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RN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM
RN MENTAL HEALTH EXAM ( 63 Questions)
A nurse on a mental health unit placed a client in mechanical restraints after the client assaulted another client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Obtain a prescription for restraints on an as-needed basis:Restraints should never be used on an as-needed basis without a specific, individualized order from a healthcare provider. Restraints are a significant intervention that should only be used when necessary, and they require a clear prescription outlining the duration, reason, and method of application.
Have the provider assess the client within 1 hour after applying the restraints:This option is the correct choice. It is crucial to involve the healthcare provider promptly after restraints are applied. The provider needs to assess the patient's physical and mental status, and the appropriateness of the restraints, and consider alternatives or modifications to the intervention. Regular assessments ensure the patient's safety and well-being while addressing the initial reason for applying restraints.
Request that the provider renew the prescription for restraints every 8 hours:
Restraining a patient every 8 hours without ongoing assessment and a clear clinical rationale is inappropriate and goes against best practices. Restraints should only be used when absolutely necessary and should be reevaluated frequently. Requesting a renewal on a fixed schedule without considering the patient's changing condition is not a safe or ethical approach.
Evaluate the client hourly while the restraints are applied:While regular monitoring of a patient in restraints is essential, evaluating the patient every hour might not be sufficient, especially in the early stages after the application of restraints. The patient should be continuously monitored, with assessments conducted more frequently, especially immediately after applying the restraints, to ensure their safety and well-being.
A. Obtain a prescription for restraints on an as-needed basis:
Restraints should never be used on an as-needed basis without a specific, individualized order from a healthcare provider. Restraints are a significant intervention that should only be used when necessary, and they require a clear prescription outlining the duration, reason, and method of application.
B. Have the provider assess the client within 1 hour after applying the restraints:
This option is the correct choice. It is crucial to involve the healthcare provider promptly after restraints are applied. The provider needs to assess the patient's physical and mental status, and the appropriateness of the restraints, and consider alternatives or modifications to the intervention. Regular assessments ensure the patient's safety and well-being while addressing the initial reason for applying restraints.
C. Request that the provider renew the prescription for restraints every 8 hours:
Restraining a patient every 8 hours without ongoing assessment and a clear clinical rationale is inappropriate and goes against best practices. Restraints should only be used when absolutely necessary and should be reevaluated frequently. Requesting a renewal on a fixed schedule without considering the patient's changing condition is not a safe or ethical approach.
D. Evaluate the client hourly while the restraints are applied:
While regular monitoring of a patient in restraints is essential, evaluating the patient every hour might not be sufficient, especially in the early stages after the application of restraints. The patient should be continuously monitored, with assessments conducted more frequently, especially immediately after applying the restraints, to ensure their safety and well-being.