Assessment Task 3

Q 1 a.

Sandy's paranoia is evident as she has increased distrust of others, she believes that she is

being spied, and her inflated beliefs about herself. There are also signs of psychosis in her

behaviour, such as chaotic thought processes, hallucinations, and delusions (Duffy & Kelly,

2017, p.1). Paranoid symptoms like Sandy's include increased suspicion and distrust of others.

The nurses in the hospital are out to help her, and she is convinced that the government is spying

on her and reading her thoughts. She also has delusions of persecution, acting on the idea that the

government is actively trying to have her killed. Sandy also has inflated senses of self-

importance and superiority thanks to her illusions of grandeur. Because of her paranoid and

psychotic symptoms, Sandy is in a lot of pain and disarray right now. She has no idea why she is

there and is wary of the medical workers. She is worried for not eating or sleeping and her

paranoia and psychosis are limiting her capacity to go about her daily life.

Q 1 b.

Sandy's lack of self-awareness about her condition and medication rejection is a top

nursing concern. Psychoeducation, a nursing intervention used to assist patients in learning about

mental illness and making informed decisions about their care, is one way to improve patients'

understanding of their disease and the alternatives for managing it. Patients with mental health

issues may benefit greatly from psychoeducation, which is provided as part of their care, by

learning more about their disease and its alternatives. As a result, they will be better able to

participate in their care choices and adhere to treatment plans. Evidence suggests that

psychoeducation may increase patients' medication adherence and general mental health. The

most effective method of giving psychoeducation may change from patient to patient. However,

some essential components of good psychoeducation include giving accurate and up-to-date
information on the patient's condition, communicating the information in a polite and helpful

manner, and using simple and straightforward language.

The dissemination of psychoeducation may be accomplished via various media, such as

pamphlets, books, and online platforms. However, talking to a trained mental health practitioner

face-to-face is the most efficient method of providing psychoeducation. As a result, the patient

may get individualised care and has the chance to ask questions about anything that is not

apparent to them. Patients are better equipped to make choices about their care when they have a

firm grasp of their diagnosis and the range of alternatives accessible to them via

psychoeducation. However, remember that every patient is unique and calls for a tailored

approach.

Q 1 c.

Sandy has to be evaluated by a psychiatrist to see if she poses a risk to herself or others.

Understanding her disease is important to her Treatment Authority under the Mental Health Act

2016 Qld. Due to her schizophrenia diagnosis, Sandy has been hospitalised for treatment. Sandy,

now 42, has been dealing with the effects of her condition for 23 years. Sandy has been out of

work for two years and is presently homeless.

Sandy was supposed to take depot long-acting anti-psychotic medicine, but she has not

been in contact with her case manager in more than three months and missed her last depot

appointment. Sandy's parents try to keep in touch and they are Brisbane residents as well. But

she does not have a phone, making it difficult to get in touch with them. According to Sandy, her

grandpa had schizophrenia and killed himself at the age of 50. According to the Mental Health

Act 2016, Queensland, Sandy is now subject to a Treatment Authority. This necessitates a
psychiatric evaluation to ascertain whether or not she is a threat to herself or others. The

psychiatrist's ability to determine whether or not Sandy is aware of her disease and whether or

not she poses a threat to herself or others depends, in part, on Sandy's level of self-awareness

about her condition.

Q 2 a.

Individuals with PTSD often experience nightmares or flashbacks to the traumatic event,

which can heighten their range of negative emotions (Shalev et al., 2019, p.77). This could be the

cause of Aliah's PTSD. The type of PTSD and the patient's medical history are important factors

in developing an effective treatment plan for post-traumatic stress disorder. Each stage of

treatment includes steps like Supporting patients in avoiding contact with or participating in

anything that can bring back traumatic memories or trigger their PTSD, called "avoidance."

Building trust via open and honest communication and attentive listening can help patients feel

safe enough to discuss their healthcare needs, which is essential for developing an effective,

patient-centred treatment plan (Shalev et al., 2019, pp 74). To make someone with PTSD feel

safe, valued, and respected, it is important to exhibit your concern through active listening, self-

assurance, empathy, and upbeat verbal and nonverbal body language (Manister et al., 2017, p.

419).

Q 2 b.

The nurse needs to begin therapeutic communication (Darnell et al., 2019, p.482). Any

person going through emotional distress does not want to be judged, left out, or neglected. By

creating an atmosphere where patients feel secure and cared for emotionally, the nurse will earn

their trust and improve their health. As a result, patients may be more receptive to having open
conversations with healthcare providers about their suicidal motives, ideas, and beliefs, which

can improve the efficacy of therapies. In addition, this would make it possible for her to speak

her mind without worrying about the consequences. The nurse should talk about suicidal ideation

and how to suppress it. The more the nurse discusses with Aliah about her mental suffering, the

more hope she will have that therapy can successfully relieve it.

A nurse's role also includes developing a patient-specific, adaptable care plan for the long

term. A mental health nurse is responsible for developing a treatment plan that includes ongoing

assessment and group problem-solving to reduce the likelihood of suicide ideation and behaviour

among my patients (GWA, 2021, p.67). Realistic therapies that can address immediate, acute and

persistent suicidal behaviours require the patient's family and support network to cooperate with

mental health care experts from many disciplines. The danger of suicide can be mitigated in

several ways, such as by creating a safety plan or planning a rescue operation for suicide victims.

In addition, nurses should make sure that all healthcare professionals have access to the most

recent treatment plans and are well-versed in all information that could improve the quality of

care they deliver (Manister et al., 2017, p.122).

Q 2 c.

Combining cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with testimonial therapy (TT): the goal is

to encourage clients to adopt new ways of thinking (Mubin et al., 2020, p.88). One such tactic is

to become more self-aware of one's own cognitive biases contributing to one's difficulties and

reconsider these biases in light of reality. Since the person-centred care model values Aliah's

autonomy and seeks to improve her quality of life, they agree.

 All healthcare professionals may encounter suicidal patients in everyday clinical practice,

highlighting the need for collaborative suicide risk management across a broad spectrum of

providers and healthcare settings (Kasanova et al., 2020, p.77). This is because the patient and

their family might benefit from a psychological approach to care that is focused on them and

embraces shared decision-making. When suicidal thoughts develop, psychosocial psychotherapy

may teach the patient healthy coping mechanisms for handling stress, reveal destructive thought

patterns, and provide valuable practice in implementing those patterns. It may take weeks or

months to treat this condition, but using the "6 C's" of care—confidence, empathy, dedication,

communication, expertise, and caring—might help inspire patients and lessen their risk of

suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the meantime (Darnell et al., 2019, p.482). In addition, those

who have attempted suicide or self-harm and been admitted to the hospital must meet with a

mental health professional before being released. Although in-person meetings are always

preferable, telehealth may be used in a pinch. If nothing else, the treating physician should

consult with a seasoned psychiatric specialist.

Q 3 a.

Harm minimisation aims to lessen possible negative health, economic, and social effects

of substance abuse on individuals and communities. The approach seeks to lessen drug and

alcohol abuse's negative effects on individuals and communities by ensuring that all efforts are

carried out in compliance with World Health Organisation guidelines (Sullivan, 2019, p.323). It

was thought that all public and private organisations would need to implement harm

minimisation policies to lessen the impact of drug abuse. Assessing potential risks and

eliminating or minimising them is a more efficient approach to harm reduction. Patients'

diseases, risks, and choices for improving their quality of life were discussed as part of the plan

(Pickard & Pearce, 2017, p. 325).

Q 3 b.

The National Alcohol Strategy 2019–2028 is a plan to reduce alcohol-related damage

(Department of Health and Aged Care, 2019 ). By making the drug less accessible at home and

social gatherings, we can assist the person or community recover from their addiction (Sullivan,

2019, p.325). The demand reduction approach has progressed to include halting and delaying the

initiation of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in local communities; and assisting addicts in

overcoming their disease and resettling into society (Shalev et al., 2019, p.46). The plan's

objective is to lessen alcohol's negative effects. Many individuals in Australia might benefit from

guidance and education on responsible alcohol drinking. This method aids in raising

consciousness about the dangers of drinking.

Q 3 c.

The national Alcohol Strategy aims to prevent and reduce alcohol related harm by

recommending actions that can be taken at the local, state, territory, and national levels. The goal

of the plan is to develop a unified strategy for minimising the negative effects of alcohol use

throughout the whole of Australia. Improving community safety and aesthetics are two of the

four priority areas that have been recognised for action. Managing the availability, pricing, and

marketing of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol promotion through television ads is legal in Australia

starting 12 pm to 3 pm on school days and starting 8:300pm to 5am on any day. Therefore,

implementing the strategy can push for the need to control advertising alcohol and make sure

that vulnerable population (adults and adolescents) is not affected (Siegfried et al., 2014, p.1). The
strategy talks about increasing alcohol prices as one way of discouraging people from consuming it.

According to Sharma et al. (2017), increasing alcohol prices can control alcohol consumption.

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