Author Question: The mental health nurse at a community health center reviews the charts of the patients who present ... (Read 78 times)

AEWBW · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The mental health nurse at a community health center reviews the charts of the patients who present for appointments at the beginning of the day. Which patient will the nurse see first?

1. A college student who has been referred from the student health center for an ADHD evaluation
2. A 43-year-old woman with schizophrenia who reports she has stopped taking her medication because it makes her feel sick
3. A 35-year-old woman with bipolar disorder who requires a medication evaluation
4. A 25-year-old man with obsessive-compulsive disorder who reports a relapse of symptoms

Question 2

A psychiatric advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) works for a local community health center. Which patients is she likely to see? Select all that apply.

1. A 76-year-old man who was found wandering the parking lot of a local shopping mall
2. A 40-year-old woman with diabetes and a history of depression
3. A 16-year-old girl with a BMI of 15.75
4. A 60-year-old woman with a sprained ankle
5. A 17-year-old football player with fluid volume deficit and a cut on his right hand

tuate · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2
Explanation: The patient with schizophrenia who has stopped taking her medication is at risk for relapse and possibly risk for injury if symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations return. The nurse will see this patient first to assess the reasons for medication nonadherence and try to help motivate the patient to return to the treatment plan. The nurse should also see this patient first to ensure the patient does not leave if she lacks the motivation to wait. Patients with schizophrenia are also likely to have co-morbid conditions, so this patient's risk for injury may increase in the presence of a co-occurring medical illness if the patient is not following the treatment plan. The remaining patients the nurse can see in order of arrival.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1, 2, 3
Explanation: Nurses working in community mental health settings provide a variety of interventions from conducting mental status examinations to providing medication education and monitoring treatment responses. The psychiatric APRN is likely to see the older adult who is found wandering, as that patient requires a mental status examination. The nurse may also conduct a mental health assessment of a patient with a chronic illness who presents with symptoms or a history of depression. A 16-year-old girl with a BMI of 15.75 needs to be evaluated for a feeding and eating disorder and possible inpatient care. The older adult who has a simple sprain and an athlete presenting with dehydration and a minor injury to an extremity do not require mental health care.