Nokea
Police bring a 63-year-old woman to the emergency room, reporting that her behavior is disorganized and disruptive, that her speech makes little sense, and that she does not seem able to take care of herself. The woman has had elective surgeries at the hospital previously and was seen in the ER last week after a fall; records show no history of similar symptoms or mental illness. The ER physician speaks with the patient but does not examine her medically, diagnoses her with schizophrenia, and orders admission to the inpatient psychiatric unit. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates critical thinking and patient advocacy. By reminding the physician that schizophrenia typically develops earlier in life and suggesting a medical work-up, the nurse is advocating for a comprehensive approach to ruling out potential medical causes for the patient's symptoms before jumping to a psychiatric diagnosis. This approach aligns with best practices in patient care and ensures that all possible underlying causes are considered and addressed appropriately.
Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the need for a medical work-up to rule out physical causes of the symptoms. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on validating the diagnosis and initiating medication rather than investigating potential medical issues. Choice D is incorrect as it only addresses the patient's vital signs, overlooking the need for a thorough medical evaluation.