A nurse on the psychiatric unit is assessing a client who has moderate anxiety disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Informed consent is an essential ethical principle in healthcare, including mental health treatment. Even if the client has previously signed a consent form for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), they have the right to change their mind and refuse the treatment at anytime. Respecting the client's autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own healthcare is crucial.

The nurse's response should support the client's right to refuse the treatment, rather than attempting to persuade or convince them otherwise. It is important to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the client's concerns or reasons for refusing the treatment. The client's decision should be respected and further discussions can be held with the healthcare provider to explore alternative treatment options or address any concerns the client may have.

A- "You have given signed consent for the treatments after they were explained to you." - This response does not acknowledge the client's right to refuse the treatment. Even if the client previously provided consent, they still have the right to change their mind and refuse the treatment. Informed consent is an ongoing process, and the client's autonomy should be respected throughout their care.

B- "You can refuse them, but the provider believes they are necessary." - While it may be true that the healthcare provider believes ECT is necessary, this response does not fully acknowledge the client's autonomy. It is important to emphasize the client's right to make decisions about their own healthcare, independent of the provider's opinion. The decision to refuse or accept the treatment should ultimately be made by the client.

C- "You will feel better after the course of treatments." - This response does not address the client's concerns or their right to refuse the treatment. It is essential to respect the client's autonomy and their ability to make decisions about their own care, even if their decision may not align with the potential benefits of the treatment. The nurse should focus on providing information, addressing the client's concerns, and supporting their decision-making process.

This response acknowledges the client's distress and invites them to share their thoughts and feelings about the situation. It shows empathy and demonstrates active listening, allowing the nurse to gather more information about the client's emotional state and concerns. By giving the client an opportunity to express themselves, the nurse can provide appropriate support and address any guilt or self-blame the client may be experiencing.

Dismissing the client's concerns and redirecting the conversation to their partner's condition (Option A) may invalidate the client's feelings and prevent them from processing their own emotions.

Telling the client to calm down (Option B) may come across as dismissive and insensitive.

Asking the client why they think the crash is their fault (Option C) may put the client on the defensive and hinder open communication. The best approach is to actively listen to the client's concerns and create a supportive environment for them to share their feelings.