Which principle has the highest priority when addressing a ...

[laurencescou]

Which principle has the highest priority when addressing a behavioral crisis in an inpatient setting?
 
  a. Resolve the crisis with the least restrictive intervention possible.
  b. Swift intervention is justified to maintain the integrity of a therapeutic milieu.
  c. Rights of an individual patient are superseded by the rights of the majority of patients.
  d. Patients should have opportunities to regain control without intervention if the safety of others is not compromised.

Question 2

A suspicious, socially isolated patient lives alone, eats one meal a day at a local shelter, and spends the remaining daily food allowance on cigarettes. Select a community psychiatric nurse's best initial action.
 
  a. Explore ways to help the patient stop smoking.
  b. Report the situation to the manager of the shelter.
  c. Assess the patient's weight; determine foods and amounts eaten.
  d. Arrange hospitalization for the patient in order to formulate a new treatment plan.

[Kimmy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The rule of using the least restrictive treatment or intervention possible to achieve the desired outcome is the patient's legal right. Planned interventions are nearly always preferable. Intervention may be necessary when the patient threatens harm to self.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Assessment of biopsychosocial needs and general ability to live in the community is called for before any other action is taken. Both nutritional status and income adequacy are critical assessment parameters. A patient may be able to maintain adequate nutrition while eating only one meal a day. The rule is to assess before taking action. Hospitalization may not be necessary. Smoking cessation strategies can be pursued later.

[laurencescou]

Excellent

[juliaf]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it