Author Question: The spouse of a patient who has delusions asks the nurse, Are there any circumstances under which ... (Read 81 times)

wrbasek0 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The spouse of a patient who has delusions asks the nurse, Are there any circumstances under which the treatment team is justified in violating the patient's right to confidentiality? The nurse must reply that confidentiality may be breached:

a. under no circumstances.
b. at the discretion of the psychiatrist.
c. when questions are asked by law enforcement.
d. if the patient threatens the life of another person.

Question 2

A nurse cares for an older adult patient admitted for the treatment of depression. The health care provider prescribes an antidepressant medication, but the dose is more than the usual adult dose. The nurse should:

a. implement the order.
b. consult a drug reference.
c. give the usual geriatric dosage.
d. hold the medication and consult the health care provider.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The duty to warn a person whose life has been threatened by a patient under psychiatric treatment overrides the patient's right to confidentiality. The right to confidentiality is not suspended at the discretion of the therapist or for legal investigations.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The dose of an antidepressant medication for older adult patients is often less than the usual adult dose. The nurse should withhold the medication and consult the health care provider who wrote the order. The nurse's duty is to intervene and protect the patient. Consulting a drug reference is unnecessary because the nurse already knows the dose is excessive. Implementing the order is negligent. Giving the usual geriatric dose would be wrong; a nurse without prescriptive privileges cannot change the dose.