Therapeutic Comm Q 44
When reviewing the admission assessment, the nurse notes that a patient was admitted to the mental health unit involuntarily. Based on this type of admission, the nurse should provide which intervention for this patient?
A. Monitor closely for harm to self or others.
B. Assist in completing an application for admission
C. Supply the patient with written information about their mental illness.
D. Provide an opportunity for the family to discuss why they felt the admission was needed.
Correct Answer: A. Monitor closely for harm to self or others.
Involuntary admission is necessary when a person is a danger to himself or others or is in need of psychiatric treatment regardless of the patient’s willingness to consent to the hospitalization. The person must pose a “clear and present danger” to self or others based upon statements and behavior that occurred in the past 30 days.
Option B: A written request is a component of voluntary admission. Involuntary admission to an acute inpatient psychiatric hospital occurs when the patient does not agree to hospitalization on a locked inpatient psychiatric unit, but a mental health professional evaluates the patient and believes that, as a result of mental illness, the patient is at risk of harming self or others, or is unable to care for self.
Option C: Providing written information regarding the illness is likely premature initially. The decision to discharge the patient or request a longer commitment is made by the treatment team based on concerns for the safety of the patient or others.
Option D: The family may have had no role to play in the patient’s admission. However, any person (including police and doctors) can petition or request an involuntary psychiatric evaluation for another person. The person requesting the evaluation is known as the “petitioner.” A request for an evaluation can be made by going to any CRC or by calling a mobile crisis team to come to the petitioner’s home.