Nokea
An adult patient tells the case manager, 'I dont have bipolar disorder anymore, so I dont need medicine. After I was in the hospital last year, you helped me get an apartment and disability checks. Now Im bored and dont have any friends.' Where should the nurse refer the patient? Select one tha does not apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient does not understand the illness and need for adherence to the medication regimen. Psychoeducation for the patient (and family) can address this lack of knowledge. The patient, who considers himself friendless, could also profit from social skills training to improve the quality of interpersonal relationships. Many patients with serious mental illness have such poor communication skills that others are uncomfortable interacting with them. Interactional skills can be effectively taught by breaking the skill down into smaller verbal and nonverbal components. Work gives meaning and purpose to life, so vocational rehabilitation can assist with this aspect of care. The nurse case manager will function in the role of crisis stabilizer, so no related referral is needed. The patient presently has a home and does not require a homeless shelter.