Mental Health Nursing

This document discusses the concept of mental health nursing and its impact on individuals. It explores the risks associated with mental illness, such as suicide, and provides strategies for minimizing these risks. The document also highlights the importance of proper medication and treatment in preventing further health issues. Additionally, it addresses legal and ethical issues that nurses should consider when providing care to individuals with mental illness.

Running head: MENTAL HEALTH NURSING 1
Mental health nursing
Name
Institution

MENTAL HEALTH NURSING 2
Mental health nursing
Question 1
Mental illness is a condition that affects one's behavior, thinking and moods (Geertje,
2012). People with mental illness can engage in activities which can put their lives and others at
risk. In this case of Peter, the urgent risk areas would be committing suicide. People with mental
illness suffer from depression and this can make them engage in activities which can put their
lives at risks. The reason for choosing this risk of committing suicide for peter is because of the
statements he made every day saying that the live was not worth living.
Since risk can never be eliminated completely, it can be minimized by engaging him into
a conversation (Celeste, 2015). Peter’s wife should always stay by his side and talk to him for
this would help in minimizing chances of depression. Also, he should always be encouraged
about what he is going through and the consequences of concentrating on the same. Also, she
should engage him in home activities because his mind will always be occupied and there shall
be no room for thinking about his situation.
Question 2
Mental illness can lead to other health issues when a person is not given the correct
medication on time (Catherine, 2015). In this case, Peter would suffer from depression because
he has many things on his mind concerning his wife’s health and also the living standards of his
family. Depression occurs when one has no pleasure on the activities happening in his or her
life. It can make one engage in other activities which can lead to death. Like in this case, peter
keeps complaining that life has no meaning and this can make him commit suicide.

MENTAL HEALTH NURSING 3
Depression can come up in various ways and a nurse should come up with ways to
minimize it. He or she should encourage Peter to always express his feelings, especially when he
looks depressed. After that, the nurse should come up with other ways to handle feelings
especially those can lead to depression (Kelly & John, 2014).
Peter will therefore learn from the nurse alternative ways of dealing feelings especially
those with challenging emotions and gain something on how to control them. It would help in
reducing chances of being depressed (Catherine, 2015). Peter would also be able to face the
difficult situations surrounding him with a lot of ease.
Question 3
One of the legal issues a nurse should look at when dealing with Peter is the right to
treatment (Celeste, 2015).when a nurse sees that peter’s condition requires more treatment than
counselling, he or she should, therefore, take him to the doctor to be examined further. Also,
nurses should observe confidentiality by not disclosing information about their patients to other
people.
About the ethical issues, peter has a right to choose the doctor he want to be attended by
and therefore nurses should respect his decision (Geertje, 2012). He also has a right to get an
explanation of any decision made during his treatment.
References

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Catherine, F.K. (2015). The 2014 Scope and Standards of Practice for Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing: Key Updates, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 20(1), 60-80
Celeste, M.A. (2015). Standardized Patient versus Role-Play Strategies: A Comparative Study
Measuring Patient-Centered Care and Safety in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing,
Nursing Education Perspectives, 36(6), 50-100
Geertje, B. (2012). Community Mental Health Nursing in Alberta, Canada: An Oral History,
Nursing History Review, 90-130
Kelly, V & John, K. (2014). The Affordable Care Act and School-
Based Mental Health Services, Phi Delta Kappan, 96(4), 20-90