In a psychiatric unit, how are bright colors in the client’s environment often perceived?

Choice A rationale
Telling the patient to be quiet and sit down immediately may seem like a quick solution, but it is not the most therapeutic response. This approach may come across as dismissive and authoritarian, which could escalate the patient’s agitation.
Choice B rationale
This is the most appropriate initial intervention. By expressing a desire to understand the patient’s feelings, the nurse opens up a line of communication and shows empathy. This can help de-escalate the situation and make the patient feel heard and understood.
Choice C rationale
Telling the patient to go to their room and control themselves can come across as dismissive and invalidating. It does not address the patient’s feelings or concerns and may escalate the situation.
Choice D rationale
Asking “What is going on?” is a good way to encourage the patient to express their feelings, but it may not be as effective as Choice B. The phrasing in Choice B is more direct and shows more empathy and concern for the patient’s emotional state.

Choice A rationale
The patient likely interpreted the UAP’s behavior as potentially harmful. This is a common reaction in confused older adults, especially when they are awakened unexpectedly. The patient may not have fully understood the situation and reacted out of fear or confusion.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that older adults can sometimes demonstrate exaggerations of behaviors used earlier in life, there’s no information in the scenario to suggest this is the case.
Choice C rationale
There’s no evidence to suggest that the patient learned violent behavior by watching other patients act out. It’s more likely that the patient reacted out of fear or confusion.
Choice D rationale
While crowding can increase stress and agitation in some individuals, there’s no information in the scenario to suggest that this is a factor in the patient’s behavior.