16
NurseThink® for Students Conceptual Clinical Cases —
Clinical Judgment Communication Worksheet
Case
People Involved
What Cue(s) from the conversation is/are most concerning?
Hypothesize what could occur.
How should the nurse respond?
What factors influenced the nurse’s response? Case 1 – 16.1.a Therapeutic Communication With the Client
Peter and the Nurse
Peter avoids doing anything that makes him anxious.
Peter progressively eliminates social activity until he no longer leaves the house.
Educate, provide resources, and ask what coping skills has he used or has worked in
the past.
Personal experiences, concerns for suicide, depression, or other psychosocial problems.
Case 1 – 16.1.b Therapeutic Communication With The Client Peter and the Nurse
Joking about taking the whole bottle of Lorazepam
Peter is not joking and takes
the whole bottle.
Treat it as a suicide threat and assess factors. Are you having thoughts of suicide? Have you attempted this in the past? Do you have a plan?
Suicide prevention training and mental health training. Desire for patient’s wellbeing. Work experience.
Case 2 – 16.2.a Professional Communication With The Client
Luis and the Healthcare Team
Luis is making threats against his life, does not want to live anymore, and mad at healthcare team
Luis kills himself, harms self or leaves AMA to do so.
Reassurance of self-worth and express safety concerns. Have you attempted this in the past? Attempts at de-
escalation.
Concerns for wellbeing. Risk for escalation.
Case 2 – 16.2.b Therapeutic
Communication with Client
Luis and the nurse
Expresses difficulties with staying away from the gang.
Luis returns to the gang lifestyle and does not stay away and may leave AMA.
Motivational interviewing asking what the motivation is
for seeking help, benefits to staying away from gang. Education.
Training for suicide and mental health.
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