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. Challenge the patient at all times and remain in control of the situation:

Explanation: While maintaining a therapeutic boundary and structure is essential, challenging the patient at all times may lead to resistance or defensiveness. Collaborative and supportive approaches are often more effective than confrontational ones.

B. Provide clear and straightforward communication:

Explanation: Individuals with personality disorders may struggle with interpersonal relationships and communication. Clear and straightforward communication helps to minimize misunderstandings and establish a therapeutic environment.

C. Hold persons accountable for their actions:

Explanation: Accountability promotes responsibility and encourages individuals with personality disorders to take ownership of their behaviors. Setting clear expectations and consequences can be beneficial in fostering a sense of responsibility.

D. Remain consistent:

Explanation: Consistency in approach, rules, and expectations is crucial when working with individuals with personality disorders. It helps establish a stable and predictable environment, promoting a sense of security for the individual.

E. Avoid being too nice or friendly:

Explanation: Avoiding being too nice or friendly doesn't mean being unkind or dismissive. A balanced and professional approach, combining empathy with clear boundaries, is more beneficial. Being overly nice or friendly may blur professional boundaries and hinder therapeutic progress.

A. Generalized anxiety disorder and a nursing diagnosis of fear: Generalized anxiety disorder typically involves chronic, excessive worrying and anxiety that is not limited to specific situations or triggers. The sudden and intense symptoms described in the scenario, such as lightheadedness, tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and dyspnea, are more indicative of a panic attack rather than generalized anxiety. The nursing diagnosis of fear may not fully capture the acute and intense nature of panic symptoms.

B. Panic disorder and a nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety: This is the correct answer. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which align with the sudden onset of symptoms described in the scenario. The nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety is appropriate as it addresses the acute distress associated with panic attacks.

C. Pain disorder and a nursing diagnosis of altered role performance: There is no indication of pain being the primary issue in this scenario. The symptoms are more indicative of a panic attack rather than a pain disorder. Additionally, altered role performance is not a priority nursing diagnosis when addressing the acute symptoms of a panic attack.

D. Altered sensory perception and a nursing diagnosis of panic disorder: Altered sensory perception is not the primary issue in this scenario, and it does not specifically address the sudden and intense symptoms described. The focus should be on the panic symptoms and the associated distress, leading to the nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety.