Question

You are assessing a 40-year-old male with an apparent psychiatric crisis. According to the man's wife, he has a history of depression and schizophrenia and takes Zoloft and Zyprexa. A police officer is present at the scene. The patient, who is obviously scared, tells you that he sees snakes everywhere. You should _________.

1) Call for immediate psychiatric consultation
2) Administer a sedative medication
3) Ignore the patient's complaint
4) Inform the patient's wife about the situation

Answer 1

In this situation, the best course of action would be to call for immediate psychiatric consultation and inform the police officer and the patient's wife. The patient's symptoms suggest a possible psychotic episode related to his history of depression and schizophrenia.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this situation, the best course of action would be to call for immediate psychiatric consultation.

The patient's symptoms, such as seeing snakes everywhere, suggest a possible psychotic episode, which could be related to his history of depression and schizophrenia.

Inform the police officer and the patient's wife about the situation, so they can assist in ensuring the patient's safety while waiting for the psychiatric consultation.