A common concern for homeless people is following medication and treatment regimens. The community health nurse should be vigilant of what common condition among homeless people?

Question

A) Frequently medications can be easily refrigerated.
B) Difficult-to-follow special dietary restrictions
C) Food is allowed in the sleeping area of the shelter.
D) Medicine is sold for cash or swapped for benefits.

Answer 1

Ans: D
The following is a list of common conditions that require your constant awareness as you promote healthy partnerships with homeless people: Frequently, medications cannot be easily refrigerated. It is difficult to follow special dietary restrictions when meals are eaten at a shelter. Food is often very salty and high in fat, with limited fruits and vegetables. It is important for nurses to learn about food served at shelters and day centers. Ask if you might stay for a meal. Food may not be allowed in the sleeping areas at the shelter, so taking medication along with food may not be possible. Sometimes, medicine is swapped or sold for cash or people are assaulted for the medicine. Counsel those in the shelter as to where medicines may be safely stored. Often people who are homeless will request vitamins to compensate for nutritional deficits.