A suspicious, socially isolated patient lives alone, eats one meal a day at a local shelter, and spends the remaining daily food allowance on cigarettes. Select a community psychiatric nurse's best initial action
a. Explore ways to help the patient stop smoking.
b. Report the situation to the manager of the shelter.
c. Assess the patient's weight; determine foods and amounts eaten.
d. Arrange hospitalization for the patient in order to formulate a new treatment plan.
ANS: C
Assessment of biopsychosocial needs and general ability to live in the community is called for before any other 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. The rule is to assess before taking action. Hospitalization may not be necessary. Smoking cessation strategies can be pursued later.
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