A patient in the emergency department says, "Voices say someone is stalking me. They want to kill me because I developed a cure for cancer. I have a knife and will stab anyone who is a threat." Which aspects of the patient's mental health have the greatest and most immediate concern to the 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 behaviour. The appraisal of reality is inaccurate. There are auditory hallucinations, delusions of persecution, and delusions of grandeur. In addition, the patient's control over behaviour is tenuous, as evidenced by the plan to stab anyone who seems threatening. A healthy self-concept is lacking, as evidenced by the delusions of grandeur. 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 Says, "Voices Say Someone