A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has an alcohol use disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to help prevent relapse?

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.

Choice A reason: While stress reduction techniques are important, they are not the immediate priority when a client is currently being aggressive.

Choice B reason: Role modeling is a long-term strategy and not appropriate for immediate intervention during an aggressive incident.

Choice C reason: This is the priority action to assess the risk of harm to others and to take necessary steps to ensure safety for all clients in the facility.

Choice D reason: Making a list is a reflective activity that may be part of a treatment plan but is not the priority action during an episode of aggression.