A voluntarily hospitalized patient tells the nurse, "Get me the forms for discharge against medical advice so I can leave now." What is the nurse's best initial response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A patient who has been voluntarily admitted as a psychiatric inpatient has the right to demand and obtain release in most states. However, as a patient advocate, the nurse is responsible for weighing factors related to the patient's wishes and best interests. By asking for information, the nurse may be able to help the patient reconsider the decision. The statement that discharge forms cannot be given without the health care provider's knowledge is not true. Facilitating discharge without consent is not in the patient's best interest before exploring the reason for the request.

A Voluntarily Hospitalized Patient Tells the Nurse, "Get Me the Forms