Ethical and Legal Considerations in Psychiatric Nursing: Master the Essentials

Question 1

Which ethical principle presents particular challenges in psychiatric nursing due to the complex and uncertain nature of psychiatric care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which action is a fundamental duty of a psychiatric nurse in protecting patient rights?

Accepted Answer

Reporting ethical concerns to appropriate authorities

Answer

Administering prescribed medications

Answer

Educating patients about mental health conditions

Answer

Conducting psychiatric assessments

Question 3

Which fundamental ethical principle in psychiatric nursing upholds respect for patient autonomy and decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 4

As per legal requirements, what should a nurse do upon learning a patient's disclosure of child abuse?

Accepted Answer

Document the disclosure and report it to the designated authorities

Answer

Share the disclosure with the patient's family

Answer

Obtain the patient's consent before reporting the incident

Answer

Keep the disclosure confidential and refrain from reporting it

Question 5

In psychiatric nursing, informed consent primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Encompassing all of the above

Answer

Establishing the patient's decision-making capacity

Answer

Providing comprehensive information about treatment risks and benefits

Answer

Obtaining the patient's voluntary agreement to the treatment

Question 6

When a patient declines medication prescribed by the psychiatrist, the nurse's ethical and legal course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the patient's right to refuse and withhold the medication

Answer

Administer the medication against the patient's will to ensure their well-being

Answer

Seek legal authorization to force the patient into taking the medication

Answer

Contact the patient's family to persuade them to influence the patient's decision

Question 7

Which of the following is a comprehensive risk assessment strategy for a patient with a history of suicidal thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Incorporating all of the above

Answer

Inquiring about current suicidal thoughts

Answer

Observing the patient's behavior for signs of agitation

Answer

Creating a safe and supportive environment

Question 8

In cases involving psychiatric patients who cause harm to others, which legal defense acknowledges diminished mental capacity?

Accepted Answer

Diminished capacity

Answer

Insanity

Answer

Self-defense

Answer

Necessity

Question 9

When a nurse suspects an adverse reaction to psychiatric medication, their immediate responsibility is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the symptoms and promptly notify the psychiatrist

Answer

Adjust the medication dosage without consulting the psychiatrist

Answer

Reassure the patient and dismiss the symptoms as common side effects

Answer

Ignore the symptoms, assuming they are part of the patient's underlying mental health condition

Question 10

Cultural sensitivity in psychiatric nursing includes:

Accepted Answer

Being mindful of the patient's cultural background and its impact on their mental health

Answer

Assuming all patients from a particular culture share identical values and beliefs

Answer

Ignoring cultural beliefs that conflict with treatment recommendations

Answer

Avoiding discussions related to the patient's culture

Question 11

Which intervention is most suitable for a patient experiencing hallucinations?

Accepted Answer

Validating the patient's experience in a supportive and safe environment

Answer

Dismissing the hallucinations as unreal

Answer

Engaging in arguments about the reality of the hallucinations

Answer

Administering antipsychotic medication without delay

Question 12

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of upholding the patient's freedom to make their own choices regarding their healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 13

Which of the following is a therapeutic communication technique commonly used to facilitate patient expression and enhance understanding?

Accepted Answer

Reflective listening

Answer

Confrontation

Answer

Advice giving

Answer

Interrupting

Question 14

A patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations. As a psychiatric nurse, your initial response should be to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge and validate the patient's experiences.

Answer

Challenge the patient's perceptions as inaccurate.

Answer

Contact the healthcare provider immediately.

Answer

Administer antipsychotic medication as prescribed.

Question 15

In psychiatric nursing, which ethical principle emphasizes respecting a patient's decision-making abilities?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Question 16

What is the primary purpose of informed consent in psychiatric care?

Accepted Answer

To verify a patient's comprehension of their treatment choices

Answer

To guarantee patient's adherence to treatment

Answer

To shield the nurse from liability claims

Answer

To document patient's acceptance of treatment

Question 17

In determining a patient's decision-making capacity in psychiatric nursing, what is the nurse's primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the patient's cognitive skills

Answer

Obtaining a doctor's approval

Answer

Consulting a family member

Answer

Accepting the patient's verbal consent

Question 18

When is patient confidentiality considered violated?

Accepted Answer

Revealing a patient's diagnosis to a coworker without their permission

Answer

Sharing a patient's medical history with their family with their consent

Answer

Discussing a patient's case with other healthcare providers involved in the care

Answer

Reporting a patient's homicidal ideation to the concerned authorities

Question 19

Which ethical conflict may arise when a patient's religious beliefs differ from the proposed treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy versus beneficence

Answer

Beneficence versus non-maleficence

Answer

Justice versus beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence versus autonomy

Question 20

When using restraint or seclusion in psychiatric care, what ethical principle should take precedence?

Accepted Answer

As a last resort after all other methods have been exhausted

Answer

When it ensures the patient's safety and well-being

Answer

Only with the patient's express consent

Answer

As a disciplinary measure

Question 21

When using seclusion or isolation in a psychiatric crisis, which ethical principle is most important to consider?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 22

Psychiatric nurses are advocates for their patients' rights. Which actions can they take to effectively advocate for these rights?

Accepted Answer

Educate patients about their rights and empower them to make informed decisions

Accepted Answer

Report violations or suspected violations of patient rights to appropriate authorities

Accepted Answer

Document patient concerns and requests accurately and thoroughly

Answer

Ignore patient preferences and make decisions on their behalf

Question 23

Which of the following is a core ethical principle in psychiatric nursing, emphasizing the right of individuals to make decisions about their own care?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 24

In caring for a patient with diminished capacity, what is the nurse's primary ethical responsibility?

Accepted Answer

To respect the patient's autonomy to the extent possible, involving them in decision-making

Answer

To unconditionally follow the patient's wishes, even if they are not in their best interests

Answer

To seek legal guardianship to override the patient's decisions if they are deemed incompetent

Answer

To make decisions solely based on the patient's best interests, disregarding their wishes

Question 25

Which ethical principle places the utmost importance on respecting patient autonomy and empowering them to make informed decisions about their own treatment?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 26

Under which legal framework are psychiatric patients protected from the unauthorized disclosure of their medical information, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of their healthcare records?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA Privacy Rule

Answer

ADA

Answer

FERPA

Answer

Mental Health Parity Act

Question 27

What is the overarching goal of ethical decision-making in psychiatric nursing practice?

Accepted Answer

Protecting patient rights and well-being

Answer

Maximizing patient autonomy and empowerment

Answer

Safeguarding the nurse's personal safety

Answer

Avoiding legal repercussions and liability

Question 28

Which of the following actions best exemplifies a therapeutic boundary in the context of psychiatric nursing, fostering a professional and respectful nurse-patient relationship?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining an appropriate physical and emotional distance from patients while providing care

Answer

Allowing patients to engage in inappropriate physical contact with the nurse

Answer

Disclosing personal information to patients to build rapport

Answer

Ignoring patient requests for personal space and privacy

Question 29

Which ethical principle emphasizes the importance of protecting patient confidentiality and limiting the disclosure of their personal health information, except in exceptional circumstances?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 30

According to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which of the following is NOT considered protected health information (PHI), and therefore not subject to the same level of privacy protections?

Accepted Answer

Occupation or employment details

Answer

Patient's name and contact information

Answer

Medical diagnosis and treatment records

Answer

Insurance policy numbers and coverage details

Question 31

When assessing a patient's capacity to consent to treatment, the most crucial principle to consider is:

Accepted Answer

Comprehension of the decision's nature, potential outcomes, and consequences

Answer

Ability to communicate their decision lucidly

Answer

Receiving a formal diagnosis of stable mental health

Answer

Attainment of 18 years of age or older

Question 32

If a patient exhibits immediate danger to themselves or others, the nurse's primary duty is to:

Accepted Answer

Intervene to prevent harm

Answer

Respect the patient's choice to decline treatment

Answer

Consult with other healthcare professionals

Answer

Seek legal guidance

Question 33

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of beneficence in psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Promoting the patient's well-being and minimizing harm

Answer

Advocating for the patient's wishes

Answer

Allowing the patient to make their own decisions

Answer

Protecting patient rights

Question 34

Which of the following actions demonstrates adherence to therapeutic boundaries in psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a professional demeanor and avoiding personal interactions with patients

Answer

Providing unsolicited advice to patients

Answer

Sharing personal information with patients

Answer

Entering the patient's personal space without permission

Question 35

According to the Tarasoff duty, nurses have a legal obligation to:

Accepted Answer

Warn potential victims of a patient's threats if there is a foreseeable risk of harm

Answer

Report all patient threats to authorities

Answer

Refer patients for involuntary psychiatric evaluation

Answer

Keep all patient information strictly confidential

Question 36

Which element is crucial for obtaining valid informed consent in psychiatric nursing?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient's comprehension of the procedure and its potential risks and benefits

Answer

Securing approval from the nurse in charge

Answer

Obtaining the patient's signature on a consent form

Question 37

When a patient with schizophrenia refuses medication, the most appropriate nursing action is to:

Accepted Answer

Explore the patient's reasons for refusal and attempt to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution

Answer

Inform the doctor immediately without further discussion

Answer

Administer the medication against the patient's will if deemed necessary

Question 38

In a crisis situation involving a patient expressing suicidal thoughts, the priority nursing intervention is to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's risk and develop a safety plan to prevent self-harm

Answer

Refer the patient to a therapist for long-term counseling

Answer

Educate the patient about suicide prevention resources

Answer

Prescribe medication to alleviate the patient's distress

Question 39

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) aims to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure equitable coverage and access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment

Answer

Expand mental health services for low-income individuals

Answer

Improve the quality of mental health care

Question 40

When a patient with an eating disorder requests to be weighed, the nurse's ethical response should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Explaining the potential risks of frequent weighing and offering alternative methods to monitor progress

Answer

Weighing the patient as requested and documenting the results

Answer

Refusing to weigh the patient unless ordered by a doctor

Question 41

When obtaining informed consent in psychiatric care, which aspect must be ensured?

Accepted Answer

Patient's decision-making capacity

Answer

Witnessing the consent

Answer

Explaining only treatment benefits

Answer

Using standardized forms

Question 42

Which nursing action breaches patient confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Discussing diagnosis with family without consent

Answer

Informing the psychiatrist

Answer

Reporting abuse to authorities

Answer

Documenting in medical records

Question 43

When a patient discloses suicidal thoughts, the most appropriate nursing response is:

Accepted Answer

Contacting the treating physician immediately

Answer

Allowing time for the patient to calm down

Answer

Administering sedatives without consent

Answer

Dismissing the thoughts as an overreaction

Question 44

In which scenario is it ethically justified to override a patient's wishes?

Accepted Answer

Imminent risk of harm to themselves or others

Answer

Family disagreement with the treatment plan

Answer

Patient's lack of insight into their condition

Answer

Noncompliance with treatment

Question 45

Which nursing approach is most effective in fostering the therapeutic relationship in psychiatric care?

Accepted Answer

Active listening and empathy

Answer

Enforcing rigid schedules

Answer

Providing direct advice and instructions

Answer

Setting strict boundaries and limits

Question 46

What is the primary role of a psychiatric nurse in advocating for patient rights?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring patients are treated with dignity and respect

Answer

Representing patients in legal proceedings

Answer

Making decisions on behalf of patients

Answer

Enforcing hospital regulations

Question 47

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia refuses medication, stating they believe it is causing side effects. The nurse, despite the patient's refusal, administers the medication.  This action primarily violates which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 48

A nurse is caring for a patient who has disclosed their HIV status. The nurse reveals this information to the patient's family without their consent. This action is a direct violation of which legal principle?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Duty to warn

Question 49

A patient is admitted for a mental health evaluation and expresses suicidal thoughts. What is the nurse's primary ethical obligation in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Ensure patient safety by implementing appropriate interventions.

Answer

Respect the patient's autonomy.

Answer

Maintain patient confidentiality.

Question 50

A nurse is working with a patient experiencing delusions. The nurse attempts to understand the patient's perspective and provide support without challenging the delusion. This approach demonstrates which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Respect for the person

Answer

Justice

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Truthfulness

Question 51

A patient is receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment option. Which ethical principle is paramount in obtaining consent for this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Justice

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Question 52

A nurse is working with a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder experiencing a manic episode and refusing medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Collaborate with the treatment team to assess the patient's decision-making capacity and potential risks.

Answer

Administer the medication regardless of the patient's refusal.

Question 53

A patient confides in a nurse about a history of child abuse. The nurse is legally obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Answer

Encourage the patient to disclose the information to their family.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality and not disclose the information.

Question 54

A nurse is providing care to a patient with dementia who is experiencing hallucinations. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Validate the patient's experience and provide reassurance.

Answer

Challenge the hallucinations and try to correct the patient's perception.

Answer

Ignore the hallucinations and focus on other aspects of care.