A nursing assistant tells the psychiatric nurse that normal ...

[MirandaLo]

A nursing assistant tells the psychiatric nurse that normal people do not have mental disorders. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  1. Instruct the nursing assistant that anyone can have a mental health disorder.
  2. Alert the nursing manager of the nursing assistant's remark.
  3. Refer the nursing assistant back to the psychiatric orientation materials.
  4. Disregard the comment because the nurse has no responsibility in this situation.

Question 2

Purposely hurting a family pet is a warning sign of other types of abuse in the home.
 
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

[Tonny]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1
Explanation: The nurse should instruct the nursing assistant that, given the right circumstances, anyone can have a mental health disorder. The nursing assistant's ability to provide therapeutic care to patients may be affected if misinformation is not corrected. Referring the assistant back to the orientation materials, alerting the nursing manager, and ignoring the comment do not address the situation directly. The nurse has an opportunity to be a positive role model and teacher and promote therapeutic care.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: True
Studies indicate that abuse of family pets can be an indicator of family violence as the abuser demonstrates his power and control.