Author Question: The nurse is attending a neighborhood meeting where a half-way house is being proposed for the ... (Read 89 times)

rachel9 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is attending a neighborhood meeting where a half-way house is being proposed for the neighborhood when a member of the community states, We don't want the facil-ity; we especially don't want violent people living near us.

The response by the nurse that best addresses the public's concern is:
a. In truth, most individuals with psychiatric disorder are passive and withdrawn and pose little threat to those around them.
b. The mentally ill seldom behave in the manner they are portrayed by movies; they are people just like the rest of us.
c. Patients with psychiatric disorder are so well medicated that they do not display violent behaviors.
d. The mentally ill deserve a safe, comfortable place to live among people who truly care for them.

Question 2

Which activity shows that a therapeutic alliance has been established between the nurse and patient?

a. The nurse respects the patient's right to privacy when visitors are spending time with the patient.
b. The patient is eagerly attending all group sessions and working independently on identifying their personal stressors.
c. The patient is freely describing their feelings related to the physical and emotional trauma they experienced as a child with the nurse.
d. The nurse dutifully administers the patient's medications on time and with appro-priate knowledge of the potential side effects.

marict · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
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 patients with mental illness display this behavior. Providing the public with accurate information can help reduce stigma. The remaining options do not directly address the concerns stated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A primary aspect of working with patients in any setting and particularly in the psychiatric setting is the development of a therapeutic alliance with the patient. Such an alliance is estab-lished on trust. It is a professional bond between the nurse and the patient that serves as a vehicle for patients to freely discuss their needs and problems in the absence of the nurse's criticism or judgment. Any nurse has an obligation to respect the patient's rights and admin-ister care effectively. The patient's willingness to participate in the plan of care reflects self motivation.