Core Concepts of Patient Family Care Related

Review Core Concepts of Patient Family Care related questions and content

The forensic psychiatric nurse oftentimes has conflicting goals when providing psychiatric care while serving the legal system. Which situation best demonstrates this conflict?

  • A. Performing a mental health assessment on an individual diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia who is accused of violently attacking a neighbor he believed was 'spying for the government'
  • B. Providing both physical and emotional care to a female who was raped while securing and preserving the evidence that will be used in a court of law
  • C. Arranging for and then leading an anger management therapy group for a group of female offenders who are about to be paroled
  • D. Conducting a depression screening on a newly incarcerated prisoner serving a 25-year sentence in a federal prison
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates the conflict between providing psychiatric care and serving the legal system. In this scenario, the nurse must assess a patient with paranoid schizophrenia who committed a violent act due to delusions. The nurse needs to balance the patient's mental health needs with addressing the legal implications of the violent behavior.

Choice B involves caring for a rape victim and preserving evidence, which aligns with both nursing and legal responsibilities. Choice C focuses on providing therapy to offenders, which does not inherently present a conflict between psychiatric care and legal duties. Choice D involves conducting a depression screening for a prisoner, which is important for mental health care but does not inherently involve a conflict with legal obligations.