Group members are actively discussing a common topic. Members are sharing that they identify with what others are saying. The nurse leader recognizes that the group is in which stage of group development?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The working stage of group development begins as members begin to focus their attention on the purpose or task the group is trying to accomplish. The beginning stage of group development, or the initial stage, commences as soon as the group begins to meet. Members introduce themselves, a leader can be selected, the group purpose is discussed, and rules and expectations for group participation are reviewed. The final stage, or termination, of the group occurs before the group disbands. The work of the group is reviewed, with the focus on group accomplishments or growth of group members.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Managed care exerts cost-control measures such as recertification of admissions, utilization review, and case management—all of which have altered inpatient treatment significantly. There has been some progress in treatment options for mentally ill persons, but that is not the primary factor that has changed mental health inpatient hospital care. There is lesser stigma associated with mental illness, but that is not the primary factor that has changed mental health inpatient hospital care. In the 1980s, a typical psychiatric unit emphasized milieu therapy, which required long lengths of stay because clients with more stable conditions helped to provide structure and support for newly admitted clients with more acute conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Two essential components of the transitional care discharge model are peer support and bridging staff. Peer support is provided by a consumer now living successfully in the community. Bridging staff refers to an overlap between hospital and community care—hospital staff do not terminate their therapeutic relationship with the client until a therapeutic relationship has been established with the community care provider. This model requires collaboration, administrative support, and adequate funding to effectively promote the patient's health and well-being and prevent relapse and rehospitalization. Poverty among people with mental illness is a significant barrier to maintaining housing. Mentally ill persons often rely on government entitlements for their income which forces people to have to choose continuation of the entitlement and dependence versus working inconsistently in unskilled, part-time, and low-paying jobs with no health insurance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Although it is true that people with major mental illnesses who do not take prescribed medication are at increased risk for being violent, most people with mental illness do not represent a significant danger to others. Criminalization of mental illness refers to the practice of arresting and prosecuting mentally ill offenders, even for misdemeanors, at a rate four times that of the general population in an effort to contain them in some type of institution where they might receive needed treatment. People with a mental illness are more likely to be the victims of violence, both in prisons and in the community.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of an assertive community treatment (ACT) program, the correct answer is option A) 24-hour-a-day services. This is because ACT programs are designed to provide intensive, community-based support to individuals with severe mental illnesses. The presence of 24-hour-a-day services ensures that clients have access to support and assistance whenever they need it, which is crucial for managing their symptoms and preventing crises. Option B) Infrequent contact with clients is incorrect because ACT programs emphasize frequent, regular contact with clients in order to provide ongoing support and monitor their progress. Infrequent contact would not align with the intensive nature of ACT services. Option C) Many clients to each staff member is incorrect because ACT programs typically operate with a low client-to-staff ratio to ensure that each client receives personalized and comprehensive care. Having many clients per staff member would compromise the quality and effectiveness of the services provided. Option D) Limited length of service is incorrect because ACT programs are known for their long-term and continuous support for clients. The goal is to provide ongoing assistance to help clients maintain stability and improve their overall well-being, which requires a commitment to longer-term services. In an educational context, understanding the key elements of an ACT program is important for students studying mental health and social work. By knowing the characteristics of effective community-based interventions like ACT, students can better grasp the principles of providing comprehensive care to individuals with mental health challenges. This knowledge is essential for future practitioners in the field to deliver high-quality, evidence-based services to those in need.