A nurse is working with a 70-year-old client who has severe and persistent mental illness. Which of the following statements most likely applies to this client's situation?

Question

A) Supplemental Security Income provides enough money for the person to pay for a home, food, and medication.
B) Reinstitutionalization may result in the individual being committed to a mental hospital or asylum.
C) Opportunities to improve finances are limited or nonexistent because this person may lack funds for education, clothing, and transportation.
D) Medicaid funding for those with mental illness is likely sufficient to optimize the client's care.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Reliance on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as the major source of financial support allows little opportunity for choices. The average monthly stipend barely meets their rent payments. Unlike the early institutions that housed those with mental illness in hospitals and asylums, the current reinstitutionalization is in both hospitals and jails. Medicaid funding, although limited in noninstitutional settings, remains the primary source for poor people, including most people with SPMI. The result has been inappropriate admissions to nursing facilities and other institutions so that clients can receive appropriate care. Opportunities to improve finances are limited or nonexistent because these people lack funds for education, clothing, and transportation.