A nurse is caring for a client who repeatedly refuses meals.

The nurse overhears an assistive personnel (AP) telling the client, “If you don’t eat, I’ll put restraints on your wrists and feed you.” The nurse should intervene and explain to the AP that this statement constitutes which of the following torts?

Tell the client, “You seem to be very upset.”.

This is an example of a therapeutic communication technique that validates the client’s feelings and encourages them to express their emotions verbally rather than physically. It also shows empathy and respect for the client’s perspective.

Choice A is wrong because engaging the panic alarm is not the first action to take when interacting with an agitated client.

The nurse should first try to calm the client down by using verbal and nonverbal communication skills, such as maintaining eye contact, speaking in a calm and clear voice, and avoiding sudden movements or gestures.

Engaging the panic alarm should be done only if the client becomes violent or poses a threat to themselves or others.

Choice B is wrong because using a face shield with a mask when providing care to the client is not relevant to the situation.

This is a personal protective equipment (PPE) that is used to prevent exposure to infectious agents or body fluids, not to manage agitation.

Using a face shield with a mask may also increase the client’s anxiety or paranoia, as they may perceive it as a sign of hostility or fear.

Choice D is wrong because initiating seclusion protocol is not appropriate for a client who is agitated, pacing, and speaking loudly.

Seclusion is a restrictive intervention that involves isolating the client in a locked room to prevent harm to themselves or others.

It should be used only as a last resort when less restrictive measures have failed or are contraindicated, and only with a provider’s order and close monitoring.

Secluding an agitated client may escalate their behavior and violate their rights.

Normal ranges for agitation are not applicable, as agitation is not a quantifiable parameter.

However, some tools that can be used to assess agitation include the Richmond AgitationSedation Scale (RASS), which ranges from -5 (unarousable) to +4 (combative), and the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), which ranges from 14 (no agitation) to 56 (severe agitation).

The leader allows the group to discuss whatever they would like to regarding their medications.

This is because a laissez-faire leadership style is characterized by minimal guidance and direction from the leader, and maximum freedom and autonomy for the followers.

The leader does not impose any rules or expectations on the group, and lets them decide how to manage their own learning and behavior.

Choice A is wrong because having group members vote on what they would like to learn about during the session is an example of a democratic leadership style, not a laissez-faire one.

A democratic leader solicits input and feedback from the group, and makes decisions based on consensus and majority rule.

Choice B is wrong because lecturing about medication adverse effects to the group members is an example of an authoritarian leadership style, not a laissez-faire one.

An authoritarian leader dictates what the group should do and how they should do it, without considering their opinions or preferences.

Choice D is wrong because encouraging group members to remain silent until questions are called for is an example of a paternalistic leadership style, not a laissez-faire one.

A paternalistic leader treats the group as if they are incapable of making their own decisions, and assumes a protective and nurturing role over them.

Normal ranges for leadership styles are not applicable in this context, as different styles may be more or less effective depending on the situation and the goals of the group.

However, some general advantages and disadvantages of each style are:

• Laissez-faire: Advantages - fosters creativity, independence, and self-motivation; Disadvantages - may lead to chaos, confusion, and lack of accountability.
• Democratic: Advantages - promotes participation, collaboration, and satisfaction; Disadvantages - may be time-consuming, inefficient, and conflict-prone.
• Authoritarian: Advantages - provides clarity, direction, and control; Disadvantages - may cause resentment, resistance, and dependency.
• Paternalistic: Advantages - creates trust, loyalty, and commitment; Disadvantages - may inhibit growth, development, and empowerment.