Irritating, but not dangerous...What to do?

[kurlos]

My first post...new to psych. Just wondering what can be done when a patient is not dangerous to self or others, but simply refuses to stop loitering around the nursing station or insists on standing in front of the TV saying the same word over and over again...Basically things which are unpleasant to staff and other patients but do not warrant taketowns...

Thanks

[Swanee]

Develop a plan with the pt and psychiatrist if ignoring doesn't work. Apparently he/she is looking for attention so get him/her in group, assess for AH/VH if too disorganized to attend groups. The pt could be at risk because other pts may get annoyed enough to harm this person. You get to go home. The other pts are sick and can't get away from this person. Don't wait for something to happen.

[kadokin, ASN, RN]

Develop a plan with the pt and psychiatrist if ignoring doesn't work. Apparently he/she is looking for attention so get him/her in group, assess for AH/VH if too disorganized to attend groups. The pt could be at risk because other pts may get annoyed enough to harm this person. You get to go home. The other pts are sick and can't get away from this person. Don't wait for something to happen.

Yes, heed this advice. The md may want to increase the meds. A pt w/this behavior is having big trouble distinguishing reality. Try to get their attention and explain to them, in concrete terms, why you (and others) would prefer they not do that. e.g.-we need to keep the nurse's station area clear, many confidential conversations go on there; other's want to see and hear the tv and they can't when you stand in front of it.

Or, offer to spend some time w/them AWAY from the area where they are "hanging out"

[funnygirl_rn]

Develop a plan with the pt and psychiatrist if ignoring doesn't work. Most definitely obtain a plan, maybe the doctor will check his meds just in case, maybe they need tweaked/monitored/changed.

The pt could be at risk because other pts may get annoyed enough to harm this person. You get to go home. The other pts are sick and can't get away from this person. Don't wait for something to happen.

Exactly! Be extra careful. I have notice it seems to happen during change of shift, giving report. We have had pts' gang up on another pt and physically assault this pt that they couldn't get away from. Our facility is small, so there aren't many areas you can go to other than their room for peace/quiet. There replies were...he gets on our nerves, we have to LIVE with him, you don't...do something with him!!!

[sanctuary, BSN, MSN, RN]

Most patients who hang out at the Nursing Station are there because that's where the nurses are. Try to hang out away from the station until nec. to chart, answer phone, etc. Both the behaviors you describe are attention-seeking, which has an easy, obvious answer. Give the attention before the behaviors, not after. Lots of time we try to extinguish behavior without recognising the need that drives it. Fill the need in a way that is comfortable to you, and accept that all behavior increases before it decreases. When it gets worse, it is because it is on the way to stopping, so don't give up.