Sally, a nurse for community mental health is caring for 3 clients today. First, she meets Sam. Sam has been admitted to a psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of psychosis and schizophrenia. Sally provides Sam with appropriate interventions to help stabilize his condition, monitors his compliance with medication and conducts therapy sessions. Explain in 200 words. 1. Sally is using what level of prevention according to the Neuman Systems Model? 2. Give a few examples of nursing actions using Tertiary preventions as interventions.
1. According to the Neuman Systems Model, Sally’s approach to caring for Sam can be classified as tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention refers to interventions aimed at reducing the impact of an existing condition or preventing further complications. In Sam’s case, he has already been diagnosed with psychosis and schizophrenia, and Sally’s main focus is on stabilizing his condition and managing its symptoms.
Sally’s interventions align with the principles of tertiary prevention because she is primarily involved in managing and controlling the manifestations of Sam’s psychiatric conditions. For instance, she ensures that Sam complies with medications prescribed by the healthcare team. Medication adherence is crucial in managing psychosis and schizophrenia, as medication can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent relapses.
Additionally, Sally conducts therapy sessions with Sam, which is another example of a tertiary prevention intervention. These therapy sessions can help Sam to cope with his condition, manage stressors, and develop strategies to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms. Therapy sessions can also promote self-awareness and encourage healthy coping mechanisms, which are essential for long-term management of psychosis and schizophrenia.
Overall, Sally’s utilization of medication monitoring and therapy sessions aligns with the principles of tertiary prevention in the Neuman Systems Model. Her goal is to stabilize Sam’s condition and prevent the worsening of symptoms or the occurrence of further complications.
2. When discussing nursing actions using tertiary preventions as interventions, several examples can be provided:
a) Support groups: Nurses can facilitate or refer patients to support groups that focus on specific mental health conditions. These groups provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, coping strategies, and insights. Support groups can help individuals with mental illnesses to feel less isolated, gain knowledge and resources, and develop effective ways to manage their condition.
b) Psychoeducation: Nurses can provide educational materials, workshops, or individual sessions to patients and their families. These sessions could include information about the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses, medication management, coping strategies, and strategies for maintaining overall health and well-being. Psychoeducation aims to empower individuals by providing them with knowledge and skills to manage their condition effectively.
c) Rehabilitation programs: Nurses can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop or implement rehabilitation programs. These programs may include vocational training, skills development, and socialization activities tailored to the individual’s specific needs and abilities. Rehabilitation programs aim to improve individuals’ functional abilities, enhance their quality of life, and promote their reintegration into society.
d) Crisis intervention: Nurses trained in crisis intervention can provide immediate support and interventions to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Crisis intervention involves assessing the individual’s immediate needs, ensuring their safety, and providing appropriate interventions to stabilize the crisis. This may include coordinating emergency services, offering emotional support, and developing a safety plan.
e) Medication management and monitoring: Nurses play a vital role in ensuring that individuals with mental illnesses adhere to their prescribed medications. They can educate patients about the importance of medication compliance, explain potential side effects, and address any concerns or misconceptions. Additionally, nurses can monitor medication effectiveness, assess for any adverse reactions, and collaborate with the healthcare team to make necessary adjustments if needed.
These examples highlight some of the nursing actions that fall under the category of tertiary prevention. The main aim of these interventions is to reduce the impact of an existing mental health condition, prevent further complications, and assist individuals in achieving and maintaining optimal mental health and well-being.