Test Bank Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric-
Mental Health Nursing A Clinical 9th Edition by
Margaret Jordan Halter |Test Bank|Chapter 1-36
UPDATED 2025
,Chapter : Legal and Ethical Considerations
Halter: Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach,
8th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which action by a psychiatric nurse best applies the ethical principle of autonomy?
,a. Exploring alternative solutions with the patient, who then makes a choice.
b. Suggesting that two patients who were fighting be restricted to the unit.
c. Intervening when a self-mutilating patient attempts to harm self.
d. Staying with a patient demonstrating a high level of anxiety.
ANS: A
Autonomy is the right to self-determination, that is, to make one‘s own decisions. By
exploring alternatives with the patient, the patient is better equipped to make an informed,
autonomous decision. The distracters demonstrate beneficence, fidelity, and justice.
, PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 6-3, 4 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
Mental Health Nursing A Clinical 9th Edition by
Margaret Jordan Halter |Test Bank|Chapter 1-36
UPDATED 2025
,Chapter : Legal and Ethical Considerations
Halter: Varcarolis’ Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach,
8th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which action by a psychiatric nurse best applies the ethical principle of autonomy?
,a. Exploring alternative solutions with the patient, who then makes a choice.
b. Suggesting that two patients who were fighting be restricted to the unit.
c. Intervening when a self-mutilating patient attempts to harm self.
d. Staying with a patient demonstrating a high level of anxiety.
ANS: A
Autonomy is the right to self-determination, that is, to make one‘s own decisions. By
exploring alternatives with the patient, the patient is better equipped to make an informed,
autonomous decision. The distracters demonstrate beneficence, fidelity, and justice.
, PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 6-3, 4 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
