Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Caring for Persons Who Are Homeless and Mentally Ill Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Caring for Persons Who Are Homeless and Mentally Ill related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a homeless client who has been seen in the mobile clinic every week for the past month because of a foot infection. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse most likely identify as the priority?

  • A. Social Isolation related to homelessness
  • B. Ineffective Health Maintenance related to homelessness
  • C. Chronic Low Self-Esteem related to foot disorder and homelessness
  • D. Imbalanced Nutrition, less than body requirements, related to poor eating
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A foot infection requiring weekly visits indicates Ineffective Health Maintenance (B) as the priority, as it addresses the immediate need to manage the infection, which poses a health risk. Social Isolation (A), Chronic Low Self-Esteem (C), and Imbalanced Nutrition (D) are relevant but secondary to treating the infection.