Question

Assessment of violence potential is an important part of nursing care on the inpatient unit. Which is an indicator that the client with schizophrenia may be at high risk for violence while in the hospital?

-The client has never used drugs or alcohol.
-The client assaulted an officer prior to admission.
-The client reports feeling that everyone on the unit is "out to get me."
-The client is suspicious of the nursing staff.

Answer 1

The indicator that a client with schizophrenia may be at high risk for violence in a hospital is a history of aggression, such as assaulting an officer prior to admission. While neuroleptic drugs can reduce aggression, a past history of violent behavior is a strong predictor of potential future violence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Assessment of violence potential is a critical aspect of nursing care for patients with schizophrenia in an inpatient setting. Among the indicators provided, the one that suggests the client may be at high risk for violence while in the hospital is the fact that the client assaulted an officer prior to admission. This past behavior is a strong predictor of future violence, as indicated by research showing a history of aggression as an accurate predictor of violent behavior. Additionally, while neuroleptic drugs can help reduce agitation and aggression in psychotic patients, they do not erase the history of violent behavior.

Other potential risk factors for violence in the context of schizophrenia include the client's paranoid feelings that others are "out to get me" and being suspicious of the nursing staff. These could also contribute to a higher risk of violence, as delusions and paranoia are symptoms associated with schizophrenia that may lead to aggressive behavior if not properly managed with medication and therapeutic intervention.