Question

the nurse is caring for an agitated patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. which principle should the nurse use when communicating with this patient?

make promises to the patient.
be calm when talking to the patient.
touch the patient to re-orient him.
talk to the patient in front of his peers.

Explanation:

Analyze the clinical scenario

An agitated patient diagnosed with schizophrenia requires therapeutic communication that minimizes environmental stimuli, avoids escalating anxiety, and establishes a safe, non-threatening environment.

Evaluate the communication options

• Make promises to the patient: Incorrect. Making promises can damage trust if they cannot be kept, especially with paranoid or delusional patients.
• Be calm when talking to the patient: Correct. A calm, quiet, and non-threatening approach helps de-escalate agitation and prevents the transmission of anxiety from the nurse to the patient.
• Touch the patient to re-orient him: Incorrect. Physical touch can be perceived as threatening or invasive, potentially escalating agitation or paranoia.
• Talk to the patient in front of his peers: Incorrect. Communicating in front of peers violates privacy and can increase anxiety, paranoia, or agitation due to excessive environmental stimuli.

Answer:

• (A) Make promises to the patient.
• (B) Be calm when talking to the patient. (Correct answer)
• (C) Touch the patient to re-orient him.
• (D) Talk to the patient in front of his peers.