Question

Melanie is a 16-year old who lived with her parents and two siblings in a suburban neighborhood until her parents separated 6 months ago. At that time her school performance began to decline and she was truant from school, frequently not returning home until after dark. when she arrived home,she was verbally abusive to her mother when asked where she had been. Three days ago, her relationship with her boyfriend of 1 year ended when he told her she had "changed" and he didn't know how to "relale to her anymore." That evening, Melanie became very disruptive at home, breaking lamps and mirrors and turning over furnilure . When her mother attempted to talk to Melanie, her daughter threathen her. Melanie was admitted to the children's psychiatric unit of the local inpatient mental health facility. Since her admission, Melanie has refused to attend any group sessions or talk to staff, and spends most of her time in her room. At change of shift~ today, the staff heard a loud noise after which registered nurse and two psychiatric technologists (psych tech) rushed to Melanie's room. There they observed Melanie screaming incoherently and throwing chairs against the wall; clothes were littered across the floor.

1. Discuss your impression of the situation ·with

Melanie.

2. What impact might Melanie's level of growth and development have on her response to life stressors?

3. What are the priorities of care for Melanie at this time?

Answer 1

1.The impression on the situation are

• Melanie inability to adjust to the sudden change in the family because of the separation of their parebts
• Lack of coping mechanism in way to manage it
• Loss of relationship with father and boyfriend
• The girl is in severe depression because of inability to understand what to do
• No supportive person to let her express her feelings

2.In these stage the girl is in identity Vs confusion. They are in stage to identify themselves and others through exploration and easily attracted, confused in making a clear decision .This change in family has affected the girl mentally in many ways like how to handle the society if asked regarding their parents ,their image in the society and among peers ,insecurity feeling, isolating themselves. This life stressors can make them to feel to certain extent like causing self injury or to others ,suicidal thoughts . This affecting their growth and development.

3The priority of care at this time are

• Providing a safe environment
• Providing counselling and psychological support
• Administer medications as per order to reduce stress
• Provide assistance and a continious attender with the patient.
• Reassurance and changes which can be seen in each individual as each one are unique in every aspect .Teaching them this to cope with the situations.