Author Question: A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia had an exacerbation related to medication noncompliance and ... (Read 66 times)

theo · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia had an exacerbation related to medication noncompliance and was hospitalized for 5 days. The patient's thoughts are now more organized, and discharge is planned. The patient's family says,

It's too soon for discharge. We will just go through all this again. The nurse should:

a. ask the case manager to arrange a transfer to a long-term care facility.
b. notify hospital security to handle the disturbance and escort the family off the unit.
c. explain that the patient will continue to improve if the medication is taken regularly.
d. contact the health care provider to meet with the family and explain the discharge rationale.

Question 2

The patients below were evaluated in the emergency department. The psychiatric unit has one bed available. Which patient should be admitted? The patient:

a. feeling anxiety and a sad mood after separation from a spouse of 10 years.
b. who self-inflicted a superficial cut on the forearm after a family argument.
c. experiencing dry mouth and tremor related to taking haloperidol (Haldol).
d. who is a new parent and hears voices saying, Smother your baby.

at · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Patients do not stay in a hospital until every symptom disappears. The nurse must assume responsibility to advocate for the patient's right to the least restrictive setting as soon as the symptoms are under control and for the right of citizens to control health care costs. The health care provider will use the same rationale. Shifting blame will not change the discharge. Security is unnecessary. The nurse can handle this matter.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Admission to the hospital would be justified by the risk of patient danger to self or others. The other patients have issues that can be handled with less restrictive alternatives than hospitalization.