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?

The client was unable to distinguish right from wrong due to a mental disorder at the time of the crime.

The client had a documented history of mental illness prior to the crime.

The client was compelled by uncontrollable impulses to commit the act.

The client was unaware of the consequences of their actions due to intoxication.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: The M’Naghten Rule requires proof that, due to mental illness, the person did not understand the nature of the act or could not distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offense. This is the key standard used in many jurisdictions for insanity defenses.

Choice B reason: Having a history of mental illness alone is not sufficient; the rule focuses on the client’s mental state during the offense, not prior diagnoses.

Choice C reason: Being driven by uncontrollable impulses is not part of the M’Naghten criteria. This falls more under the “irresistible impulse” test, which is separate.

Choice D reason: Intoxication, even if it impairs judgment, does not qualify under the M’Naghten Rule. Voluntary substance use generally excludes insanity defenses.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: These traits are characteristic of dependent personality disorder, where clients fear separation and rely heavily on others for decision-making and support.

Choice B reason: This describes schizoid personality disorder, in which individuals show detachment from relationships and emotional indifference.

Choice C reason: Histrionic personality disorder is marked by attention-seeking, dramatic and exaggerated emotions, and difficulty coping with delayed gratification, making this the correct description.

Choice D reason: These are traits of antisocial personality disorder, which involves manipulation, intimidation, and lack of empathy.

A. "It sounds like you’re concerned about your privacy." B. "The CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities." C. "Let’s talk about something other than the CIA." D. "You have lost touch with reality, which is a symptom of your illness."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This response acknowledges the patient’s feelings without confirming or denying the delusion. It helps establish trust while maintaining therapeutic communication. By focusing on the patient’s underlying concern, it avoids reinforcing the delusional content.

Choice B reason: Stating that the CIA is prohibited in health care facilities engages with the delusion, which is non-therapeutic because it validates the false belief.

Choice C reason: Redirecting away from the delusion may seem dismissive and does not address the patient’s immediate feelings of fear or concern. This could cause the patient to feel unheard.

Choice D reason: Telling the patient they have “lost touch with reality” is confrontational and could increase defensiveness. It is not supportive or therapeutic in building rapport.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse assigned to care for the client with a diagnosis of histrionic personality disorder expects to observe which characteristics and behaviors?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which principle should guide the nurse in determining the extent of silence to use during patient interview sessions?

At the first meeting of a group at a daycare center for older adults, the nurse asks one of the members what kinds of things the client would like to do with the group. The older adult shrugs and says, "You tell me. You're the leader." What would be the best response for the nurse to make?

A nurse observes a hospitalized client grabbing snacks from other patients' trays, despite being told not to. When confronted, the client says, "I was hungry, so I took it." Based on Freud's psychoanalytic theory, which part of the personality is most likely influencing the client's behavior?

A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting positive symptoms. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A mental health nurse is working with a client experiencing severe depression. The nurse wants to provide supportive care while avoiding becoming emotionally overwhelmed. Which statement best reflects the difference between sympathy and empathy in this context?

A nurse physically restrains a mentally ill client without obtaining proper consent or a physician's order, despite the client not posing an immediate threat to self or others. Which intentional tort could the nurse potentially be liable for?