What action should the registered nurse take when a client who was voluntarily admitted for an anxiety disorder demands to be discharged?

What action should the registered nurse take when a client who was voluntarily admitted for an anxiety disorder demands to be discharged?

• A. Call the client's family.
• B. Contact the primary health care provider (PHCP).
• C. Persuade the client to stay a few more days.
• D. Tell the client that discharge is not possible at this time.

Answer: (B)

When a client who was voluntarily admitted for an anxiety disorder demands to be discharged, the appropriate action for the registered nurse is to contact the primary health care provider (PHCP). This decision is grounded in the understanding that the client has the right to request discharge; however, it is essential to evaluate their mental health status and ensure their safety and well-being. The PHCP can assess the client's condition and determine if they are stable enough to leave the hospital. This process also involves ensuring that any potential risks associated with their discharge, such as the inability to cope with everyday stressors or a lack of support systems, are adequately addressed. By involving the PHCP, the nurse ensures that the decision-makers have all necessary clinical information to make the best judgment for the client’s ongoing care. In contrast, contacting the client’s family might not address the immediate clinical needs and could lead to complications if the client is not ready to be discharged. Persuading the client to stay can also be counterproductive; instead of empowering them, it may lead to feelings of resentment or a lack of control over their treatment. Telling the client that discharge is not possible without engaging in a therapeutic dialogue risks escalating the situation and may not respect the client's rights. Hence, the

When a client who was voluntarily admitted for an anxiety disorder demands to be discharged, the appropriate action for the registered nurse is to contact the primary health care provider (PHCP). This decision is grounded in the understanding that the client has the right to request discharge; however, it is essential to evaluate their mental health status and ensure their safety and well-being.

The PHCP can assess the client's condition and determine if they are stable enough to leave the hospital. This process also involves ensuring that any potential risks associated with their discharge, such as the inability to cope with everyday stressors or a lack of support systems, are adequately addressed. By involving the PHCP, the nurse ensures that the decision-makers have all necessary clinical information to make the best judgment for the client’s ongoing care.

In contrast, contacting the client’s family might not address the immediate clinical needs and could lead to complications if the client is not ready to be discharged. Persuading the client to stay can also be counterproductive; instead of empowering them, it may lead to feelings of resentment or a lack of control over their treatment. Telling the client that discharge is not possible without engaging in a therapeutic dialogue risks escalating the situation and may not respect the client's rights. Hence, the