Which client should be placed closest to the nurse's station on a mental health unit?

Placing the client who has an anxiety disorder and is experiencing moderate anxiety closest to the nurse's station is appropriate for several reasons. Clients with anxiety disorders may demonstrate heightened emotional distress, which can lead to a need for increased support and reassurance. By positioning this client in closer proximity to nursing staff, it ensures that they can receive immediate attention and intervention if their anxiety escalates. This setup also allows for frequent observations and interactions that can help reduce their feelings of anxiety through reassurance and support.

The other clients, while needing care and support, present different levels of risk and are generally managed in ways that may not require them to be monitored as closely. For instance, clients with severe agitation or disruptive behaviors could pose safety risks to themselves or others and may benefit from being in an area where they can be secured yet still monitored. In contrast, clients with depression or schizophrenia may require support but may not necessitate immediate proximity to the nurse's station unless they are exhibiting acute symptoms. Each client's specific needs and behaviors inform the placement strategy on the unit, but supporting a client with moderate anxiety allows for proactive management of their symptoms.