Which of the following findings should require immediate follow-up by the nursing staff?

The finding that requires immediate follow-up by the nursing staff is self-injury. This behavior is a significant indicator of severe emotional distress and potential harm to oneself. When a patient engages in self-injury, they are often expressing deep psychological pain and may be at risk for more serious harm or suicidal ideation. This necessitates an urgent and appropriate response from nursing staff to assess the situation, ensure the safety of the patient, and provide immediate interventions or support.

In comparison, while chronic low self-esteem, manipulative behaviors, and a preference for solitary activities are important factors to consider in a patient’s overall mental health assessment, they do not pose the same immediate risk to the patient’s safety as self-injury does. These other behaviors may warrant further discussion and intervention over time, but they do not require the same level of immediate attention and response that is necessary for self-injury.