Final answer:
A. Reassure the client that this admission is only for a limited amount of time. The highest priority nursing action when involuntarily admitting a client to a psychiatric unit is advising them of their legal rights. This ensures clients understand their rights and helps establish trust. Additional attention should also be given to long wait times, mental health prevalence, and adequate staff-to-student ratios to improve overall care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing action with the highest priority when admitting a client to a psychiatric unit on an involuntary basis is to advise the client about the legal rights of all hospitalized clients. When individuals are admitted involuntarily, they may feel powerless, confused, or defensive; therefore, informing them of their rights can help to preserve their dignity and establish a foundation of trust.Using a problem-solution reasoning strategy:Long wait times for counseling services point to the need for better staff-to-student ratios. A campus counselor, Kay Payne, reports approximately 10 days of wait time for an appointment, which could be detrimental to student well-beingThe prevalence of mental health issues within the student community indicates the urgent need for resources. Survey evidence suggests that 75 percent of 250 students have experienced mental health issues at some pointThe staff-to-student ratio significantly impacts service availability. The International Accreditation of Counseling Services recommends a ratio of one staff member to every 1,000-1,500 students, a standard many institutions strive to achieve.
Addressing these points through increasing staff availability, reducing wait times, and providing immediate support for legal rights can greatly improve the admission process and student mental health support.The nursing action with the highest priority when admitting a client to a psychiatric unit on an involuntary basis is A. Reassure the client that this admission is only for a limited amount of time.The primary concern during the admission process is to establish a sense of safety and security for the client. By reassuring the client that the admission is temporary, it helps alleviate anxiety and build trust between the client and the healthcare team.Although options B, C, and D are important components of the admission process, they are secondary to ensuring the client's immediate emotional well-being.