The Nurse-Patient relationship:

Interactions with selected behaviours

2

Hallucinations Comment on their behaviour

Once the content is known do not focus on the hallucination

If message is to harm themselves or others contract for safety inform the rest of the team

3

Delusions

Clarify meanings

Once meaning has been clarified do not focus on the delusion

patient is to be monitored for safety as necessary

4

Conflicting values

Assist patient to examine the effects of their beliefs on their lives

It is important for the nurse to understand the patients view as the patient sees it

5

Incoherent Speech patterns:

Clarify the meanings of the communication

Medications can be of help

The nurse needs to be supportive in order to build trust

6

Manipulation

Often to gain attention, sympathy, control and dependence

Address what is happening

Limit setting

7

Crying

Should be allowed unless part of manipulation

Provide privacy

Offer opportunity to verbally express feelings

8

Sexual Innuendos

Discuss underlying issues

Limit setting

9

Lack of cooperation/ Denial

May be due to severe disturbances in thought processes, or lack of insight

Fear may be a factor

Nurse needs to build trust to address underlying issues

10

Depressed Affect

Patience, frequent contact and empathy

Encourage the expression of feelings

11

Suspiciousness

Communicate clearly, simply and congruently

Offer explanations and rationales for activities

http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing/psynp/nursepat.pdf

12

Hyperactivity

The patient should be in a quiet area with minimal stimuli

Physical activity can be used

May need some PRN Medication