A nurse working in an outpatient mental health facility is caring for a client who has anxiety and was discharged from an inpatient mental health facility one week ago.

Exhibits

A nurse in an outpatient mental health facility is assessing a client who has anxiety. Click to highlight the findings in the Nurses’ Notes that indicate an improvement in the client’s condition. To deselect, click on the finding again.

The client appears to be well-groomed.

The client’s current weight is 54 kg (119 lb.).

The client states they are sleeping 5 to 6 hours per night, but having an occasional nightmare.

The client verbalizes a decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.

The client states, “I feel anxious about leaving my house. I feel like everyone is staring at me and judging me.”

The client verbalizes that bullying experienced during high school has led to anxiety.

The client engages in thought-stopping behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring.

The client reports taking escitalopram 20 mg daily, 2 hours after breakfast.

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 discussing the client's diagnosis with their family could be part of the care process, it does not address the client's immediate concern about the quality of care they are receiving. This response does not validate the client's feelings or provide an opportunity for them to elaborate on their concerns.

Choice B reason: Telling the client that their feelings are part of anticipatory grieving may be true, but it can come across as dismissive and does not offer support for the specific issue the client has raised about the quality of care.

Choice C reason: Assuring the client that the nurses are trying to provide good care does not acknowledge the client's perception of inadequate care. It's important to validate the client's feelings and understand their perspective before offering reassurances.

Choice D reason: Asking the client to elaborate on their concerns shows empathy and a willingness to listen. It allows the nurse to gather more information about the client's experience and identify specific areas that may need improvement in the care provided.