Question

The nurse is caring for two patients in a mental health unit. These patients engage in a physical fight whenever they are together. During the Treatment Team meeting, the nurse states that safety is of paramount importance, and suggests that treatment plans should call for both patients to be secluded to keep them from injuring each other.

a. The nurse's suggested plan violates the civil rights of both patients
b. The nurse's suggested plan represents the intentional tort of battery
c. The nurse's suggested plan correctly places emphasis on safety
d. The nurse's suggested plan reinforces the autonomy of the two patients

Answer 1

The nurse's suggested plan of secluding two patients in a mental health unit to avoid physical fights emphasizes patient safety, aligning with the principle of nonmaleficence in healthcare, which is to prevent harm.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the options provided, the nurse's suggested plan of secluding two patients who engage in physical fights prioritizes safety, therefore c. the nurse's suggested plan correctly places emphasis on safety is the most accurate answer. The principle of nonmaleficence in healthcare dictates that we should act in ways that do not cause harm to others. Ensuring the physical and psychological safety of patients is a central concern in healthcare settings, especially in mental health units where the stability and wellbeing of patients are of paramount importance. It is not just about protecting patients from physical harm, but also creating a therapeutic environment that is conducive to recovery. Therefore, ensuring that the treatment plans include measures to prevent patients from injuring each other is crucial.