A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who tells the nurse about their intentions to harm an ex-partner. Which of the following actions is a legal duty of the nurse?

A. Keep the client hospitalized until there is no longer a threat. A nurse does not have the legal authority to detain a client against their will unless they meet criteria for involuntary commitment under mental health laws. The appropriate action is to report the threat to the proper authorities. B. Ensure the client's ex-partner is notified of the threat. Under duty to warn laws, healthcare providers have a legal obligation to report credible threats of harm to the potential victim and appropriate authorities. This is based on the Tarasoff ruling, which requires mental health professionals to take reasonable steps to protect individuals who are in danger. C. Ask a friend or family member to monitor the client. While family support is important, it is not a substitute for legal and professional interventions. Ensuring the safety of the potential victim requires official reporting to law enforcement or mental health professionals. D. Transfer the client to a mental health facility. While a mental health evaluation may be necessary, immediate legal and ethical responsibility lies in warning the intended victim and notifying the appropriate authorities. The decision to transfer the client would be made based on a psychiatric assessment.