What Should the Nurse Do?
Carla, a twenty-eight-year-old female, seeks care at a local mental health clinic due to recent symptoms of persistent sadness, decreased energy, and changes in sleep patterns. Carla has a history of depression and anxiety and is currently taking medication prescribed by her psychiatrist. During the initial assessment, her vital signs are stable, with a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg, a heart rate of 75 beats per minute, and a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute. As part of her care plan, the nurse is required to discuss treatment options and share information with other health-care providers while ensuring compliance with HIPAA rules within the mental health practice setting.
1
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What nonverbal cues might Carla exhibit during the assessment that indicate her awareness or concern about maintaining privacy? How can the nurse recognize and respond to these cues effectively?
2
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If the nurse successfully maintains HIPAA rules, what specific indicators of positive outcomes would you monitor to assess the effectiveness of the nurse’s actions? How can the nurse measure Carla’s satisfaction and sense of privacy throughout her mental health care?
Theresa, a sixty-five-year-old female, arrives at the community health clinic seeking medical attention. She presents with a history of chronic back pain and has been experiencing increased discomfort over the past month. Theresa explains that her primary care physician prescribed a new pain medication, but she is hesitant to take it due to concerns about potential side effects. She expresses worry about the impact of the medication on her overall well-being. Theresa has a medical history of hypertension and osteoarthritis. Her vital signs include a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, heart rate of 82 bpm, respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute, and temperature of 98.6°F (37°C).
3
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What cues from Theresa’s case suggest potential ethical concerns related to her pain management?
4
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As a nursing student, what specific actions would you take to implement the selected solution and address Theresa’s concerns?
5
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How would you evaluate the success of the chosen interventions in meeting Theresa’s pain management needs and addressing ethical considerations?