A nurse observes another nurse acting flirtatiously and bringing small gifts, such as candy, to a client in the behavioral health unit. Which action is a priority by the observing nurse?
In order to protect the rights of the client, the nurse should report the behavior to the supervisor.
The client is entitled to have a relationship with anyone and the nurse should ignore the behavior.
The nurse should confront the nurse and tell them the behavior must immediately stop.
Discuss this with the client and tell them they are being emotionally manipulated.
The Correct Answer is A
When a nurse observes another nurse acting flirtatiously and bringing small gifts to a client in the behavioral health unit, it raises concerns about professional boundaries and the potential for unethical behavior. The priority action for the observing nurse is to protect the rights and well-being of the client.
Option A, reporting the behavior to the supervisor, is the appropriate course of action. Reporting the observed behavior to the supervisor ensures that the situation is investigated and addressed by the appropriate authorities within the healthcare facility. This action helps maintain the integrity of the therapeutic relationship between the client and healthcare team and protects the client from any potential exploitation or manipulation.
Options B, C and D are not appropriate actions:
B. Ignoring the behavior is not appropriate as it does not address the concerns about professional boundaries and the potential for unethical behavior. Ignoring such behavior may allow it to continue, potentially putting the client at risk.
C. Confronting the nurse directly without first reporting the behavior to the supervisor may not be the most appropriate course of action. It is essential to involve the appropriate authorities within the healthcare facility to conduct a proper investigation and address the situation professionally.
D. Discussing the situation with the client and making assumptions about emotional manipulation may not be appropriate or accurate. It is not the observing nurse's role to discuss such matters with the client. Instead, the appropriate course of action is to report the observed behavior to the supervisor or appropriate authority within the healthcare facility.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Explanation: The priority question the nurse should ask the client during the initial assessment is whether they feel safe in their home (Option B). This question is essential because it addresses the client's safety and well-being, particularly regarding the possibility of domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
Assessing for safety is a critical component of the initial assessment, especially for female clients, as they may be at higher risk for experiencing domestic violence or abuse. By asking about the client's safety in their home, the nurse can identify potential issues related to violence or unsafe living conditions and take appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety.
Options A, C, and D are also important assessment questions, but they are not the priority in this scenario:
A. "Do you have enough money to pay for your care today?" - This is an important question regarding the client's financial situation and ability to access healthcare. However, safety and well-being take precedence over financial concerns in the initial assessment.
C. "Do you take illegal street drugs?" - This question is crucial for assessing the client's substance use and potential risk factors related to drug use. However, the safety question (Option B) is more immediate and directly addresses the client's well-being.
D. "Do you obtain regular medical care?" - This question is vital for assessing the client's healthcare needs and access to healthcare services. However, the safety question (Option B) should be addressed first to ensure the client's immediate safety and well-being.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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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