general nursing scope of practice. Option A) Coordination of care is a common nursing intervention that can be performed by nurses at various levels of practice, not limited to advanced practice psychiatric/mental health nurses. Option B) Health teaching is also a fundamental nursing intervention that can be carried out by nurses across different specialties and levels of practice, not exclusive to advanced practice psychiatric/mental health nurses. Option C) Milieu therapy involves creating a therapeutic environment for patients and is within the scope of practice of psychiatric/mental health nurses, including those at the advanced practice level, but it is not exclusive to this role. In an educational context, understanding the specific scope of practice for different levels of nursing specialization is crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients. Advanced practice psychiatric/mental health nurses are trained to provide advanced therapeutic interventions such as psychotherapy, which requires specialized knowledge, skills, and training beyond basic nursing practice. It is important for nurses preparing for certification exams to have a clear understanding of these distinctions to ensure they are practicing within their scope of practice and delivering high-quality care to patients with mental health needs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) A patient was not allowed to have visitors. This finding signals a violation of patients' rights because the right to have visitors is a fundamental aspect of patient autonomy and dignity. By restricting a patient from having visitors, their social support system is compromised, which can have negative effects on their emotional well-being and recovery. Option B) A patient's belongings were searched at admission is a common practice in healthcare settings to ensure patient safety and prevent harm, especially from items that may be prohibited or dangerous. While it can be viewed as an invasion of privacy, it is not necessarily a violation of rights when done for security reasons during admission. Option C) Placing a patient with suicidal ideation on continuous observation is a standard practice to ensure the patient's safety and prevent harm to themselves. This action is in line with the duty of care to protect the patient from self-harm and is not a violation of rights but rather a necessary precaution. Option D) Using physical restraint after a patient was assaultive toward a staff member is a measure taken to ensure the safety of both the patient and the staff. Physical restraint should only be used as a last resort when less restrictive interventions have failed, and when there is an imminent risk of harm. While it is a restrictive measure, in this context, it is justified for safety reasons and does not necessarily violate the patient's rights. In an educational context, it is crucial for behavioral health nurses to understand and respect patients' rights, including the right to have visitors, the right to privacy, and the right to safety. Nurses must balance these rights with the duty to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for patients. Understanding the nuances of patient rights and safety measures is essential for ethical and effective nursing practice in behavioral health settings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: This behavior constitutes a behavioral crisis because the patient is threatening harm to another individual. Intervention is called for to defuse the situation. The other options speak of behaviors that may require intervention of a less urgent nature because the patients in question are not threatening harm to self or others.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Prohibited a patient from using the telephone, as it violates a patient's rights. All patients have the right to communicate with others, and restricting access to a telephone infringes upon their autonomy and can hinder their ability to seek help or support. Option B) Opening a package mailed to a patient in their presence may be seen as a violation of privacy, but it does not directly infringe upon the patient's rights as severely as restricting their access to a telephone. Option C) Remaining within arms length of a patient with homicidal ideation is a safety measure to ensure the well-being of both the patient and others, and does not necessarily violate the patient's rights. Option D) Allowing a patient with psychosis to refuse oral psychotropic medication respects the patient's right to make decisions about their own treatment, as long as they have the capacity to do so. In an educational context, it is crucial for behavioral health nurses to understand and uphold the rights of their patients, including the right to communication, privacy, safety, and autonomy. By recognizing and respecting these rights, nurses can provide ethical and patient-centered care that promotes the well-being and dignity of those under their care.