A charge nurse is instructing a newly licensed nurse about mental health disorders. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates an understanding of mental health disorders?

A. Incorrect. Mental health and mental illness are not the same concepts. Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, while mental illness refers to specific mental health conditions that significantly affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

B. Incorrect. Mental health and mental illness can both present at any age. Mental health is a broader concept that encompasses overall well-being, while mental illnesses can manifest at various stages of life.

C. Correct. This statement accurately distinguishes between mental health and mental illness. Mental health involves the ability to cope with daily stressors, while mental illness is characterized by disruptions in activities of daily living due to specific mental health conditions.

D. Incorrect. This statement confuses the relationship between mental health and mental illness. Mental health is a broader concept that contributes to overall well-being, while mental illness is a specific condition that may arise due to various factors, including poor mental health.

A. "Did you take your medicine this morning?": While medication adherence is important, this response does not directly address the client's distress or validate their experience. It may come across as dismissive.

B. "I'm sure the voices sound scary, I don't hear any voices speaking.": This response acknowledges the client's experience without confirming or denying the presence of the voices. It expresses empathy and provides reassurance, fostering a therapeutic relationship.

C. "The devil only talks to people who are receptive to his influence": This response introduces a belief system that may not align with the client's reality and could be perceived as judgmental. It's important to avoid imposing personal beliefs on clients experiencing hallucinations.

D. "You are not going to hell. You are a good person": While expressing support and reassurance is positive, making definitive statements about the client's fate or goodness may not be helpful. It's more effective to acknowledge the distress without making absolute affirmations.