A client is on trial for a violent offense and the defense claims the client was legally insane at the time of the act. According to the M'Naghten Rule, which criterion must be met for the insanity defense to be valid?

A nurse working in a psychiatric unit discovers that a client has disclosed intentions to harm a specific person outside the hospital. Balancing ethical principles, what is the nurse’s most appropriate action?

A 28-year-old client with schizophrenia is pacing the hallway, appearing frightened and mumbling to themselves. When approached, the client states, "The voices are telling me the staff is trying to poison me." Based on this presentation, which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?

A psychiatric nurse is caring for several clients with personality disorders. The nurse understands that the DSM-5 groups these disorders into clusters based on characteristic behaviors. Which of the following client presentations is most consistent with a Cluster A personality disorder?

A 25-year-old client is hospitalized for severe anxiety. During the assessment, the nurse notices the client clutches a childhood stuffed animal and speaks in a childlike voice when discussing stressful life events. Which defense mechanism is the client most likely using?

A 28-year-old client with a diagnosis of Avoidant Personality Disorder tells the nurse, "I want to make friends. I'm too afraid they'll laugh at me or think I'm weak." Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to help this client begin developing healthier interpersonal relationships?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The CIA is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. Be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?

A 32-year-old male client with a history of arrests and substance use is admitted to the psychiatric unit for court-mandated evaluation. During the assessment, he is superficially charming, manipulates staff to get privileges, violates unit rules without remorse, and blames others for his behavior. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate for managing this client?

A client with schizophrenia who has a history of paranoid delusions asks the nurse, "Are you giving me something to poison me?" The nurse knows the client is receiving an antipsychotic medication. Applying the ethical principle of veracity, which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A 40-year-old male patient diagnosed with Schizoid Personality Disorder has been admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. He consistently avoids group therapy, speaks minimally with staff, and prefers solitary activities. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to support this patient’s care plan?

A nurse is educating a client who has been prescribed phenelzine, an MAOI, for treatment-resistant depression. Which of the following instructions is most critical to prevent potentially life-threatening complications associated with this medication?