A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, frequently ...

[melina_rosy]

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, frequently gets up and walks away during interactions with a nurse. The nurse can best increase the patient's comfort level by
 
  a. arranging the chairs side by side, about 2 feet apart.
  b. sitting at eye level across the table from the patient.
  c. standing a few feet away from where the patient sits.
  d. talking in the patient's room with the door closed.

Question 2

A patient is hospitalized for severe depression. Knowing that the patient will be discharged after a short stay, what is the nurse's first priority?
 
  a. Maximize the benefits of milieu management.
  b. Immediately begin to explore acute patient issues.
  c. Develop a goal-directed, problem-centered relationship.
  d. Choose a specific theoretical model as the basis for care.

[bdobbins]

Answer to Question 1

B
Suspicious patients require increased personal space. Sitting across the table provides that space. Being at the same eye level fosters communication. Side-by-side placement of chairs might not give the suspicious patient the ability to watch the nurse closely enough for comfort. Being in a closed room might be threatening to the patient.

Answer to Question 2

C
Therapeutic relationships are planned, patient-centered, and goal-directed. This is of particular importance if progress is to be made when the duration of the relationship will be brief. The other options are not the priority. Exploration of patient issues requires trust development before it can proceed.