Legal and Ethical Aspects of Psychiatric Nursing
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for involuntary hospitalization?

  • A patient requires long-term care and support for their mental health.
  • A patient requests hospitalization for psychiatric treatment.
  • A patient is seeking a safe environment to recover.
  • A patient poses a danger to themselves or others due to a mental disorder. (correct)

    • What is a defining characteristic of an informal admission to a psychiatric hospital?

  • Patient is admitted by a court order.
  • Patient requires a guardian's signature for admission.
  • Patient verbally requests admission and can leave at any time. (correct)
  • Patient signs a written application for admission.

    • Which of these is NOT a benefit of a voluntary admission to a psychiatric hospital?

  • The patient is able to actively participate in finding solutions to their problems.
  • The patient is automatically committed for a specific duration of time. (correct)
  • Patient has the legal right to refuse treatment.
  • Patient maintains control over their treatment decisions.

    • What is the primary goal of an emergency hospitalization for a patient?

    <p>To stabilize the patient and control an immediate threat to self or others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these individuals can typically authorize an emergency hospitalization?

    <p>A psychiatrist or a designated government official. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important for psychiatric nurses to understand the legal context of care?

    <p>To ensure the rights of patients are respected and protected. (A), To provide high-quality psychiatric care to patients. (B), To maintain professional standards in psychiatric nursing practice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a patient leaving a psychiatric hospital against medical advice (AMA)?

    <p>It indicates that the patient is refusing further treatment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In most states, who can authorize the voluntary admission of a minor to a psychiatric hospital?

    <p>The minor's guardian or parents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a reason for a patient to be granted an absolute discharge?

    <p>The patient has filed a formal request for discharge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What right is NOT explicitly granted to patients under the Patient Rights section?

    <p>The right to refuse treatment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a judicial discharge?

    <p>It allows patients to be discharged against the hospital's wishes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of informed consent?

    <p>To ensure patients understand the risks and benefits of treatment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the legal and ethical implication of breaking confidentiality in psychiatric treatment?

    <p>It is legal and ethical only in specific situations, even with a patient's consent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the right to religious freedom for patients in a psychiatric hospital entail?

    <p>Access to religious services and materials of their choice. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about patients' rights in psychiatric hospitals?

    <p>Patients have unlimited rights to communicate with others outside the hospital. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a right generally granted to patients in psychiatric hospitals?

    <p>Right to choose their own attending physician. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of short-term hospitalization?

    <p>To conduct observation, diagnosis, and treatment of mentally ill persons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is a patient typically admitted to a long-term hospitalization facility?

    <p>Through either medical certification or judicial/administrative action (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the general relationship between mental illness and violence?

    <p>Mental illness is typically unrelated to violence; the majority of individuals with mental illness are not dangerous (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between the discharge of voluntary and involuntary patients?

    <p>Involuntary patients can be discharged only after a court order, while voluntary patients can be released upon request, but can be brought back with agreement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of a conditional discharge?

    <p>To allow the patient to gradually transition back into the community while receiving continued support (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a factor considered in determining a patient's compliance with medication during a conditional discharge?

    <p>The patient's willingness to take medication as prescribed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an 'absolute discharge' in the context of mental health hospitalization?

    <p>A release from the hospital that is permanent and signifies the patient's complete recovery (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a 'judicial discharge'?

    <p>To release a patient from the hospital based on a court order, even if their condition has not fully improved (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    • Legal context is crucial for psychiatric nurses, focusing on patient rights and quality of care
    • Civil, criminal, and consumer rights have been established over the past two decades
    • Psychiatric nurses need to understand the legal provisions of their state
    • This knowledge improves care for psychiatric patients by safeguarding both the nurse's and the patient's rights.

    Hospitalization (Admission)

    • Three types of admission: informal, voluntary, and involuntary
    • Informal: Patient requests entry and release. Patients are free to leave at any time before treatment, often required to sign themselves out against medical advice (AMA), although not legally required
    • Voluntary: Admission is through a written application by the patient or guardian, and involves agreement to treatment and hospital rules. Individuals seek help based on personal decisions or the advice of family or professionals; a preferred method of admission due to its resemblance to medical hospitalization. Children under 16 may be admitted if their parents sign the form
    • Involuntary: Admission occurs when the patient is a danger to themselves or others, or in need of psychiatric treatment. The individual did not request hospitalization.

    Involuntary Admission Categories

    • Emergency Hospitalization: Necessary for an immediate threat to self or others, typically lasting 48-72 hours. Police, physicians, and psychiatrists are involved in authorization
    • Short-Term/Observational Hospitalization: Primarily for observation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals posing a danger or suffering from mental illness; required medical certificate by two physicians.

    Long-Term Hospitalization

    • Primarily for extended care and treatment of mentally ill patients
    • Involvement of judicial or administrative action or medical certification

    Dangerousness of Mentally Ill Persons

    • Studies suggest that violence among psychiatric patients is similar to the general population
    • Mental illness in certain conditions can lead to violence, but not all mentally ill individuals are dangerous
    • No significant difference in crime types between mentally ill and non-mentally disordered suspects

    Discharge of Mentally Ill Patients

    • Voluntary patients can request their release
    • Involuntary patients cannot demand release until court order or improvement is certified; re-evaluation is needed periodically if released early
    • Three types of discharges: conditional, absolute, and judicial
    • Conditional: out-patient treatment for a period, determining the client's compliance with medication and their ability to reintegrate into the community.
    • Absolute: final discharge, granted when a patient can function in the community; and for those who aren't likely to improve.
    • Judicial: hospital does not agree with release but patients or family can appeal

    Patient Rights

    • Patients have rights including communication, personal belongings, religious freedom, and possible employment
    • Right to education (exercised by parents on behalf of emotionally ill or mentally retarded children)
    • Right to an independent psychiatric examination is by choosing a physician
    • Right to privacy
    • Right to treatment in the least restrictive setting, balancing patient autonomy and protecting others
    • Right to informed consent from physician, and consent forms, requiring signatures of patients or family
    • Important factors for treatment include patient preference, religious beliefs, effect on family, side effects, risks, and prognosis

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    Legal & Ethical Aspects of Psychiatric Nursing PDF

    Description

    Explore the critical legal and ethical considerations in psychiatric nursing. This quiz focuses on patient rights, the legal context of psychiatric care, and types of patient admission to hospitals. Understanding these aspects is essential for ensuring quality care and protecting both patients and nursing professionals.

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