What data should a nurse analyze when deciding to refer a patient with a psychiatric disorder to community-based care? Select all that apply

Question

a. Need for PRN medication
b. Severity of the patient's illness
c. Need for structured formal therapy
d. Presence of suicidal or homicidal ideation
e. Amount of supervision required by the patient

Answer 1

B, D, E
The decision tree for the continuum of care calls for the assessment of severity of the illness, the presence or absence of suicidal or homicidal ideation, whether or not the disability is so great that the patient is unable to provide for his or her own basic needs, and the amount of supervision required for patient safety. The frequency of need for PRN medication and the need for structured formal therapy are not considerations mentioned in the decision tree.