The staff on an inpatient psychiatric unit is very busy and fall behind on periodic assessment of a severely depressed client. During the rounds, the client is discovered to have completed a suicide attempt in the bathroom. Which type of lawsuit could the client's family file?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Clients or families can file malpractice lawsuits in any case of injury, loss, or death. Not all injury or harm to a client can be prevented, nor do all client injuries result from malpractice. The issues are whether or not the client's actions were predictable or foreseeable (and, therefore, preventable) and whether or not the nurse carried out appropriate assessment, interventions, and evaluation that met the standards of care. In the mental health setting, lawsuits most often are related to suicide and suicide attempts. Breach of duty and injury or damage are two of the four elements of malpractice. Assault involves causing a person to fear being touched in an injurious way without consent.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Recognize the effectiveness of the relationship and patient’s thoughtfulness. Accept the card. In adult behavioral health nursing, it is essential to acknowledge the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient. Accepting the card of appreciation from the patient shows respect for the patient's thoughtfulness and efforts in expressing gratitude. It reinforces the positive bond between the nurse and patient, contributing to a therapeutic and trusting environment. Option B is incorrect because while facility policies are important, in this context, the act of accepting a handmade card of appreciation does not pose a conflict of interest or ethical dilemma. It is a genuine gesture that should be acknowledged. Option C is incorrect as acknowledging the patient's transition through the termination phase is important, but declining the card may be perceived as rejecting the patient's gratitude and effort, which can negatively impact the nurse-patient relationship. Option D is incorrect as inviting the patient to participate in other activities may not be appropriate at the time of discharge. It is essential to acknowledge the patient's current gesture of appreciation rather than extending the relationship beyond the appropriate boundaries. In an educational context, this scenario highlights the importance of therapeutic communication, boundary setting, and acknowledging and nurturing the nurse-patient relationship in adult behavioral health nursing. Accepting the patient's gesture of appreciation in a respectful and professional manner can positively impact the patient's experience and overall outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is option C: "You don’t think you’re making progress?" This response is the most therapeutic because it reflects active listening and shows empathy towards the patient's feelings. By acknowledging the patient's statement and gently probing further, the nurse opens up an opportunity for the patient to express their concerns and feelings more deeply, which can lead to a more meaningful therapeutic conversation. Option A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's feelings and does not validate their experience, which can lead to increased feelings of distress or alienation. Option B is also incorrect as it is overly simplistic and does not address the patient's underlying emotions. Option D is not as therapeutic as option C because it generalizes the patient's feelings without addressing the specific concerns the patient expressed. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to develop strong communication skills, including active listening and therapeutic communication techniques, to effectively engage with patients in a meaningful way. By choosing responses that validate patients' feelings and encourage open dialogue, nurses can build trust and rapport, leading to more successful therapeutic outcomes in the field of behavioral health nursing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In adult behavioral health nursing, the principle that usually applies when a patient is having difficulty making a decision and the nurse has mixed feelings about providing advice is that giving advice is rarely helpful (Option A). This is because in a therapeutic relationship, the focus should be on empowering the patient to make their own decisions and fostering their independence. Providing advice can undermine the patient's autonomy and self-efficacy, which are crucial for their mental health and well-being. By encouraging the patient to explore their thoughts and feelings, the nurse can support them in developing their decision-making skills and confidence. This approach aligns with the principles of patient-centered care and promotes the patient's active participation in their own care. Option B, fostering independence, is a key principle in mental health nursing as it promotes self-determination and self-management. Options C and D, lifting the burden of decision-making and helping the patient develop feelings of personal adequacy, are not as therapeutic as they do not support the patient's growth and autonomy. In an educational context, it is essential for nursing students to understand the importance of respecting patients' autonomy and promoting their independence in decision-making processes. By choosing the correct answer, students learn to prioritize empowering patients and fostering their self-confidence, which are fundamental aspects of providing effective care in adult behavioral health nursing.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Agoraphobia (A) is fear of being in situations where escape or help might be unavailable, often leading to avoidance of public places unless accompanied, as described. Hematophobia (B) is fear of blood, Claustrophobia (C) is fear of enclosed spaces, and Hypochondriasis (D) is fear of illness—none match the client’s specific fear of acting out publicly.