Mr. Castro is a 28-year-old male who has been incarcerated at the county jail for the last 16 days. He denied medical and mental health problems during the Receiving Screening. He admitted to daily use of marijuana, but denied other drugs and alcohol. Today, you received the Health Services Request form he submitted last evening documenting a 24 hour history…
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Mr. Greenleaf: Mental Health and Alcoholism
Mr. Greenleaf is a 36 year old male who suffers from Bipolar Disorder, alcoholism and chronic back pain. He is well-known to the nurses at the facility as he has been arrested numerous times in the past year for public intoxication. He was last incarcerated approximately three weeks ago, and only stayed for two days at that time. Currently, his medications on intake…
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Mr. Stone: Heat-Related Illness
Mr. Stone is a 32 year old male who arrived at the prison about 3 months ago from the county jail, where he had been incarcerated for the past 18 months. There, he was diagnosed with hypertension and anxiety, and has been adherent to his medication regimen of amlodipine and fluoxetine. He was enrolled in the facility chronic disease clinic…
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A Tale of Two Patients: Chest Pain
Mr. Sigmund History: 45 years old No history of Chronic Disease or past cardiac problems Tobacco smoker for 30 years, 1 pack per day Cocaine use “many years ago” Denies over-exertion like vigorous exercise or playing basketball on the yard Incarcerated 6 months Worked as a laborer on the street Symptoms: Started this afternoon Feeling pressure on chest Anxious –…
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Correctional Nurse Scope of Practice Scenario Two
To assist nurses, employers and patients, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has developed a Scope of Practice Decision-Making Framework to be used when determining whether a particular nursing activity is within the nurse’s scope of practice. It is very straightforward. Most states have implemented/recommended this decision-making algorithm, and I encourage all nurses to use it in…
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