Mental health & crisis management 7 APRIL qui z
Anger, Aggression & Violence Abuse & interpersonal violence
Defining Key Terms
Anger
strong uncomfortable emotional response to a provocation that is unwanted and incongruent with one’s values, beliefs or rights; “ it is a feeling”
Aggression
verbal statement against someone intended for intimidation; “ is a behaviour, an action”
Violence
a physical act of force intended to cause harm to a person or an object and conveys a perpetrator’s point of view
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Anger
Introduction
Anger is “a strong, uncomfortable emotional response to a provocation that is unwanted and incongruent with one’s values, beliefs, or rights”
Anger is usually described as a temporary state of emotional arousal, in contrast to hostility, which is associated with a more enduring negative attitude
Anger is part of the fight/flight response; although anger is portrayed as a bad emotion that always leads to aggression, this is often not the case
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Introduction
Some of the words used interchangeably with anger include annoyance, frustration, temper, resentment, hostility, hatred, and rage
In addition, the word angry is used to describe both a transient emotional state and a personality trait
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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The experience of anger
An internal event that involves thoughts, images, and bodily sensations
Can serve as a warning that demands are greater than available resources
The meaning of angry episodes develops from the beliefs held about anger and the interpretation given to the episode and these are shaped by influences such as culture, language, and gender
Anger is a normal human emotion; it is the dysfunctional expression of anger that may be threatening to the self or others
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Expressions of anger
Verbal (e.g., yelling) and motor behaviours (e.g., stomping one’s foot) are involved in the expression of anger
Difficulties in expressing anger have been associated with psychiatric disorders
“Anger turned inwards” has been implicated as a contributor to mood disorders, especially depression
Several medical disorders have linked with the suppression of anger, including essential hypertension, migraine headaches, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Raynaud’s disease
Behavioural expressions of anger vary
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Chris Mackey Psychology. (2018, December 12). Managing anger and aggression. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a29nKy8wsdE
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Violence
Introduction
While anger is an emotion, aggression and violence are actions
Aggression is defined as “verbal statements against someone that are intended to intimidate or threaten the recipient”
A study of verbal aggression on psychiatric units indicated that the types of verbal aggression by prevalence were abusive language, shouting, threats, expressions of anger, and racist comments
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Introduction
Violence is defined as “a physical act of force intended to cause harm to a person or an object and to convey the message that the perpetrator’s point of view is correct and not the victim’s”
Aggression and violent behaviour reflect a continuum from suspicious behaviour to extreme actions that threaten the safety of others or result in injury or death
Research focused on inpatient psychiatric units has found that higher levels of aggression were associated with clients detained under mental health legislation (Bowers et al., 2011), high client turnover, unit doors being locked, and higher staffing ratios
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Increasingly, the complexity of aggression and violence occurring in health care settings is being recognized
A systemic perspective of aggression and violence in mental health care has been proposed that identifies four related phenomena:
environmental (e.g., layout of the unit, noise level)
intrapersonal/client (e.g., age, gender, trauma, diagnosis)
clinician (e.g., skills, stress level, attitude towards aggression)
mental health care system (e.g., policies, cultural factors, control orientation)
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Theories
This section discusses some of the dominant theoretical explanations for anger, aggression, and violence. A single model or theory cannot yet fully explain anger, aggression, and violence; instead, the nurse must choose the most useful models for explaining a particular client’s experience and for planning interventions
Theories of aggression
Biological
Caused by developmental difficulties, malnutrition, toxins, tumors, trauma
Damage to cerebral cortex
History of abuse/ family violence
“ Emotional circuit”
limbic system, cerebral
cortex, frontal and
temporal lobe.
Neurochemical and low serotonin
Psychological
Aggression or violent behaviour are instinctual impulses and events in the environment that stimulate instinctual urges
Protect against a threat
Behavioural
Violence originates internally
People experience anger as a result of feeling that goal is being blocked or interference with achieving it
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer
Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L., & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis’s Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd Ed.). Milton, ON: Elsevier.
Townsend, M.C. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice (8th Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis
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Neurochemical Model & Low Serotonin Syndrome
In recent decades, knowledge has increased about the complex role of neurotransmitters in human behaviour
Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, and appetite
Low serotonin levels are associated not only with depression but also with irritability, increased pain sensitivity, impulsiveness, aggression, vulnerability to alcoholism, and obsessive– compulsive behaviour
People with a history of aggressive behaviour have been found to have a lower-than-average level of serotonin
Studies of humans with known aggressive tendencies, such as violent offenders, have repeatedly shown lower-than- average concentrations of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the major metabolite for serotonin
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Theories of aggression
Social Learning
Children learn anger and aggression
Learn that it gets them what they want
Sociocultural
Violent behaviour has multi determinants i.e. social expression in family and peer settings
Influenced by gender
The Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura in 1977 suggests that individuals model behavior they witness. This theory has been the most relevant theory to criminology. Bandura asserted that aggression must explain three aspects:
1) “how aggressive patterns of behavior are developed;”
2) “what provokes people to behave aggressively.”
3) “what determines whether they are going to continue to resort to an aggressive behavior pattern on future occasions.”
The theory is a combination of the Social Control Theory and the Social Learning Theory in that it emphasizes a weak societal bond and learning that encourages deviant behavior. This theory is meant to examine all of the influential factors an individual may experience throughout his/her life.
This theory is more of a developmental theory which suggests that societal, learning, and delinquency factors all contribute to an individuals involvement in organized crime. The theory further states that individuals with weak social bonds will form other bonds with other delinquents who share the same poor values.
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Violence
Creates a critical challenge to the safety, well-being, and health of the clients and others in their environment
Nurses should always assume an organic component (drugs, alcohol, psychosis, or delirium) underlying the aggression in clients presenting with disorganized impulsive or violent behaviors, until proven otherwise
Client body language offer clues to escalating anxiety, particularly agitation, threatening gestures, or darting eye movements
Arnold, E. &Boggs, U.K. (2016). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses (7th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders -- Chapter 16
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Violence
Treatment of violent clients consists of immediately providing a safe, non-stimulating environment for the client
Often clients calm down if taken to an area with less sensory input
The client should be checked thoroughly for potential weapons and physically disarmed, if necessary*** Note this should only be done by authorized personnel/police – SAFETY for all is priority
Arnold, E. &Boggs, U.K. (2016). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses (7th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders -- Chapter 16
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Predictors of Violence
History
Previous episodes of aggression/rage or violence
Escalating irritability
Intruding angry thoughts
Fear of losing control
Additional factors: brain injury, substance abuse
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Townsend, M.C. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice (8th Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis
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Nursing Management
Mental health and aggression
Many clients who have mental health problems do not behave aggressively or violently
To develop a means of predicting aggressive and violent behaviours, some researchers have attempted to determine the relationship between medical diagnosis and violence
Others have focused on the role of a person’s history in predicting violence or examined demographics, client characteristics, and unit climate
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Mental health and aggression
Although media attention highlights violence related to mental illness, research shows that “the mentally ill as a group pose little risk of violence”
Persons with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar depression may be at a slightly higher risk for violent behaviour but they are overwhelmingly more likely to be victims of violent crime (prevalence 6 to 23 times greater than others)
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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While the following is a great learning example for the management of anger and aggression, please note the video does have some aggression
I am here if you would like to debrief after or watch together. Please do not hesitate to talk to me if this is triggering or if there is anything you would like to discuss
Remember you are NEVER alone!
BJC HealthCare. (2014, July 8). Do this, not that! Providing care for medical patients with psychiatric issues. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgLb7sPslUo
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TABLE 20-1 Behavioral Indicators of Potential Violence
| Behavioral Categories | Potential Indicators |
| Mental status | Confused |
| Paranoid ideation | |
| Disorganized | |
| Organic impairment | |
| Poor impulse control | |
| Motor behavior | Agitated, pacing |
| Exaggerated gestures | |
| Rapid breathing | |
| Body language | Eyes darting |
| Prolonged (staring) eye contact or lack of eye contact | |
| Spitting | |
| Pale, or red (flushed) face | |
| Menacing posture, throwing things | |
| Speech patterns | Rapid, pressured |
| Incoherent, mumbling, repeatedly making the same statements | |
| Menacing tones, raised voice, use of profanity | |
| Verbal threats | |
| Affect | Belligerent |
| Labile | |
| Angry |
Arnold, E. &Boggs, U.K. (2016). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses (7th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders -- Chapter 16
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BOX 20-3 - De-escalation Tips for Mental Health Emergencies
• Use a nonthreatening stance—open, but not vulnerable. Have the client “take a seat”
• Eye contact—not constant, brief to show concern
• Commands—brief, slow, with simple vocabulary, only as loud as needed, repeat as needed
• Movement—not sudden, announce actions when possible, keep hands where they can be seen
• Attitude—calm, interested, firm, patient, reassuring, respectful, truthful
• Acknowledge legitimacy of feelings, delusions, hallucinations as being real to the client “I understand you are seeing or feeling this, but I am not”
• Remove distractions, upsetting influences
• Keep the client talking/focused on the here and now
Arnold, E. &Boggs, U.K. (2016). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses (7th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders -- Chapter 16
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BOX 20-3 - De-escalation Tips for Mental Health Emergencies
• Allow verbal venting within reason
• Be sensitive to personal space/comfort zone
• Remove client to a quiet space; remove others from immediate area (avoid the “group spectators”)
• Give some choices or options, if possible
• Set limits if necessary
• Limit interaction to just one professional and let that person do the talking
• Avoid rushing—slow things down
• Give yourself an out; do not put the client between yourself and the door
Arnold, E. &Boggs, U.K. (2016). Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses (7th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders -- Chapter 16
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Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Planning & implementing interventions
The following assumptions are important to consider in planning interventions:
The nurse and client collaborate to find solutions and alternatives to aggressive and violent outbursts
Anger is a normal emotion
All people have the right to express their anger
All people have a responsibility to express their anger in a way that does not, emotionally or physically, threaten or harm others
In most instances, the person who behaves aggressively or violently can assume responsibility for the behaviour
The nurse views the client from the perspective of acknowledging that the client has solved problems before and is only temporarily in need of help
The nurse understands that norms for behaviour are created within the context of a particular environment and are influenced by the client’s history and culture
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Planning & implementing interventions
Nurses who work collaboratively with potentially violent clients must also keep in mind that they can take certain actions to minimize personal risk:
Using nonthreatening body language
Respecting the client’s personal space and boundaries
Positioning themselves so that they have immediate access to the door of the room in case they need to leave the room
Choosing to leave the door open to an office while talking to a client
Knowing where colleagues are and making sure those colleagues know where they are
Removing or not wearing clothing or accessories that could be used to harm them, such as scarves, necklaces, or dangling earrings
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
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Abuse & Interpersonal Violence
Types of Abuse
Abuse of Women
2 to 4 million cases per year
Highest risk 18 -24, over 65 pregnant and have a history of childhood victimization
Types battery, rape sexual assault, stalking
Abuse of Men
Sexual assaults of men are higher in resent years.
Males also inflected with emotional and physical abuse
Abuse of Children
Child Neglect (43%)
Physical Abuse (31%)
Sexual Abuse (10%)
Incest
Non-family members
Pedophilia
Emotional abuse
Rejecting; Isolating; Terrorizing; Ignoring; Corrupting
Munchausen syndrome by Proxy
Secondary abuse: Children of battered women
Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Townsend, M.C. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice (8th Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis
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9 Types of Interpersonal Violence
Physical
Sexual
Psychological
Emotional
Spiritual
Cultural
Verbal
Financial
Abuse
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Cycle of Violence
Deliberate and systematic
Used to gain control
Intentional
Type of violence chosen
Rage
Cool/calculating
Pattern of escalation
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Source: Austin, W. & Boyd, M.A. (2015). Psychiatric & mental health nursing (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Townsend, M.C. (2015). Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice (8th Ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis
Epidemiology and comorbidity
One of the most important public health issues in Canada
Comorbidity
Secondary effects of violence
Depression
Suicidal ideation
Chronic post-traumatic stress symptoms
Dissociation
Interpersonal disturbances
Substance abuse
Revictimization
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Ecological model
Identifies risk factors:
Poverty
Social isolation
Alcohol/substance abuse
Access to firearms
And conditions:
A perpetrator
A person vulnerable to abuse (e.g., child, woman, older adult, mentally ill, or physically challenged person)
A crisis situation
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Characteristics of perpetrators
Consider their own needs more important than the needs of others
Poor social skills
Extreme pathological jealousy
May control family finances
Dominance, power, and control are the primary drives
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Characteristics of vulnerable persons: Women
Pregnancy may trigger or increase violence
Violence may escalate when makes move toward independence
Greatest risk for violence when the woman attempts to leave the relationship
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Characteristics of vulnerable persons: Children
Younger than 3 years
Perceived as different
Remind parents of someone they do not like
Product of an unwanted pregnancy
Interference with emotional bonding between parent and child
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Characteristics of vulnerable persons: Older adults
Poor mental or physical health
Dependent on perpetrator
Female, older than 75 years, living with a relative
Older adult father cared for by a daughter he abused as a child
Older adult woman cared for by a husband who has abused her in the past
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Application of the nursing process
Assessment
General assessment
Interview process and setting
Self-assessment
Should include:
Violence indicators
Level of anxiety and coping responses
Family coping patterns
Support systems
Suicide or homicide potential (or both)
Drug and alcohol use
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Application of the nursing process
Diagnosis
Risk for injury
Risk for violence
Outcomes identification
Abuse protection
Abuse recovery
Implementation
Reporting abuse
Counselling—safety plan
Case management
Therapeutic environment
Promotion of self-care activities
Health teaching and health promotion
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
Prevention of abuse
Primary prevention
Measures taken to prevent the occurrence of abuse
Secondary prevention
Early intervention in abusive situations to minimize their disabling or long-term effects
Tertiary prevention
Facilitating the healing and rehabilitative process
Providing support
Assisting survivors of violence to achieve their optimal level of safety, health, and well-being
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.
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Source: Halter, M.J., Pollard, C.L. & Jakubec, S.L. (2019). Varcarolis's Canadian Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Clinical Approach (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Canada, a division of Reed Elsevier Canada, Ltd.