Author Question: A psychiatric nurse is called to the pediatric unit to assess a child for possible abuse. The nurse ... (Read 317 times)

notis · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A psychiatric nurse is called to the pediatric unit to assess a child for possible abuse. The nurse knows that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations:

a. require the nurse to contact the child's legal guardian before reporting possible abuse
b. do not limit the nurse's right or obligation to report evidence of child abuse
c. leave it up to each individual health care provider as to what constitutes reportable abuse
d. stipulate that the nurse must be able to prove that abuse has occurred before reporting it

Question 2

A patient hospitalized 3 weeks ago with major depressive disorder presented with suicidal ideations but no suicide plan. Sertraline (Zoloft) was prescribed, and the patient now reports that the feelings of depression have somewhat lessened.

The guiding factor the nurse considers when planning care is that there is: a. little risk for injury if the patient has no plan.
b. an increased risk for suicide as the depression lifts.
c. little suicide risk after 3 weeks on an antidepressant.
d. an increase in patient compliance with sertraline (Zoloft).

al · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
The HIPAA regulations do not limit the nurse's right or obligation necessary to save life or to comply with the law. If a nurse suspects child abuse, the nurse is required by law to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Answer to Question 2

B
Patients with severe depression may have suicidal ideation but lack the cognitive ability to plan an attempt and the energy to implement a plan. As depression lifts, the patient may be better able to plan a suicide attempt and may have sufficient energy to carry out a plan. Self-report of feeling less depressed does not mean the risk for self-injury is diminished. Vigilance continues to be necessary.