Question

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is hospitalized under an emergency commitment. Which nursing explanation is most effective when the patient asks, "why am i being kept here?".

Answer 1

During mental health emergencies, patients who are a threat to themselves or others are taken into a 72 hour hold. This means they are under watch by trained professionals to reduce the risk of self-harm or injury to others. The best way to tell them would most likely be; "We're keeping you for your safety." Or, explain to them the 72 hour hold they now have.

Answer 2

Answer: You couldnt stop doing things that could likely have hurt you.

Explanation:(When the effects of the patients mental illness result in an immediate risk of self-harm

or harm to others, an emergency commitment is appropriate. While it is correct that such a commitment is court ordered and may be a result of a relapse, these options do not appropriately respond to the patients question. The patient does have a right to a lawyer, but this option fails to answer the patients question as well.)