Question

CLIENT PROFILE

Mandeep is a 28 year old G3 P2 A1 L2. She is married to Altaz, 54 years old. They live with his parents in a single family home in Brampton. Mandeep immigrated to Canada from the Punjab region of India 24 months ago. Mandeep speaks and understands a limited amount of English; however her first language is Urdu. Mandeep worked in India in a sari shop but has not worked since her arrival in Canada. She does not drive and has found it difficult to make new friends. She misses her old life and is lonely at times. Altaz is the only member of the family working and as such, has 2 jobs and is home very little.

Mandeep vaginally delivered a 4000g healthy baby boy 4 days ago. She was discharged within 20 hours of delivery, refused to breastfeed and was not interested in holding her son.   Mandeep has remained in a dark room since discharge, has missed her doctor’s appointments and refuses to bond with her child. Her mother-in-law called an ambulance this morning because Mandeep was outside in her underwear talking to herself saying, “I need to end this-I need to end this-I need to end this.”

CASE STUDY

Mandeep, accompanied by her mother in law and newborn son, arrives in the Emergency Department via ambulance stating her son is possessed by the devil.    She states she has a voice in her head commanding her to kill her son to save him from the devil—she continually states “I need to end this-I need to end this-I need to end this.” Mandeep appears restless, withdrawn, agitated and is making irrational statements. Mandeep’s mother in-law seems taken aback by Mandeep’s behavior and states “she is not fit to be a mother—tie her down and keep her here.”

question:

Does Mandeep’s behavior warrant involuntary admission to the hospital? Why or why not? (3 marks)

Answer 1

Mandeep's behavior warrants involuntary admission to the hospital due to dangerous behavior towards her son. Legal standard on her need for treatment to avoid harm to others and herself. Involuntary hospitalization must for the patient with mental illness including graved disabled and suicidal thoughts, dangerous behavior to them and others. This process protects the individual generally involve on behalf of society towards an individual.