Group therapy is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory, on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The unit managers policy is that clients can make a choice about whether or not to attend group therapy. Which ethical principle does the unit managers policy preserve?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The unit manager's policy of allowing clients to choose whether or not to attend group therapy preserves the ethical principle of autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting individuals' right to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. By giving clients the choice, the unit manager is honoring their autonomy and allowing them to have a say in their own treatment plan. This helps empower clients and promotes their self-determination, which is a key aspect of ethical healthcare practice. It is important to respect autonomy in mental health settings to promote client-centered care and foster a therapeutic alliance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Option B exemplifies both assault and battery. Assault occurs when the nurse threatens to tie down the client, creating a fear of harm or unwanted physical contact. Battery then occurs when the nurse proceeds to actually tie down the client against their wishes, resulting in the unwanted physical contact. Both assault (threatening to tie down) and battery (physically tying down) are present in this situation.

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.