An alert, oriented older adult client has been financially and emotionally abused by their adult children for the past several years but has not reported the abuse to anyone. Which reason does the nurse identify is most likely why the client has not reported the abuse?

The correct answer is c. Beneficence.

Choice A: Autonomy

Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives and bodies. In the context of nursing, it means respecting a patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions. However, in the case of seclusion due to loud and intrusive behavior, the primary concern is not about the patient’s decision-making capacity but rather the safety and well-being of the patient and others on the unit.

Choice B: Justice

Justice is the ethical principle that emphasizes fairness and equality. It involves ensuring that patients are treated fairly and that resources are distributed equitably. While justice is important in healthcare, it does not directly address the appropriateness of seclusion in response to disruptive behavior.

Choice C: Beneficence

Beneficence is the ethical principle that focuses on doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. It involves taking actions that promote the well-being of patients and prevent harm. In the context of seclusion, beneficence guides the nurse to consider whether secluding the patient will prevent harm to the patient and others, thereby promoting overall safety and well-being.

Choice D: Veracity

Veracity refers to the principle of truth-telling and honesty. It involves providing accurate and truthful information to patients. While veracity is crucial in building trust between healthcare providers and patients, it does not directly relate to the decision of whether to use seclusion for managing disruptive behavior.

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.