During an admission assessment, a client reports currently using heroin. Which information is most important for the nurse to consider in the plan of care?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: A history of suicide attempts is crucial information when planning the care of a client using heroin because there is a high risk of further suicide attempts, especially in individuals with substance use disorders. The nurse must prioritize mental health safety and implement measures to monitor and support the client's psychological well-being to prevent any potential self-harm.Choice B reason: While family history of schizophrenia is important, it is not immediately crucial to the plan of care for a client currently using heroin. This information is more relevant for long-term monitoring and psychiatric evaluation rather than immediate care planning.Choice C reason: Undiagnosed social anxiety disorder (SAD) may contribute to substance use; however, it is not the most urgent concern in this scenario. The focus should be on immediate safety and stabilization, particularly addressing the high risk of suicide.Choice D reason: Feelings of disorientation are significant but could be a result of heroin use. While important to assess, they are secondary to the immediate concern of preventing self-harm in a client with a history of suicide attempts.