The parents of a young adult diagnosed with schizophrenia are providing care for the client in their home. During a home visit, the parents state, “it’s been so difficult taking care of our child. We need a break. But our child needs constant supervision.” Which would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest?

Choice A reason:
Libel involves making false and damaging statements about someone in written form. It is not relevant to the situation described, where the issue is the use of physical restraints on a voluntarily admitted client.

Choice B reason:
False imprisonment refers to the unlawful restraint of an individual against their will. In this case, applying physical restraints to a voluntarily admitted client who is demanding discharge could be considered false imprisonment if the restraints are not justified by the client’s behavior posing an immediate threat to themselves or others.

Choice C reason:
Medical beneficence refers to the ethical principle of acting in the best interest of the patient. While this principle guides nursing actions, it does not directly address the legal ramifications of using physical restraints.

Choice D reason:
Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects the patient’s right to make their own decisions. Restraining a voluntarily admitted client who wishes to leave the hospital can violate their autonomy. However, the legal issue at hand is more specifically related to false imprisonment.

Choice A reason:
Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. This is not the correct answer because the man’s behavior of punching walls and yelling at his significant other is an outward expression of his own frustration, rather than projecting his feelings onto someone else. Projection would involve accusing others of having the feelings or thoughts that he himself is experiencing.
Choice B reason:
Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts, blocking external events from awareness. This is not the correct answer because the man’s actions indicate that he is reacting to his frustration rather than denying its existence. Denial would involve ignoring or refusing to acknowledge the feelings or situation that is causing distress.
Choice C reason:
Displacement is the redirection of emotions or impulses from a threatening target to a safer one. This is the correct answer because the man redirects his anger from his supervisor, who is the source of his frustration, to a less threatening target, which is his significant other and the walls at home. Displacement allows the individual to express their emotions in a way that feels safer or more acceptable.
Choice D reason:
Passive-aggression involves expressing negative feelings indirectly rather than openly addressing them. This is not the correct answer because the man’s behavior is direct and aggressive, rather than passive. Passive-aggressive actions might include sulking, procrastination, or subtle resistance, none of which are evident in the described scenario.