A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder ran out of money, did not refill a lithium prescription, and then relapsed. After assaulting several people in the community, this person was convicted and sentenced

Question

Prior to parole, which outcome has priority for the correctional nurse to achieve? The person:

a. agrees in writing to continue lithium therapy.
b. is reestablished on an appropriate dose of lithium.
c. lists community resources for prescription assistance.
d. agrees to a follow-up appointment in an outpatient clinic.

Answer 1

ANS: C
To increase medication adherence, reduce the risk of relapse, and prevent further criminal activity due to mental illness, the person's awareness of community resources for medication refills and medication-related services is the most important outcome. Agreeing to take lithium, being reestablished on medication in the jail, and agreeing to follow-up mental health care are important, but none of these will address the primary reason for the criminal behavior: the relapse caused by inability to access medication in the community.