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.
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Extreme anxiety with brief dazed periods describes depersonalization or dissociative episodes, but not a fugue, because identity and travel are not involved.
B. Feeling like the body is unreal or shrinking is indicative of depersonalization-derealization disorder, not dissociative fugue.
C. Unfamiliar clothes and blackouts without alcohol may suggest dissociative identity disorder, as multiple identities or personality states are involved.
D. Dissociative fugue involves sudden, unexpected travel away from one’s home or workplace, inability to recall the past, and confusion about personal identity or assumption of a new identity. The scenario describes disappearance, travel, and memory loss consistent with dissociative fugue.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respecting confidentiality is important, but the nurse has a legal and ethical duty to report child abuse, even if the patient discloses it in confidence.
B. Filing a report with the ethics committee does not fulfill the mandatory reporting requirement for child abuse.
C. The nurse must report suspected or disclosed child abuse to the appropriate child protection agency, even if the patient is now in rehabilitation. Anonymity may be used if allowed, but reporting is legally required.
D. Reassuring the patient about comfort in sharing does not address the immediate need to protect the child and fulfill mandatory reporting obligations.
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