A nurse in a mental health unit is discussing the concepts of competency and capacity with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the concepts?
"Competency and capacity are often discussed as being the same thing, but they are different."
"Capacity and competency are the same thing and can be used interchangeably."
"A client who has been deemed legally incompetent can provide informed consent for treatment."
"Competency and capacity are rarely a concern when caring for clients who have a mental illness."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Competency and capacity are often discussed as being the same thing, but they are different." Competency is a legal determination made by a court, while capacity is a clinical assessment made by healthcare providers. Although they are related, they are distinct concepts.
B. "Capacity and competency are the same thing and can be used interchangeably." This is incorrect because capacity refers to a person's ability to make a decision at a specific moment, while competency is a broader legal determination regarding decision-making ability.
C. "A client who has been deemed legally incompetent can provide informed consent for treatment." A legally incompetent client cannot provide informed consent. Instead, a legally designated surrogate (guardian or power of attorney) makes medical decisions on their behalf.
D. "Competency and capacity are rarely a concern when caring for clients who have a mental illness." Mental illness can impact decision-making capacity, making assessments crucial. Competency and capacity evaluations are common in mental health settings, especially for clients with cognitive impairment or psychosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assault is a tort that only occurs if a client is physically harmed. Assault is the threat of harm, not the actual harm. Physical harm would be battery.
B. False imprisonment does not apply to use of chemical restraints. False imprisonment includes the improper use of both physical and chemical restraints if used without medical justification or consent.
C. Negligence is the most common unintentional tort. Negligence occurs when a nurse fails to meet the standard of care, leading to client harm, making it the most common unintentional tort in healthcare.
D. Battery occurs when a person verbally threatens to harm another person. Battery involves actual physical contact without consent, while threats fall under assault.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Begins to discuss how their partner and children are important to them. While discussing relationships is valuable, it does not necessarily indicate readiness for behavior change.
B. Asks to change the topic during the interview process. Changing the topic may indicate discomfort or resistance rather than engagement.
C. Requests more information about treatment options. While curiosity about treatment is positive, it does not necessarily indicate commitment to change.
D. Discusses reasons for making a behavior change. When a client verbalizes reasons for change, it shows they are actively considering taking action, which is a key goal of motivational interviewing.
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