A patient in the psychiatric ward shows signs of withdrawal and has a history of sexual violence. What should the nurse's initial action be? (Select all that apply)
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Assessing mental status identifies withdrawal’s psychological basis, like depression or PTSD from sexual violence. Scientifically, it evaluates amygdala-driven hyperarousal and cognitive impairments, guiding interventions. This ensures accurate diagnosis, addressing trauma’s neurobiological impact and stabilizing the patient’s mental health for effective recovery. Choice B reason: Monitoring vital signs tracks physiological stability in withdrawal, which may reflect anxiety or trauma responses. Scientifically, vital sign changes, like elevated heart rate, indicate autonomic arousal or stress hormone spikes. This ensures safety, identifying medical issues and guiding interventions for trauma-related psychological distress. Choice C reason: Group therapy is premature for withdrawal, as social settings may overwhelm. Scientifically, withdrawal in trauma survivors reflects heightened amygdala activity, making group dynamics stressful. This risks exacerbating anxiety or dissociation, delaying recovery by increasing cortisol-driven stress responses before individual stabilization is achieved. Choice D reason: Informing of ward rules is administrative, not therapeutic, for withdrawal. Scientifically, it doesn’t address trauma’s neurobiological impact, like cortisol elevation or amygdala hyperactivity. Focusing on rules over psychological needs risks disengagement, delaying interventions critical for stabilizing mental health in sexual violence survivors. Choice E reason: One-on-one conversation builds trust, encouraging disclosure in withdrawal. Scientifically, this reduces stress by engaging prefrontal cortex processing, countering amygdala-driven fear. It supports emotional regulation, allowing tailored interventions for trauma-related symptoms, fostering recovery in sexual violence survivors by addressing psychological barriers safely.