A 19-year-old client is admitted to a psychiatric unit with an Axis I diagnosis of alcohol abuse and an Axis II diagnosis of personality disorder not otherwise specified. The client's mother states,...

A 19-year-old client is admitted to a psychiatric unit with an Axis I diagnosis of alcohol abuse and an Axis II diagnosis of personality disorder not otherwise specified. The client's mother states, “He's always in trouble, just like when he was a boy. Now he's just a bigger prankster and out of control.” In view of the client's history, which of the following is most important initially?

1. Letting the client know the staff has the authority to subdue him if he gets unruly.

2. Keeping the client isolated from other clients until he is better known by the staff.

3. Emphasizing to the client that he will have to pay for any damage he causes.

4. Closely observing the client's behavior to establish a baseline pattern of functioning.