Author Question: A client who was admitted voluntarily to the unit verbally refuses his medication. The nurse ... (Read 78 times)

kellyjaisingh · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client who was admitted voluntarily to the unit verbally refuses his medication. The nurse proceeds to give the medication over the client's objections. What is the legal significance of the nurse's actions?

1. The nurse could be charged with malpractice.
2. The nurse could be charged with negligence.
3. The nurse cannot be held liable.
4. The nurse could be charged with battery.

Question 2

Which of the following psychosocial approaches for treating schizophrenia have been found to have lower relapse rates?

1. Learning is often affected negatively in schizophrenia, so there is not a need to educate clients about schizophrenia and relapse.
2. Setting high goals for clients serves as an incentive for clients to avoid relapse.
3. Weekly individual monitoring can help to identify and intervene with clients who are at risk for relapse.
4. Antipsychotic medications are effective in lowering relapse rates for all clients.

chloejackso · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale: Medication can be administered against the client's wishes only if there is a treatment order from a judge or the client is a danger to self or others. Malpractice refers to the negligent acts of health care professionals when they fail to act in a responsible and prudent manner. Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to act in a manner in which most reasonable and prudent people would act. The nurse is liable for her actions.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: Weekly individual monitoring can help to identify and intervene with clients who are at risk for relapse. Antipsychotic medications are effective in lowering relapse rates, but 30 to 40 of all clients relapse within a year after discharge. Although learning is often affected negatively in schizophrenia, there is still a need to educate clients about schizophrenia and relapse. Setting reasonable, achievable goals for clients serves as an incentive for clients to avoid relapse.