The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of schizophrenia who is admitted to a surgical unit for a cholecystectomy. The patient becomes extremely agitated when other patients are around and says, "They are going to kill me. Get me out of here." Which of the following interventions should the nurse assist with implementing in order to provide a therapeutic milieu for the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's agitation and paranoia may be exacerbated by the presence of other patients around. Placing the patient in a private room can provide a quieter and more controlled environment, which may help to reduce the patient's anxiety and paranoia. While helping the patient clarify the meaning of their feelings and requesting medication may be appropriate interventions for managing schizophrenia symptoms in general, they may not necessarily address the specific situation of the patient's agitation on the surgical unit. Scheduling a psychotherapy session may also be helpful in addressing the patient's overall mental health needs but may not be the priority intervention in the midst of acute agitation.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with a History