A mother and her son are in the emergency department.The mother is extremely upset.Earlier,the son had become so angry that he put his hand through a glass window and had to have stitches.The physician suggested a psychiatric consult.Now the mother asks,"Do you think my son is crazy?" Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mental health is defined as being able to engage in productive activities and fulfilling relationships with other people,to adapt to change,and to cope with adversity.Mental disorders are conditions characterized by alterations in thinking,mood,or behavior,resulting in distress and/or impaired functioning.Most persons do not get so angry that they become self-destructive (e.g.,putting their hand through a glass window and requiring medical attention).The nurse can help the mother accept appropriate assessment and intervention by using positive language and giving hope.In order to respond therapeutically to the mother,the nurse should not use the words absolutely (which implies that there may not be a problem with the son at all)or crazy (which is not a positive word to describe the son's behavior).

A Mother and Her Son Are in the Emergency Department