Drug abuse has become a serious health problem in many healthcare sectors. These patients require specialized care and may benefit from collaborative care models and social services. In this case, the client, a 21-year-old woman, has severe medical problems besides taking drugs and smoking. Performing a medical examination or psychological assessments will guide a nursing practitioner on the treatment priorities for the patient. Devising a strategic plan can help the patient improve her health status. Additionally, allocating resources and providing proper education can be vital during the process of recovery.
What Data Can You Gather Based on Available Client Information?
First, during the interview, I understand that the client takes fewer meals than required. I will also note that she has not been feeling well in weeks, and her mental condition is poor. A physical examination of the patient’s vitals will be necessary. The client needs to understand that her isolated behavior can affect her health. By understanding the client’s level of addiction, a medical examination will be vital (Barringer et al., 2017). This examination will aid in proper diagnosis and case management. Furthermore, I will assess the patient’s sleep disorder, energy, concentration, appetite disorder and suicidal tendencies. This kind of information will reveal the exact problem at hand and the particular treatment for the diagnosis.
What Questions Should You Ask Yourself While Interviewing This Client?
During the interview, I can ask her about her nutrition status and her deficiencies. I will ask myself about the potential problems the client might be facing. It can include financial constraints, lack of proper shelter and lack of transport. I will also ask myself the possible challenges the client is facing and how well she can manage. An enquiry on whether has ever attempted to quit substance abuse and what working strategies she identified in the past will be crucial. I will ask myself how best I can connect her to the appropriate resources for optimum outcomes.
During Planning, How Can You, As the Nurse, Best Assist This Client?
The suitable approach I can use to assist the patient is to develop an effective patient-nurse support relationship. I will need to establish an environment of understanding the patient’s situation. A lack of a common ground will affect how the patient is giving information (Barringer et al., 2017). During planning, I can use therapeutic communication to develop trust with the client. Moreover, I plan to explain all the recommended social services to the client. Lastly, I can reassure her that with her compliance, there is hope for improvement.
What Are the Potential Strategies That Would Assist the Client in A “Better” Life?
One way to help the patient is to connect her to a social worker to aid with resources and addiction counselling. Social services will be able to provide a rehabilitation facility that is best suited for my client. Additionally, as a nurse, I will educate the patient on the significance of maintaining a healthy diet and the potential dangers of substance abuse (Barringer et al., 2017). I will also give her the necessary information on the support groups around her area. I will recommend a follow up at the clinic and the continued monitoring of her progress.
Conclusion
During the interview process, all the questions asked can be geared towards formulating a strategic plan to address the patient’s concerns. After the program has been devised, the necessary education and resources should be made available for better results. Poor lifestyle habits can lead to severe symptoms over time. Patients’ health can be managed if he/she complies with the nurse on an effective plan to improve their lifestyle. For the patient, a strategic plan can produce positive results if followed strictly.
Reference
Barringer, A., Hunter, B. A., Salina, D. D., & Jason, L. A. (2017). Empowerment and social support: Implications for practice and programming among minority women with substance abuse and criminal justice histories. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 44(1), 75-88. Web.