The principle most useful to a nurse planning crisis intervention for any patient is that the patient

A) is experiencing a state of disequilibrium.
B) is experiencing a type of mental illness.
C) poses a threat of violence to others.
D) has high potential for self-injury.

Disequilibrium is the only answer universally true for all patients in crisis. A crisis represents a struggle for equilibrium when problems seem unsolvable. Crisis does not reflect mental illness. Potential for self-violence or other-directed violence may or may not be a factor in crisis.