NCLEX: A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for acute emotional crisis. Assessm…
Psychiatric / mental health nursingPsychosocial Integrity
Case Study
A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for acute emotional crisis. Assessment data include the client is pacing aggressively, clenching fists, and refusing to sit. The nurse is evaluating discharge teaching. Which client statement shows correct understanding?
Question
A. "I will stop my medications when I feel better."
B. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
C. "I do not need to report mild symptoms unless they become unbearable."
D. "The nurse does not need to know about changes unless the provider asks."
Rationale
Correct answer: B. "I will call the nurse if I have new or worse symptoms before my follow-up appointment."
Rationale: Effective teaching includes when to seek help for worsening symptoms. Stopping medications or delaying reports are unsafe.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.