A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty sleeping and is pacing the floor. The client's head down, and he is wringing his hands. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. A client exhibiting psychotic behavior

Group therapy is generally not recommended for clients who are actively exhibiting psychotic behavior. Psychotic behavior can include hallucinations, delusions, and severe thought disturbances, which might impede the individual's ability to effectively participate and benefit from group therapy. Such clients often require more immediate and individualized attention to address their acute symptoms.

B. A client who has been taking amitriptyline for 3 months for depression

This is the correct choice. A client who has been taking amitriptyline for 3 months for depression is likely to have their symptoms more stabilized and under better control compared to acute situations. They might be at a stage where they can engage in group therapy to discuss their experiences, coping strategies, and learn from others in a similar situation.

C. A client who is experiencing alcohol intoxication

Group therapy is not appropriate for clients who are currently intoxicated, as their ability to actively participate and engage in therapeutic discussions may be compromised. Addressing the effects of alcohol intoxication and ensuring the client's safety would be a priority before considering group therapy.

D. A client admitted 12 hours ago for acute mania

Clients admitted for acute mania often require stabilization and intervention to manage their manic symptoms. In the early stages of admission, they might not be in a state conducive to group therapy. Once their acute symptoms are better controlled and they have had time to stabilize, they could potentially benefit from group therapy as part of their overall treatment plan.

A. Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (Brief PHQ):

The Brief PHQ is a screening tool used to assess symptoms of depression. While it may be relevant to assess mood and emotional well-being, it is not specific to evaluating cognitive functioning or cognitive disorders.

B. Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale (AIMS):

The AIMS is used to assess involuntary movements, particularly in individuals taking antipsychotic medications. It is not directly related to assessing cognitive disorders.

C,. Mental status examination (MSE)

Explanation:

When admitting an older adult client with a suspected cognitive disorder, including a mental status examination (MSE) as part of the assessment is crucial. The MSE is a structured assessment of a client's current cognitive functioning, emotional state, and thought processes. It helps to evaluate memory, attention, language, perception, orientation, mood, and other cognitive and emotional domains.

D. Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS):

The SANS is used to assess negative symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. It focuses on features such as affective blunting, alogia, anhedonia, and other negative symptoms. While it may provide important information about a client's mental state, it is not primarily used to assess cognitive disorders.

Assessing cognitive function is a key component when evaluating older adult clients for cognitive disorders such as dementia or other cognitive impairments. The MSE provides valuable information to guide diagnosis and treatment planning for these conditions.