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    Mental Health Finals Proctored Exam

    Which statement made by a patient during an initial assessment interview should serve as the priority focus for the plan of care?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Reasoning: Choice A reason: This statement suggests paranoia or a suspicious worldview, which may indicate a personality disorder or a delusional process. While it requires clinical exploration and monitoring, it does not represent an immediate threat to life or safety that would override the presence of active command hallucinations. Choice B reason: Expressions of anger and perceived lack of social support are significant psychosocial stressors that contribute to mental illness. However, feelings of familial resentment are common in psychiatric patients and do not constitute an acute psychiatric emergency in the same way that active, ego-dystonic command hallucinations do. Choice C reason: Attributing life events to "bad luck" indicates an external locus of control and potential feelings of hopelessness or low self-esteem. While important for long-term therapeutic work, this cognitive distortion is not as critically urgent as symptoms that suggest a high risk of violent or unpredictable behavior. Choice D reason: This statement indicates command hallucinations, which are a psychiatric priority. These voices can instruct the patient to harm themselves or others, presenting an immediate safety risk. Safety is the primary concern in any nursing care plan, necessitating rapid stabilization, increased observation, and potential pharmacological intervention to prevent injury.

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