Therapeutic Communication
Key Concept: Establish rapport with patients suffering from mental health conditions
using nonjudgmental and supportive language.
Nursing Interventions:
oDepression:
Provide verbal reassurance like, "I’m here for you. Let’s work through this
together."
Assist with self-care tasks if the patient is neglecting hygiene (e.g.,
brushing teeth, combing hair).
Avoid "why" questions, which can feel confrontational.
oAnxiety:
Guide the patient to a quiet space with minimal stimuli.
Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle
relaxation.
Offer grounding exercises to help refocus their thoughts.
oPersonality Disorders:
Set firm and clear boundaries to reduce manipulative behaviors.
Use consistent communication strategies to build trust and prevent
escalation.
2. Medications
Risperidone:
oNursing Interventions:
Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, rigidity) and
metabolic changes (e.g., weight gain).
Educate patients on the importance of medication adherence.
Clonazepam (Klonopin):
oNursing Interventions:
Use for short-term management only, monitor for signs of dependence.
Educate patients on avoiding alcohol to reduce CNS depression.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):
oNursing Interventions:
Assess for early side effects like nausea or insomnia and provide
reassurance they often improve with time.
Monitor for suicidal ideation, particularly when initiating therapy.
Disulfiram (Antabuse):
oNursing Interventions:
Educate on avoiding all forms of alcohol, including hidden sources like
sauces or hygiene products.
Monitor for adverse reactions if alcohol is consumed inadvertently.
St. John’s Wort:
oNursing Interventions:
Caution patients about interactions with prescription medications like
SSRIs.
