Ms. G, an 82-year old woman, has a history of dementia and depression. She has been admitted because her daughter feels that, "Mom is getting more depressed and confused." She is oriented to self and believes it is 1985. She is continuously trying to "find my coat so I can go to work." She is ambulatory with an unsteady gait and can perform self-care with step-by-step coaching. Her daughter would like her transferred to a long-term care geropsychiatric unit.
Ms. B, a 32-year old woman, has a borderline personality disorder and a history of frequent admissions to the psychiatric unit. Five days ago she was admitted for suicidal gesture after self-infliction of cuts to the posterior forearm. She is extremely flirtatious with all males. She can independently perform all activities of daily living (ADLs), but will dress in an excessively provocative manner.
Mr. D, a 58-year old man, has a long history of major depression. He appears lethargic and disinterested in the environment or others. He responds appropriately when asked a direct question, but does not initiate any social interaction. He requires verbal prompting for all ADLSs, which he can perform himself, however, he says, "I would rather not."
Mr. S, a 38-year-old homeless man, who was found wandering naked on a busy street. He has been in the unit for 7 weeks with minimal improvement, but he has not been aggressive towards anyone. He frequently giggles to himself, and if allowed, weaves bits of garbage into his hair. He demonstrates word salad (schizophrenia) and looseness of association. He requires repetitive coaching to perform all ADLs.
Mr. V, a 62-year-old man, voluntarily committed himself 2 days previously for recurrent thoughts of suicide since the death of his wife several months ago. He reports frequently sitting at her graveside with a gun and a bottle of whiskey. He is alert and oriented x3 and answers questions appropriately, but he is preoccupied with thoughts of death. He is on one-to-one suicide precautions.
Ms. M, a 40-year old woman was admitted after a verbal altercation in an expensive department store when her credit cards were declined because she was over the $10,000 limit. She is talkative, grandiose, and emotionally labile. She can accomplish ADLs, but will change her clothes repeatedly throughout the day.
Mr. P, a 20-year old man, was admitted yesterday throughout the emergency department after causing a disturbance on a public bus. He appears disheveled and acts suspicious. He has been refusing to eat or sleep because he believes that "those guys have been trying to kill me because I know who they are."