A community mental health nurse is interviewing a man who is ...

[mcmcdaniel]

A community mental health nurse is interviewing a man who is homeless and has been brought in for services by a local outreach program. The man has been previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and has a history of active alcoholism.
 
  What is the nurse's first priority?
  1. Explore options for community housing.
  2. Provide referrals for housing rental agents.
  3. Require symptom control as the first step in providing assistance.
  4. Refer the patient for an inpatient detoxification and recovery program.

Question 2

Which patient is a nurse likely to see in a dual diagnosis program?
 
  1. A patient with schizophrenia and diabetes
  2. A patient with bipolar disorder and alcoholism
  3. A patient with schizoaffective disorder and chronic unemployment
  4. A patient with adjustment disorder with depressed mood and substance abuse problems

[deja]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1
Explanation: The nationwide emphasis now is on housing first programs that house people first and build in supports for treatment and recovery in stages as the person demonstrates the readiness to engage. It is essential to include treatment options in any treatment planning. It is important for nurses to note that it is not necessary for an individual to have good control of the specific symptoms of mental illness to get basic needs met for safety, food, shelter, and income. The patient has not indicated motivation for a recovery program at this time. A housing rental agent will not be able to offer supportive services.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: There is considerable evidence that the addition of a substance use disorder for a person already struggling with symptoms of serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder, is a factor that often slows progress and recovery. Access to integrated services in a dual diagnosis program can result in improved treatment outcomes. Dual diagnosis programs specifically address serious mental health and substance abuse problems, not physical conditions or employment issues. An adjustment disorder, although it may warrant mental health treatment, is not considered a serious mental illness.

[mcmcdaniel]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[tkempin]

TYSM