A client diagnosed with schizophrenia states, Can't you hear him? Its the devil. He's telling me I'm going to hell. Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

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. Enables the nurse to assign the appropriate Axis I diagnosis: Nurses typically do not assign Axis I diagnoses. Diagnosing mental health conditions is typically the responsibility of psychiatrists, psychologists, or other licensed mental health professionals. Nurses, however, play a crucial role in gathering information to contribute to the overall assessment process.

B. Enables the nurse to prescribe the appropriate medications: Nurses do not prescribe medications; that is the responsibility of physicians, nurse practitioners, or other prescribers. However, gathering client information is essential for providing accurate information to the prescriber, assisting in medication management, and monitoring for side effects.

C. Enables the nurse to modify behaviors related to personality disorders: While nurses can assist in the management of behaviors related to mental health conditions, the primary purpose of gathering client information is not to modify behaviors related to personality disorders. It is more about understanding the client's needs and tailoring care accordingly.

D. Enables the nurse to make sound clinical judgments and plan appropriate care: This is the correct answer. Gathering client information is a fundamental step in the nursing assessment process. It provides the necessary data for the nurse to make informed clinical judgments, identify health problems, and plan appropriate care interventions. It allows the nurse to understand the client's unique needs, preferences, and potential risks, leading to individualized and effective care planning.