Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When a client is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit involuntarily after threatening to harm someone, what should the nurse communicate to the family?

1. To prepare for a long stay

2. The focus is on stabilizing acute symptoms

3. Therapy will start immediately

4. Visitors are allowed at all times

The correct answer is: The focus is on stabilizing acute symptoms

The communication that the focus is on stabilizing acute symptoms is essential for the family to understand the immediate priorities of the treatment plan. When a client is admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric unit, the initial objective is to ensure their safety and the safety of others. This involves assessing the client's mental state, managing any dangerous behaviors, and implementing treatment strategies that stabilize their condition. Emphasizing the stabilization of acute symptoms informs the family that the initial phase of treatment will involve monitoring and possibly medication management to address any immediate mental health crises. This understanding can help set realistic expectations for the family regarding the client's treatment journey. The emphasis on stabilization also indicates that once acute symptoms are under control, further therapeutic interventions can be introduced to address deeper psychological issues. The other options do not fully capture the immediate focus of psychiatric care. Preparing for a long stay may create unwarranted anxiety; therapy starting immediately does not necessarily account for the stabilization phase that typically precedes intensive therapeutic work; and stating that visitors are allowed at all times may not reflect the unit's actual policies, especially given the need for a safe environment during acute treatment.