Author Question: Which of the following clients most likely has the legal right to refuse treatment? A) Mrs. ... (Read 72 times)

123654777 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which of the following clients most likely has the legal right to refuse treatment?

A) Mrs. Crane, who committed an assault while she was experiencing delusions
B) Terrance, a 20-year-old man who has been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of depression after a suicide attempt
C) Mrs. Lepke, a homeless woman with schizophrenia who was admitted to the hospital with dehydration after refusing to eat for several days
D) Mr. Modesto, who voluntarily entered a substance abuse treatment facility to address his addiction to alcohol

Question 2

A hospital patient has attributed his long-standing struggle with depression to the fact that he was sexually abused by his father as a child and early adolescent.

The patient has admitted to the nurse that he intends to seek out his father and do some justice. What is the nurse's primary responsibility in response to the patient's threat?

A) Document that the patient is experiencing delusions.
B) Note the statement mentally but maintain silence to protect the patient's confidentiality.
C) Inform the patient that threats of violence will not be tolerated in the health care facility.
D) Report the patient's threat to the appropriate authorities.

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

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
Many people who are psychiatric inpatients have been admitted involuntarily as a result of the threat they pose to themselves or others. Competent clients who admit themselves voluntarily have the right to refuse any treatment prescribed and may initiate their own discharge at any time.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Nurses have a duty to report threats of harm so that appropriate action may be taken. This action may vary from state to state, but the duty to report threats of violence supersedes the patient's right to privacy.