A suspicious and socially isolated patient lives alone, eats one ...

[strangeaffliction]

A suspicious and socially isolated patient lives alone, eats one meal a day at a nearby shelter, and spends the remaining daily food allowance on cigarettes. Select the community psychiatric nurse's best initial action.
 
  a. Report the situation to the manager of the shelter.
  b. Tell the patient, You must stop smoking to save money.
  c. Assess the patient's weight; determine the foods and amounts eaten.
  d. Seek hospitalization for the patient while a new plan is being formulated.

Question 2

A nurse assesses an inpatient psychiatric unit, noting that exits are free from obstruction, no one is smoking, the janitor's closet is locked, and all sharp objects are being used under staff supervision. These observations relate to:
 
  a. management of milieu safety
  b. coordinating care of patients
  c. management of the interpersonal climate
  d. use of therapeutic intervention strategies

[millet]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Assessment of biopsychosocial needs and general ability to live in the community is called for before any action is taken. Both nutritional status and income adequacy are critical assessment parameters. A patient may be able to maintain adequate nutrition while eating only one meal a day. Nurses assess before taking action. Hospitalization may not be necessary.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Members of the nursing staff are responsible for all aspects of milieu management. The observations mentioned in this question directly relate to the safety of the unit. The other options, although part of the nurse's concerns, are unrelated to the observations cited.

[strangeaffliction]

Excellent

[Sarahjh]

TYSM