A nurse in a mental health facility is admitting a client who was brought in by the police department.
Complete the diagram by selecting from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Potential Condition:
a) Schizophrenia
Choice A reason: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and significant social or occupational dysfunction. The client’s symptoms, including mumbling as if talking to unseen others and the belief that someone is trying to poison them, are indicative of psychotic features commonly associated with schizophrenia. The prescribed medications, clozapine and risperidone, are antipsychotics often used in the treatment of schizophrenia, further supporting this diagnosis.
Actions to Take:
d) Place the client in a room near the nurses’ station This action allows for close observation and quick intervention if the client’s condition worsens or if they exhibit behaviors that could be harmful to themselves or others.
f) Maintain the client taking their prescribed medications Continuing the prescribed antipsychotic medications is crucial for managing the symptoms of schizophrenia and preventing exacerbation of the condition.
Parameters to Monitor:
j) Command hallucinations Monitoring for command hallucinations is important as they can lead to dangerous behaviors, including harm to self or others, if the client acts on these hallucinations.
l) Suicidal ideation Patients with schizophrenia are at an increased risk for suicide, especially during acute episodes or when experiencing command hallucinations. Regular assessment for suicidal ideation is a critical component of care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Notifying law enforcement within 2 hours if the person cannot be found is important, but immediate action is usually recommended in such cases. The sooner the authorities are alerted, the better the chances of locating the individual safely.
Choice B reason: Giving the most recent photo to the police is a proactive step in case the person goes missing. It can help law enforcement quickly disseminate the information and aid in the search. However, this is a reactive measure rather than a preventive one.
Choice C reason: Placing a sliding bolt lock just above the doorknob can prevent the individual from wandering, which is a common and dangerous issue in people with advanced Alzheimer's disease. This measure helps ensure the person's safety by preventing unsupervised exits from the home.
Choice D reason: Ensuring the bedroom is dark while the person is sleeping may not be advisable. Adequate night lighting is important for preventing falls if the person needs to get up during the night. A completely dark room can increase the risk of injury.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing a client with a timeline for grieving is not recommended as grief is a highly individual experience and does not follow a set timeline. Each person's journey through grief is unique, and imposing a timeline may invalidate their feelings and hinder the natural process of grieving.
Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to express their feelings is considered a best practice in nursing care for patients with dementia experiencing anticipatory grief. It allows the patient to acknowledge and work through their emotions, which is an important aspect of coping with grief. Open communication can also help the nurse to assess the patient's emotional state and provide appropriate support.
Choice C reason: While showing sympathy can be comforting, it is more beneficial to show empathy. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, which helps in building a stronger connection and providing more personalized care. Sympathy might sometimes be perceived as pity, which can be counterproductive in the therapeutic relationship.
Choice D reason: Sharing personal stories of grief with the client is generally not advised as the focus should remain on the client's experiences. The nurse's role is to facilitate the client's expression of grief, not to shift the focus to their own experiences. Personal stories may also trigger additional stress for the client.
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