The nurse is observing practices in the behavioral health unit.
Which of the practices should the nurse question?
The nurse is observing practices in the behavioral health unit.
Which of the practices should the nurse question?
A. Opening all client’s postal packages prior to giving them to the client.
[69%]
B. Reviewing the process of how a client may lodge a formal complaint.
[3%]
C. Allowing clients to communicate over the telephone in a private area.
[14%]
D. Allowing clients who are involuntarily admitted to refuse prescribed medication(s).
[14%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Ethical/Legal
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice A is correct. The nurse must question this practice because not all postal packages must be opened and screened. Additionally, the client must be present for this process if this needs to occur. Clients have the right to untampered mail and packages. Opening all packages for this purpose is unnecessary and risks the healthcare worker facing sanctions for mail tampering.
Choice B is incorrect. The process for filing a formal complaint needs to be reviewed with the client. This process also needs to be publicized.
Choice C is incorrect. The client has the right to communicate privately by telephone and in person. Listening and curbing telephone communication is a violation of this right.
Choice D is incorrect. Clients who are admitted involuntarily have the right to refuse prescribed medication(s). Only in a narrow circumstance will the client be forced to take medication(s). This requires due process and, ultimately, a binding court order.
Additional Info
Typical Items Included in Hospital Statements of Patients’ Rights
• Right to be treated with dignity
• Right to be involved in treatment planning and decisions
• Right to refuse treatment, including medications
• Right to request to leave the hospital, even against medical advice
• Right to be protected against harming oneself or others
• Right to a timely evaluation in the event of involuntary hospitalization
• Right to legal counsel
• Right to vote
• Right to communicate privately by telephone and in person
• Right to informed consent
• Right to confidentiality regarding one’s disorder and treatment
• Right to choose or refuse visitors
• Right to be informed of research and to refuse to participate
• Right to the least restrictive means of treatment
• Right to send and receive mail and to be present during any inspection of packages received
• Right to keep personal belongings unless they are dangerous
• Right to lodge a complaint through a plainly publicized procedure
• Right to participate in religious worship
