A client with depression is admitted for voluntary treatment. While in the hospital, the client makes several comments about leaving the facility and kiling themselves with their gun. Which is the most appropriate action by the nurse when the client requests to leave against medical advice?
Call security and ask them to detain the client from leaving.
Contact the client's family to request they convince the client to stay.
Allow the client to leave, with a referral to community resources for follow-up care.
Contact the psychiatrist for initiation of commitment proceedings.
The Correct Answer is D
In this situation, the client's safety is of utmost importance. Expressing a desire to leave the facility and harm oneself with a gun raises serious concerns about the client's safety and the risk of harm to themselves. Initiating commitment proceedings, also known as involuntary hospitalization or psychiatric hold, allows the facility to legally detain the client temporarily for their protection and evaluation by mental health professionals. This allows for a thorough assessment of the client's mental health status and the formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure their safety.
Options A, B, and C are not appropriate in this situation:
A. Calling security to detain the client may escalate the situation and could potentially lead to increased risk of harm.
B. Contacting the client's family may not be enough to ensure the client's safety, and it is essential to involve mental health professionals in evaluating the client's risk.
C. Allowing the client to leave without addressing their expressed suicidal ideation is not safe, as the client may be at high risk for self-harm or suicide. Simply referring them to community resources without further evaluation and intervention is not sufficient to address the immediate safety concern.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
In cases of elder abuse by family members, the emotional bond and dependency on the abusers can create a significant barrier for the older adult to report the abuse. The client may fear damaging the relationship with their adult children or causing harm to the family dynamics. This emotional closeness and loyalty to the family may prevent the client from disclosing the abuse and seeking help.
Option A is not correct because laws do provide protection against elder abuse, including abuse by family members. Many jurisdictions have specific laws and protective services in place to address elder abuse.
Option B is not correct because financial resources, while important, are not the primary reason why the client has not reported the abuse. The emotional bond with the abusers is a more significant factor.
Option D is not correct because abuse does not need to involve physical harm to be considered abuse. Emotional, financial, and other forms of abuse can also be harmful and should be reported and addressed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The statement, "I will find a support group to help me through this," indicates that the client's coping skills are adequate. Seeking support from others who have experienced a similar loss can be an effective way to cope with feelings of loneliness and vulnerability after the death of a spouse. Support groups provide a safe and understanding environment where individuals can share their experiences, feelings, and struggles, and receive emotional support from others who can relate to their situation.
Option A suggests an overconfidence in coping skills and may not fully acknowledge the need for external support during a challenging time.
Option B indicates a sense of feeling abandoned, which could be a sign of struggling coping skills.
Option C suggests confusion and difficulty accepting the loss, which may indicate inadequate coping skills at the moment.
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