A patient in the emergency department reports, "I hear voices saying someone is stalking me. They want to kill me because I found the cure for cancer. I will stab anyone that threatens me." Which aspects of mental health have the greatest immediate concern to a nurse? (Select all that apply.)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The aspects of mental health of greatest concern are the patient's appraisal of and control over behavior. The patient's appraisal of reality is inaccurate, and auditory hallucinations are evident, as well as delusions of persecution and grandeur. In addition, the patient's control over behavior is tenuous, as evidenced by the plan to "stab" anyone who seems threatening. A healthy self-concept is lacking. Data are not present to suggest that the other aspects of mental health (happiness and effectiveness in work) are of immediate concern.

A Patient in the Emergency Department Reports, "I Hear Voices