Which action by a psychiatric nurse best applies the ethical principle of autonomy?

Intervening when a self-mutilating patient attempts to harm self.

Exploring alternative solutions with the patient, who then makes a choice.

Staying with a patient demonstrating a high level of anxiety.

Suggesting that two patients who were fighting be restricted to the unit.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Intervening when a self-mutilating patient attempts to harm self reflects beneficence and nonmaleficence, prioritizing safety rather than autonomy.

B. Supporting the patient to explore alternatives and make their own choice directly respects and promotes the ethical principle of autonomy.

C. Staying with a patient demonstrating a high level of anxiety demonstrates beneficence by providing support, not autonomy.

D. Suggesting restrictions for patients who were fighting reflects justice or safety measures, not the patient’s personal decision-making.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Regression is reverting to earlier developmental behaviors (e.g., thumb-sucking under stress). The patient is not showing childlike behaviors.

B. Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings to others. The patient is not blaming others for symptoms.

C. Denial is refusing to acknowledge a painful reality. Despite clear symptoms and diagnostic testing, the patient minimizes illness by attributing it to "just a stubborn chest cold."

D. Displacement is redirecting emotions onto a safer target (e.g., yelling at spouse instead of boss). Not evident here.

A. Sedation and muscle stiffness B. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose C. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash D. Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, commonly causes extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) such as muscle stiffness, rigidity, tremors, and sedation, which can make patients feel “robotic.”

B. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose are not typical side effects of haloperidol; they are more consistent with allergy or upper respiratory symptoms.

C. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash could indicate a serious reaction such as agranulocytosis, which is rare and more common with atypical antipsychotics like clozapine.

D. Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea are not primary side effects of haloperidol; they may occur with other medications or conditions but are not typical EPS.

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Which action by a psychiatric nurse best applies the ethical principle of autonomy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient undergoing diagnostic tests says. "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold." The spouse reports the patient smokes, coughs daily. lost 15 pounds and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia was discharged 6 months ago, haloperidol was prescribed. The patient now says, "I stopped taking those pills. They made me feel like a robot." What are common side effects the nurse should validate with the patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder becomes hyperactive after discontinuing lithium. The patient threatens to hit another patient. Which comment by the nurse is appropriate?

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