Which actions violate the civil rights of a psychiatric patient? ...

[penza]

Which actions violate the civil rights of a psychiatric patient? The nurse: (select all that apply)
 
  a. performs mouth checks after overhearing a patient say, I've been spitting out my medication.
  b. begins suicide precautions before a patient is assessed by the health care provider.
  c. opens and reads a letter a patient left at the nurse's station to be mailed.
  d. places a patient's expensive watch in the hospital business office safe.
  e. restrains a patient who uses profanity when speaking to the nurse.

Question 2

A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depression has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
 
  a. Imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements
  b. Chronic low self-esteem
  c. Risk for suicide
  d. Hopelessness

[fur]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C, E
The patient has the right to send and receive mail without interference. Restraint is not indicated because a patient uses profanity; there are other less restrictive ways to deal with this behavior. The other options are examples of good nursing judgment and do not violate the patient's civil rights.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Risk for suicide is the priority diagnosis when the patient has both suicidal ideation and a plan to carry out the suicidal intent. Imbalanced nutrition, hopelessness, and chronic low self-esteem may be applicable nursing diagnoses, but these problems do not affect patient safety as urgently as would a suicide attempt.