NUR 2488 Rasmussen College Mental Health System Paper

Part one. The Present Mental Health System

View the two videos linked below then answer the discussion question provided.

From the timeline, you are aware that in the 1960’s it was decided that the mentally ill should be provided care/ treat in their communities. This video will explain this process in greater detail.

Deinstitutionalization Movement

This is another segment of the same movie, explaining how communities in the different states were unable to meet client needs. As a result, many became homeless at that time, and many with a mental health disorder are homeless today.

The Homeless Mentally Ill

Initial Post

Do you think the mental health system in our country today functions well, or is it broken? Why or why not?

Support your choice with at least two examples and one credible resource. Initial post includes comprehensive explanation with detailed examples and supporting evidence.

part 2. Remaining Calm

Initial Post

There are times when a nurse must provide care for a client who is agitated and verbally or physically aggressive. The client may be psychotic, but the nurse must, in each case, remain in control of his/her own feelings, and intervene in the most appropriate manner.

After watching a segment regarding a violent client at Bellevue Hospital, answer the questions below. It’s not necessary to critique the staff in the video, just think of how you might respond.

Violent Client at Bellevue Hosptial Video

• Describe a time when a client was rude or verbally abusive to you. How did you react?
• What skills were necessary to maintain a professional, caring, therapeutic relationship?
• How did you best communicate with this client?
• What did you learn from this experience

• part 3 .Mental Healthcare for Adolescence & Children
• Ryan is a 12 year old diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). As a small child, Ryan was first diagnosed with Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder. He had just started preschool and was unable to remain in one place for more than a minute or two. His parents had already had a very difficult time in disciplining him, because he would become very upset and throw temper tantrums when he could not do as he wished. He just seemed to be an unhappy, irritable child. This behavior continued in school. As time progressed, Ryan was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, because he continued to refuse to listen to adults and comply with the rules.By the age of 12, he has begun to bully and annoy others. His parents have decided that the approaches they have used in the past are not working, and they are more afraid his behavior will only get worse.Initial PostProvide explanations for these questions and statements:
  • Describe the behaviors apparent for each disorder in this scenario (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder).
  • If this behavior becomes worse and Ryan starts to violate the rights of others, what medical diagnosis will be given and why?
  • Discuss at least two types of medication appropriate to treat Ryan and support your choices with rationale and credible resources
  • Describe why therapy for the parent is important in this scenario including at least two supporting rationales

part 4.- Reflection

Initial Post

Areas for reflection:

• Describe how you achieved each course competency including at least one example of new knowledge gained related to that competency
• Describe how you achieved the transferable skill, Communication, including at least one example of new knowledge gained related to the transferable skill
• Describe how this new knowledge will impact your nursing practice.

Course Competencies

• Describe the foundations of mental health nursing.
• Explain current legal issues and social concerns in mental healthcare.
• Select appropriate nursing interventions for clients with certain cognitive, addictive and psychotic conditions.
• Evaluate nursing care strategies for clients with certain mental health/mood/personality and eating disorders.
• Assemble nursing care interventions for clients with mental health/stress related disorders.
• Identify factors that impact mental health in special populations.

Transferable Skills

Communication: Displaying capability in writing, reading and oral communication; understanding of non-verbal language