What is the nurse's initial intervention for a college student talking to unseen people and refusing to engage in activities?

The most appropriate initial intervention for a college student exhibiting signs of psychosis, such as talking to unseen people and refusing to engage in activities, is to attempt to establish a meaningful relationship with the client. Building a therapeutic alliance is crucial in mental health nursing, particularly in cases of psychosis. This initial step can help foster trust, providing the student with a supportive environment where they feel safe to express themselves.

A meaningful relationship can serve as a foundation for further interventions and therapeutic activities. It helps the nurse gauge the student's mental state more accurately and allows the student to feel more comfortable in discussing their experiences, thoughts, and feelings, which is essential for effective treatment planning.

Encouraging the student to join a group or involving family in treatment are actions that could be beneficial later but may not be effective until a relationship is established. Providing education on mental health might also be useful, but without the initial relationship of trust, it is unlikely to resonate with a student who is currently experiencing psychosis.