A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a newly-admitted client who has schizophrenia and a history of aggressive behavior.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the initial plan?

The nurse should begin discharge planning upon the client’s admission. This is because discharge planning is a key aspect of effective care that reduces the length of stay, emergency readmissions and pressure on hospital beds. Discharge planning involves considering what support might be required by the client in the community, referring the client to these services, and liaising with these services to manage the client’s discharge.

Choice A is wrong because the nurse is not responsible for providing a written prescription for a client home care referral. This is the role of the provider or another authorised prescriber.

Choice C is wrong because a home hazard appraisal does not include an assessment of the client’s financial resources. A home hazard appraisal is an evaluation of the safety and accessibility of the client’s home environment.

Choice D is wrong because a medication reconciliation is not required 24 hours prior to the client’s discharge. A medication reconciliation is a process of comparing the medications a client is taking with those prescribed for them to avoid errors or discrepancies. A medication reconciliation should be done at every transition of care, including admission, transfer and discharge.

Collaborate with the client to develop a daily physical exercise routine. This intervention can help reduce aggression and impulsivity in schizophrenia by providing an outlet for frustration, enhancing self-esteem, and improving mood. Physical exercise can also improve physical health and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome associated with antipsychotic medications.

Choice A is wrong because warning the client that the staff will use seclusion as a consequence if there are repeated reports of hallucination is punitive and threatening. This can increase the client’s anxiety, paranoia, and hostility, and may worsen the psychotic symptoms. Seclusion should only be used as a last resort when the client poses a serious danger to self or others, and not as a punishment or coercion.

Choice B is wrong because keeping the facility’s security personnel constantly visible to the client throughout treatment is intimidating and stigmatizing. This can also increase the client’s fear, distrust, and resentment, and may trigger aggressive behavior. Security personnel should only be involved when there is an imminent risk of violence, and not as a routine measure.

Choice D is wrong because agreeing that the hallucinations are real if the client exhibits aggressive behavior toward other clients is reinforcing the delusional belief and rewarding the aggression. This can also confuse the client and undermine the therapeutic relationship.

The nurse should acknowledge the client’s experience of hallucinations, but not endorse them as reality. The nurse should also set clear limits on aggressive behavior and use de-escalation techniques to calm the client.