The nurse is caring for a homeless client and consults the emergency department (ED) case manager. What can the ED case manager do for this client?

Question

a. Communicate client needs and restrictions to support staff.
b. Prescribe low-cost antibiotics to treat community-acquired infection.
c. Provide referrals to subsidized communi-ty-based health clinics.
d. Offer counseling for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Answer 1

C
Case management interventions include facilitating referrals to primary care providers who are accepting new clients or to subsidized community-based health clinics for clients or families in need of routine services. The ED nurse is accountable for communicating pertinent staff consid-erations, client needs, and restrictions to support staff (e.g., physical limitations, isolation pre-cautions) to ensure that ongoing client and staff safety issues are addressed. The ED physician prescribes medications and treatments. The psychiatric nurse team evaluates clients with emo-tional behaviors or mental illness and facilitates the follow-up treatment plan, including possible admission to an appropriate psychiatric facility.