Psychiatric care technicians (PCTs) are unlicensed assistive personnel that are an integral part of the acute care mental healthcare team. Which of the following choices would be an example(s) of overdelegation by the nurse to a PCT? The nurse directs the PCT to (Select All that Apply):

Choice A Reason: Notify all members of the treatment team and place the client on suicide precautions

While notifying the treatment team and placing the client on suicide precautions is crucial, it is not the immediate priority. The first step is to assess the immediacy and severity of the risk by determining if the client has a specific plan. This assessment helps in understanding the level of danger and urgency required in the intervention.

Choice B Reason: Assess for past history of suicide attempts

Assessing for a past history of suicide attempts is important for understanding the client’s risk factors and potential for future attempts. However, it is not the immediate priority when a client expresses current suicidal ideation. The immediate concern is to assess the current risk and plan, which directly impacts the urgency of the intervention.

Choice C Reason: Identify coping mechanisms

Identifying coping mechanisms is a valuable part of the overall treatment plan and can help in long-term management. However, in the context of immediate suicidal ideation, the priority is to assess the current risk and plan. Once the immediate risk is managed, coping mechanisms can be explored to support the client’s ongoing mental health.

Choice D Reason: Determine whether the client has a specific plan to commit suicide

This is the correct answer. Determining whether the client has a specific plan to commit suicide is the highest priority because it directly assesses the immediacy and severity of the risk. If the client has a specific plan, it indicates a higher level of danger and necessitates immediate intervention to ensure the client’s safety.

The correct answer is b. It’s not my fault.

Choice A Reason: I just don’t remember doing it

This statement might be used by someone trying to avoid responsibility, but it is not as characteristic of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) as outright denial of fault. Individuals with ASPD often exhibit a lack of accountability and may lie or manipulate to avoid consequences. However, claiming memory loss is less direct than denying responsibility altogether.

Choice B Reason: It’s not my fault

This statement is highly characteristic of antisocial personality disorder. Individuals with ASPD often refuse to take responsibility for their actions and may blame others or external circumstances. This lack of accountability and tendency to deflect blame is a core feature of the disorder, making this the most expected comment.

Choice C Reason: I’m really sorry about all the people I’ve hurt

This statement is unlikely for someone with antisocial personality disorder. People with ASPD typically lack empathy and remorse for their actions. Expressing genuine sorrow and concern for others is not consistent with the typical behavior of someone with this disorder.

Choice D Reason: I’m too ashamed to talk about it

This statement suggests a level of self-awareness and guilt that is not typical of antisocial personality disorder. Individuals with ASPD generally do not experience shame or guilt in the same way as others. They are more likely to be indifferent or dismissive about the consequences of their actions.