Question

When assessing a client in an inpatient mental health unit, which findings should the nurse expect if the client is in the preassaultive stage of violence?

A) Calm and cooperative behavior
B) Loud and disruptive verbalizations
C) Physical aggression and assaultive actions
D) Withdrawn and isolated demeanor

Answer 1

In the preassaultive stage of violence, expect the client to exhibit loud and disruptive verbalizations, indicating rising tension.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a client in an inpatient mental health unit, the findings one might expect if the client is in the preassaultive stage of violence include signs of agitation, such as being loud and disruptive in their verbalizations. During this stage, the individual might show behavioral cues that suggest growing tension or anger, which can lead to violence if not addressed promptly. Signs like physical aggression and assaultive actions are more indicative of the assault stage itself, whereas a calm and cooperative behavior, or a withdrawn and isolated demeanor, may not reflect the immediacy of potential violence associated with the preassaultive phase.