The community psychiatric nurse makes the assessment that, based on biological signs, a seriously

Question

and persistently mentally ill client with a mood disorder seems to be somewhat more depressed than
on his previous clinic visit a month ago.

The client, however, states he feels the same. The
intervention that gives credence to the nurse's assessment while supporting client autonomy is to
a. arrange for a short hospitalization.
b. schedule weekly clinic appointments.
c. refer to the crisis intervention clinic.
d. call the client's family and ask them to observe the client closely.

Answer 1

ANS: B
Scheduling clinic appointments at shorter intervals will give the opportunity for more frequent
assessment of symptoms and allow the nurse to use early intervention. Option A is wasteful of
scarce resources. Option C: If the client does not admit to having a crisis or problem this referral
would be useless. Option D: This may or may not produce reliable information.