Which tasks are safe and appropriate to be performed by a basic-level nurse for a patient suffering from mental illness?

Choice A reason: Cultural skill refers to the ability to apply cultural knowledge in practice, such as conducting culturally sensitive assessments. It focuses on actionable skills, not self-examination of beliefs, which is a distinct process of internal reflection, making this choice incorrect for the described behavior.

Choice B reason: Cultural knowledge involves understanding cultural facts and differences, not introspective analysis of personal beliefs. It focuses on external information rather than self-awareness, which is critical for examining one’s own values, making this choice incorrect for the nurse’s behavior.

Choice C reason: Cultural awareness involves self-examination of personal beliefs, values, and biases, recognizing their impact on care. This introspective process is essential in psychiatric nursing to ensure unbiased patient interactions, aligning with the described behavior, making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Cultural competence encompasses knowledge, skills, and awareness to provide effective care across cultures. While it includes self-examination, it is broader than the specific act of reflecting on personal beliefs, making cultural awareness the more precise term for the described behavior.

Choice A reason: Trust versus mistrust, Erikson's first psychosocial stage (0–1 year), focuses on developing trust in caregivers for basic needs. Failure leads to fear and suspicion, not feelings of worthlessness or insignificance. These symptoms do not align with the adult’s statements about opinions not counting, making this choice scientifically inaccurate for the described crisis.

Choice B reason: Autonomy versus shame and doubt, Erikson’s second stage (1–3 years), involves gaining independence in actions like self-care. Failure results in shame and self-doubt about autonomy, not a broader sense of worthlessness or lack of influence. This stage is unrelated to the adult’s expressed feelings, rendering this choice incorrect.

Choice C reason: Initiative versus guilt, the third stage (3–6 years), centers on initiating activities and asserting control. Failure leads to guilt over actions, not a diminished sense of self-worth or influence. The adult’s statements reflect identity struggles, not guilt from initiative, so this choice does not fit the psychosocial crisis described.

Choice D reason: Identity versus role confusion, Erikson’s fifth stage (12–18 years), involves forming a cohesive self-identity. Failure leads to role confusion, low self-esteem, and feelings of insignificance, directly aligning with the adult’s statements about having no answers and opinions not counting. This unresolved crisis persists into adulthood, making this the correct choice.