A client approaches the unit charge nurse and states he wants to talk to the mental health advocate
immediately about getting released. The unit has no pay phone and agency policy does not permit
clients to enter the nurses' station.
The nurse should
a. tell the client to secure a physician's order to leave the unit to make the call.
b. give the client a pen and paper and ask him to write the advocate.
c. document the request in the client's medical record.
d. call the advocate and convey the client's request.
ANS: D
The client has a constitutional right to freedom of speech. This includes the right to speak by
telephone to outside parties such as a mental health advocate or lawyer. Immediately conveying the
request for the client would be an acceptable action when a unit does not have a phone that can be
used by clients. A cell phone would be another acceptable alternative. Option A poses a delay if the
physician is not immediately available. Option B: The mail poses a lengthy delay. Option C:
Documenting the request without acting on it is insufficient.
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