A client who displayed withdrawn, suspicious behavior at ...

[tuffie]

A client who displayed withdrawn, suspicious behavior at admission believed the CIA wished to kill him.
 
  After 5 days of hospitalization with psychotropic medication, the client is interacting appropri-ately with other clients and staff and states that he formerly felt afraid and thought the CIA had targeted him. Now he states, I know that thinking was pretty sick. Based on the client's state-ment, what evaluation can the nurse make?
  1. The client is telling staff members what they wish to hear to gain discharge.
  2. The client is experiencing continuing negative responses to stress.
  3. Recent behavior and statements are signs of returning mental health.
  4. Signs of mental disorder are increasing in frequency and intensity.

Question 2

At a neighborhood meeting where a half-way house is being proposed for the neighborhood, a member of the community states, We don't want the facility. We don't want violent people liv-ing near us.
 
  The response by the nurse that best addresses the need to reduce stigma would be:
  1. In truth, most individuals with psychiatric disorder are passive and withdrawn.
  2. We can give you training in how to defend yourselves so you will be more com-fortable.
  3. Clients with psychiatric disorder are so well medicated that they do not display violent behaviors.
  4. After a few weeks, the folks in the neighborhood will develop tolerance to am-biguity.

[meltdown117]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 3
The ability to think logically and reach insightful conclusions is a component of mental health. There are no data to support the other responses.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 1
A major reason for the existence of the stigma placed on persons with mental illness is lack of knowledge. The main fear is of violence, although only a small percentage of clients with mental illness display this behavior. Providing the public with accurate information can help reduce stigma.