Final answer:
Nurses in psychiatric settings provide education and supportive care, including discussing treatment options and potential side effects of psychotropic medications. They rely on evidence-based practices and refer patients to other professionals when necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
When deciding whether to give advice to a patient in psychiatric nursing, it is important to consider the scope of practice for nurses, which includes patient education and supportive care. For example, in the case of Maria seeking advice on various treatment options such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), social communication groups, or medication options, a nurse should review current research and best practices to provide evidence-based recommendations.
Psychotropic medications may have side effects, and patients should be closely monitored. Examples of side effects can include changes in mood, physical side effects like weight gain or drowsiness, and cognitive effects. A nurse should be available to discuss these potential issues and engage in a thorough benefit-risk analysis with the patient and other healthcare professionals. Finally, nurses must respect boundaries and refrain from giving advice outside their expertise, instead referring the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist when appropriate.