Introduction to Kevin

Welcome to today's scenario. We will be using a virtual patient to explore some issues in mental health using therapeutic communication. The cases will work best for you if treat this virtual patient as you would a real patient. 

Because we want to give you practice in how you would raise various issues with the patient, we have used Turk Talk in a few areas. This is live text-based chat with a facilitator. You can type questions and responses into designated boxes.

When the facilitator is satisfied with your responses, you will be allowed to move onwards in the case. At each Turk Talk section, there is a Bypass link - this allows you to completely bypass the Turk Talk interaction. It is mostly for when a facilitator is not available. Remember that if you Bypass, you will not get credit for that section. 

In this scenario, learners will care for a patient admitted to an acute in-patient psychiatric unit with a drug addiction and previous assault charges.

By the end of this scenario, participants will be able to:

1. Practice identifying and responding to relevant safety concerns.
2. Perform within scope of practice.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical obligations.
4. Communicate with the client in a manner that illustrates caring for his overall well-being.
5. Employ appropriate de-escalation skills in order to reduce the risk of situational aggression.
6. Perform a focused psychosocial mental status exam noting abnormal findings.
7. Perform an accurate Suicide Risk Assessment and identify relevant protective and risk factors.
8. Utilize relational practice and communication skills to assess the patient's status, needs and mental/ emotional state.
9. Perform priority nursing actions based on clinical data.
10. Identify areas in which interprofessional collaboration could provide beneficial support to the patient.

Have fun with the case!