Addressing Mental Health Needs of a Patient with Schizophrenia in a Hospital Setting

QUESTION

1. Describe a patient that was diagnosed with anxiety or depression or had a form of depression, anxiety, or stress as a result of their hospitalization, health status, or other life events. Identify the patient’s psychiatric and medical diagnoses, and your impression of the patient. (Scizohphrenia)
2. Identify two priority nursing diagnoses for this patient related to his/her mental health.
3. Identify two nursing interventions that were utilized to ensure that the mental health needs of the patient were met.
4. Reflect on how well attuned you and the nurses were to the mental health needs of the patient. What would you, or would you not, change about the way that you approached the patient’s care?

ANSWER

Addressing Mental Health Needs of a Patient with Schizophrenia in a Hospital Setting

Introduction

This essay discusses the case of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, who experienced anxiety and stress as a result of hospitalization and changes in health status. The patient’s psychiatric and medical diagnoses will be presented, along with an impression of the patient’s condition. Two priority nursing diagnoses related to mental health will be identified, and nursing interventions utilized to meet the patient’s mental health needs will be discussed. Finally, a reflection on the approach to the patient’s care and potential improvements will be provided.

Case Description:
Patient Name: Mr. Smith
Age: 34
Medical Diagnosis: Schizophrenia
Psychiatric Diagnosis: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Impression of the Patient

Mr. Smith is a 34-year-old male admitted to the hospital due to a worsening of his schizophrenia symptoms. He appears withdrawn, anxious, and exhibits disorganized thought patterns. During the assessment, he expresses feelings of hopelessness and voices concerns about the impact of his illness on his life. Mr. Smith’s psychiatric history indicates a history of generalized anxiety disorder, which has been exacerbated by recent life events and his hospitalization.

Priority Nursing Diagnoses

Risk for Self-Harm related to feelings of hopelessness and disorganized thought patterns.
Ineffective Coping related to anxiety and stress caused by changes in health status and hospitalization.

Nursing Interventions to Meet Mental Health Needs

Establish a Therapeutic Relationship: Building trust and rapport with Mr. Smith is essential to assess his needs accurately and provide a safe environment for expressing his emotions.

Implement Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Utilizing CBT techniques can help Mr. Smith identify negative thought patterns, challenge irrational beliefs, and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety and stress.

Reflection on Approach to Patient Care

The nursing team and I were highly attuned to Mr. Smith’s mental health needs during his hospitalization. Regular therapeutic communication was established to assess his emotional state, and we encouraged him to express his concerns and feelings openly. We incorporated CBT techniques into our nursing interventions to help him address his anxiety and stress levels effectively.

However, in hindsight, I realize that more focus could have been placed on involving Mr. Smith in his care plan and collaborating with him to set realistic goals for managing his symptoms. Additionally, involving his family in the treatment process might have provided a stronger support system for him during and after hospitalization.

Conclusion

Addressing the mental health needs of patients with schizophrenia is crucial during hospitalization. By identifying priority nursing diagnoses and utilizing appropriate interventions, healthcare providers can contribute to the patient’s overall well-being and facilitate their recovery. Reflecting on the patient’s care helps healthcare professionals recognize areas for improvement and enhance the quality of care provided to individuals with mental health conditions. Through a patient-centered approach, we can achieve better outcomes and support patients like Mr. Smith in their journey to mental wellness.