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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. The patient’s symptoms are physiological and neurological, not intentional behaviors for attention.

B. Alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens) typically occurs 48–72 hours after the last drink and includes tremors, agitation, anxiety, diaphoresis, tachycardia, hallucinations, and nightmares—all present in this patient.

C. Although head injury can cause confusion and agitation, the timing of symptoms following alcohol withdrawal aligns more closely with delirium tremens.

D. Acute psychosis can present with hallucinations, but in this case, the onset following alcohol cessation and accompanying autonomic hyperactivity point toward alcohol withdrawal delirium.

A. "Give the dose in the morning to help prevent insomnia." B. "Limit caloric intake to prevent excessive weight gain." C. "Expect hyperactivity as a common adverse effect." D. "Avoid crowds due to the increased risk for infection."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), can cause insomnia if taken late in the day; morning dosing reduces this risk.

B. Unlike some antipsychotics, atomoxetine is more commonly associated with appetite suppression and weight loss, not weight gain.

C. Atomoxetine is not a stimulant; it usually reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity.

D. Atomoxetine does not suppress the immune system; infection risk is not a concern.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who has ADHD about atomoxetine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient's care plan includes monitoring for auditory hallucinations. Which assessment findings suggest the patient may be hallucinating?

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who reports chest pain, headache, and shortness of breath. He continues to state. "I don't know why my wife left me." The client receives a diagnosis of anxiety. The nurse realizes the client's findings support which level of anxiety?

A health care provider considers which antipsychotic medication to prescribe for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who has auditory hallucinations and poor social function. The patient is also overweight and hypertensive. Which drug should the nurse advocate?

A patient experiences a sudden episode of severe anxiety. Which medication would be the expected drug to be given to help with the sudden episode of severe anxiety?

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is dressed in a purple leopard and bright floral scarves. The patient twirls and shadow boxes. The patient says gaily. "Do you like my scarves? Here they are my gift to you." How should the nurse document the patient's mood?

A cruel and abusive person often uses rationalization to explain their behavior. Which comment demonstrates use of this defense mechanism?

When assessing a patient's plan for suicide, what aspect has priority?

The nurse expects which medication to be prescribed to maintain abstinence to a patient with an addiction to either alcohol or opioids?