Which activity would a nurse perform in an inpatient psychiatric unit? Select all that apply.
(Select All that Apply.)
A Monitor nutrition and self-care.
B Provide round-the-clock supervision.
C Offer structured socialization activities.
D Establish a long-term therapeutic relationship.
E Assist patients in self-assessment
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In an inpatient psychiatric unit, the following activities are appropriate for a nurse:
A. Monitor nutrition and self-care.
B. Provide round-the-clock supervision.
C. Offer structured socialization activities.
E. Assist patients in self-assessment.
Explanation:
- Monitor Nutrition and Self-Care (A): In an inpatient psychiatric unit, monitoring a patient’s nutrition and self-care is crucial. Patients may struggle with maintaining personal hygiene, eating properly, and managing their daily routines due to their mental health conditions. Nurses assess patients’ nutritional intake, ensure they are eating well-balanced meals, and help them with personal hygiene if needed. This monitoring helps prevent complications associated with poor self-care and ensures overall well-being.
- Provide Round-the-Clock Supervision (B): Providing constant supervision is a fundamental responsibility in an inpatient psychiatric unit. Patients in these settings often have severe mental health conditions that can make them at risk for self-harm or harm to others. Continuous supervision ensures their safety and allows nurses to intervene quickly if any issues arise, such as a potential crisis or behavior that needs immediate attention.
- Offer Structured Socialization Activities (C): Structured socialization activities are essential in an inpatient psychiatric unit. These activities help patients engage with others, develop social skills, and improve their overall functioning. They also provide a therapeutic outlet and reduce feelings of isolation. Activities can include group therapy, recreational activities, or skills training sessions.
- Assist Patients in Self-Assessment (E): Assisting patients in self-assessment helps them reflect on their progress and current state. Nurses guide patients in evaluating their symptoms, coping strategies, and personal goals, which is important for their therapeutic process and recovery. This support empowers patients to take an active role in their treatment and helps them understand their mental health better.
Not Included:
D. Establish a Long-Term Therapeutic Relationship (D): While building therapeutic relationships is important in nursing, it’s more applicable to long-term outpatient care or therapy settings rather than inpatient psychiatric units where stays are typically shorter. In an inpatient setting, the focus is on stabilization, safety, and short-term therapeutic interventions rather than long-term relationships.