Nokea
The nurse is reviewing the medical record of a forensic client who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. The nurse interprets this to mean which of the following?
- A. The client knows that he committed a wrongful act.
- B. The client is unable to control actions at the time of the crime.
- C. The client is unable to assist in his defense.
- D. The client?s mental illness is a factor in the crime.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) means the client was unable to control actions at the time of the crime (B) due to mental illness, as per legal standards. Knowing the act was wrong (A) contradicts NGRI, inability to assist in defense (C) relates to competency to stand trial, and mental illness as a factor (D) is too vague.
You may also like to solve these questions
A psychiatric nursing instructor is trying to explain to a group of students how clients identified as guilty but mentally ill (GBMI) and not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) differ. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the instructor to include in the discussion?
- A. GBMI clients are treated in a hospital setting, and they are often discharged sooner than NGRI clients.
- B. NGRI clients are treated in a correctional setting, and they are discharged sooner than GBMI clients.
- C. GBMI clients are treated in a hospital setting, and their discharge is handled through the correctional parole system.
- D. NGRI clients are treated in a hospital setting, and their discharge is determined by the courts.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: NGRI clients are treated in a hospital setting with discharge determined by courts (D), as their mental illness prevented criminal responsibility. GBMI clients (A, C) are typically managed in correctional settings with parole oversight, not hospital discharge. NGRI clients are not discharged sooner (B).
A student nurse has been asked by the mental health nursing instructor to plan educational interventions for a forensic client with whom the student has been working. Which of the following would be most important for the student nurse to include in the plan?
- A. Explanation of the genetic and neurologic factors associated with criminal behavior
- B. Description of information about pertinent legal and court proceedings that are pending
- C. Explanation of how nutrition and exercise can promote physical and mental well-being
- D. A list of community providers the client?s family members can contact for assistance and support
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Educating the client on how nutrition and exercise promote physical and mental well-being (C) is most relevant, as it empowers the client to manage health post-discharge. Genetic factors (A) are not directly actionable, legal proceedings (B) are outside nursing scope, and provider lists for family (D) are less client-focused.
A nurse has just transferred from a general psychiatric unit to work on a forensic psychiatric unit. The nurse finds it easier to communicate with these clients because, for the most part, their inappropriate behaviors and cognitive disorders have responded positively to treatment. Many of the clients have been on the unit for 3 or more years, and the nurse has been unable to note any indicators of psychiatric problems in several of the clients. The nurse has grown exceptionally close to one client who has gone out of his way to make the nurse feel welcome and appreciated. One afternoon in December, the client asks the nurse for her address so he can send her a Christmas card. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Sure, let me write it down for you; it would be great to hear from you.
- B. I read that you molested a 4-year-old girl. I have a 2-year-old child. I would be crazy to give you my address.
- C. We need to get to know each other better before I would feel comfortable about giving you my address.
- D. It is inappropriate for me to give you my address because our relationship is professional rather than social.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Maintaining professional boundaries by stating the relationship is professional (D) is the most appropriate response, preventing inappropriate personal interactions. Sharing the address (A) violates boundaries, mentioning the crime (B) is unprofessional, and suggesting future closeness (C) blurs boundaries.
When preparing the plan of care for a forensic client, a nurse determines not to investigate the details of the crime. Which of the following best supports the rationale for the nurse?s decision?
- A. Knowing the crime details would be extremely frightening for the nurse.
- B. Denying the crime details will help to protect the nurse from undue anxiety.
- C. It will keep the nurse?s attitudes about the crime from influencing care.
- D. It will help maintain proper professional boundaries between the nurse and the client.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Avoiding crime details prevents the nurse?s attitudes about the crime from influencing care (C), ensuring unbiased, therapeutic treatment. Fear (A) and anxiety (B) are less relevant, and boundaries (D) are maintained through other professional practices, not just avoiding crime details.
The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a forensic client. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to include when explaining the purpose of the assessment to the client?
- A. This is just a routine assessment, and we will be discussing specific events that have led to you being admitted to this unit.
- B. I will be asking you questions so we can determine how to best meet your needs.
- C. It is important during this initial assessment that you relate the specific details of the crimes of your case so we can effectively treat you.
- D. I will be asking you questions that will focus on mental health and behavioral issues rather than on the specific details of any crimes associated with your case.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Explaining that the assessment focuses on mental health and behavioral issues (D) is most appropriate, as it clarifies the therapeutic purpose and avoids delving into crime details, which could bias care. Routine assessment (A) is vague, discussing crime events (C) is inappropriate, and option B is less specific.