The nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. The patient tells the nurse, "The voices in my head are telling me to do things that I don't want to do." When planning care for this patient, what is the priority nursing diagnosis that the nurse will formulate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

2. The priority nursing diagnosis is risk for violence due to auditory hallucinations, as evidenced by command hallucinations. The patient who is having command auditory hallucinations is also experiencing disturbed thought processes; however, this is not the priority nursing diagnosis. All nursing diagnoses are formulated the same way: A problem is identified, and the words "due to" are used, followed by the causative agent. The words "as evidenced by" are then used, followed by the patient's manifestations or presenting symptoms.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Schizophrenia Who