Issues in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

Patients have the right to: TREATMENT

A patient cannot be hospitalized and THEN denied appropriate tx for their dx

What should the nurse be aware of in regard to the patient’s right to TREATMENT?

Adhering to legal statues

Accepted standards of practice

Organizational policies with regard to a patient’s rights during hospital treatment

Patients have the right to REFUSE treatment. This includes what?

Medications

What are some exceptions to the patients right to refuse treatment?

The treatment is required to prevent immediate DEATH or serious harm

Prevent deterioration of the patient’s clinical state

Treatment administered in order to protect themselves or others

Patients have the right to the LEAST RESTRICTIVE TREATMENT

The right to whatever level of treatment is EFFECTIVE WITHOUT limiting their FREEDOM