Population Based Health Care Related

Review Population Based Health Care related questions and content

A patient was admitted to the mental health unit after arguing with co-workers and threatening to kill them. He is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. On the unit he is aloof and suspicious. He mentioned that two physicians he saw talking were plotting to kill him. On the basis of data gathered at this point, which two primary nursing diagnoses should the nurse consider?

  • A. Disturbed thought processes and Risk for other-directed violence
  • B. Spiritual distress and Social isolation
  • C. Risk for loneliness and Knowledge deficit
  • D. Disturbed personal identity and Nonadherence
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disturbed thought processes and Risk for other-directed violence.

1. Disturbed thought processes: The patient's delusion of being plotted against by the physicians indicates impaired thought processes typical of paranoid schizophrenia.
2. Risk for other-directed violence: The patient's threatening behavior towards co-workers suggests a potential for violent acts towards others due to his paranoid beliefs.

Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Spiritual distress and Social isolation are not primary concerns given the patient's acute symptoms of paranoia and risk for violence.
C: Risk for loneliness and Knowledge deficit are not crucial at this point as the patient's primary issues are related to paranoia and violence.
D: Disturbed personal identity and Nonadherence are not relevant to the immediate safety and mental health concerns presented by the patient.