A client is admitted to an inpatient unit with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. Which of the following aspects of a medical history would the nurse expect to see with this client? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A Reason:

Encouraging social interaction might not be appropriate in this situation. The client’s bizarre behavior is already causing distress to others, and encouraging more interaction could exacerbate the problem. The priority should be to address the immediate safety and well-being of both the client and others. Once the client is in a safe environment, social interaction can be encouraged in a controlled and therapeutic manner.

Choice B Reason:

Discussing the bizarre behavior with the client might not be effective in the moment, especially if the client is not in a state to understand or engage in such a discussion. The primary focus should be on ensuring safety and stability before addressing specific behaviors. Once the client is calm and in a safe environment, discussions about behavior can be more productive.

Choice C Reason:

Providing information about the client’s illness is important for long-term management and understanding, but it is not the immediate priority in this situation. The client’s current state requires immediate intervention to ensure safety. Education about the illness can be provided once the client is stabilized and in a better position to comprehend the information.

Choice D Reason:

Providing a safe environment is the most immediate and crucial priority. The client’s behavior is not only distressing to others but could also pose a risk to herself and others. Ensuring the client is in a safe, controlled environment helps to prevent harm and allows for further assessment and appropriate interventions. Safety is always the first priority in managing acute behavioral disturbances.

Choice A Reason:

The statement “Autonomy” is correct. Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects an individual’s right to make their own decisions and act on their own values. By allowing clients to choose whether or not to attend group therapy, the unit manager is preserving the clients’ autonomy. This approach acknowledges the clients’ ability to make informed decisions about their own treatment and respects their personal preferences and values1. Autonomy is a fundamental principle in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of respecting patients’ rights to self-determination.

Choice B Reason:

The statement “Justice” is incorrect. Justice refers to the ethical principle of treating individuals fairly and equitably. While justice is an important consideration in healthcare, the policy of allowing clients to choose whether or not to attend group therapy is more directly related to respecting their autonomy rather than ensuring equitable treatment. Justice would be more relevant in ensuring that all clients have equal access to group therapy sessions and resources.

Choice C Reason:

The statement “Beneficence” is incorrect. Beneficence is the ethical principle that involves acting in the best interest of the client and promoting their well-being. While encouraging group therapy can be seen as an act of beneficence, the specific policy of allowing clients to choose whether or not to attend is more aligned with respecting their autonomy. Beneficence focuses on doing good for the client, whereas autonomy emphasizes the client’s right to make their own choices.

Choice D Reason:

The statement “Veracity” is incorrect. Veracity refers to the ethical principle of truthfulness and honesty in interactions with clients. While veracity is crucial in maintaining trust and transparency in the therapeutic relationship, the policy of allowing clients to choose whether or not to attend group therapy is primarily about respecting their autonomy. Veracity would be more relevant in ensuring that clients are fully informed about the benefits and potential risks of group therapy.