A patient is hospitalized after an arrest for breaking windows in the home of a former intimate partner. The history reveals childhood abuse by a punitive parent, torturing family pets, and an arrest for disorderly conduct. Which nursing diagnosis has priority?
A) Risk for injury
B) Post-trauma response
C) Disturbed thought processes
D) Risk for other-directed violence

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The defining characteristics for risk for other-directed violence include a history of being abused as a child, having committed other violent acts, and demonstrating poor impulse control. The defining characteristics for the other diagnoses are not present in this scenario.

A Patient Is Hospitalized After an Arrest for Breaking Windows