Exam 31: Living With Recurrent and Persistent Mental Illness

The nurse manager of a mental health centre wants to improve medication adherence among the seriously mentally ill persons treated there. Which interventions are likely to help achieve this goal? Select all that apply.

Which service would be expected to provide resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if needed, for persons with serious mental illness?

An outpatient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "I am here to save the world. I threw away the pills because they make God go away." The nurse identifies the patient's reason for medication nonadherence as which of the following?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has had multiple relapses. The patient usually responds quickly to antipsychotic medication but soon discontinues the medication. Discharge plans include follow-up at the mental health centre, group home placement, and a psychosocial day program. Which strategy should apply as the patient transitions from hospital to community?

A person diagnosed with a serious mental illness enters a shelter for the homeless. Which intervention should be the nurse's initial priority?

An adult patient tells the case manager, "I don't have bipolar disorder anymore, so I don't need medicine. After I was in the hospital last year, you helped me get an apartment and disability cheques. Now I'm bored and don't have any friends." Where should the nurse refer the patient? Select all that apply.

A homeless individual diagnosed with serious mental illness, anosognosia, and a history of persistent treatment nonadherence is persuaded to come to the day program at a community mental health centre. Which intervention should be the team's initial focus?

Many people brought before a criminal court have mental illness, have committed minor offences, and are off medications. The judge consults the nurse at the local community mental health centre for guidance about how to respond when handling such cases. Which advice from the nurse would be most appropriate?

A patient diagnosed with a serious mental illness lives independently and attends a psychosocial rehabilitation program. The patient presents at the emergency department seeking hospitalization. The patient has no acute symptoms but says, "I have no money to pay my rent or refill my prescription." Select the nurse's best action.