Community Mental Health Nursing (RCMN)
VISIT TO A CLIENT WITH MANIA
It is a purposeful visit by the RCPN to the home of client suffering from mania. The nurse renders care with respect to the client's/family identified health needs.
Purpose
- Meet the specific health needs of the client and family in their home environment
- Monitor the progress of treatment, recovery and coping strategies of the family
- Monitor the progress of care rendered to client by caregivers
- Prevent client from relapsing
- Maximise client, family and societal level of independence of health or wellbeing
- Assess and identify stressors in the environment
- Build confidence of the client and family
Indications
- Home visits to a client suffering from mania.
- Monitoring treatment, recovery and family coping strategies.
- Preventing relapse and managing behavioural and safety needs.
Equipment
- A Well-Equipped Home Visit Bag
- Community Map and or GhanaPost Global Positions System (GPS)
- Manual/electronic area register/ records of the client
- Means of Transportation
Preparation
- Read the community map or GPS and identify the home of the client.
- Carry a well-equipped home visit bag and arrange transportation.
Procedure steps
- Read map of the community and identify the home of the client
- Announce your presence, enter on response, greet and introduce yourself to client, family and significant others
- Establish rapport (refer to procedure) and enquire about the general health of client
- Observe the client's environment for cleanliness and safety
- Approach patient in a calm and respectful manner to gain his cooperation
- Enquire and Counsel on:
- Health of client and relatives
- Occupation and or schooling
- Disease condition to family and other tenants (if necessary)
- Personal and environmental hygiene needs and safety
- Nutritional needs
- Assess mood, behaviour and signs of exhaustion
- Enquire if client participates in family and social activities
- Enquire about social support system available for client
- Educate client and family on his condition
- Educate client's family to be supportive in the care of the client
- Emphasis on signs and symptoms of relapse to client and family
- Inform client and family of other support systems in the community if available
- Explain the importance of adherence to medications and reviews
- Refer problems beyond scope to the nearest unit or health facility
- Inform client and family about your next visit
- Leave your contact with client and caregiver and encourage them to call in case of emergency
- Document the care and findings in report book
- Express appreciation and depart
Precautions
- Approach the client in a calm and respectful manner to gain cooperation.
- Assess mood, behaviour and signs of exhaustion.
- Educate the family to be supportive and emphasise signs and symptoms of relapse.
- Refer problems beyond scope to the nearest unit or health facility.
Aftercare
- Inform the client and family about the next visit.
- Leave contact details with the client and caregiver for emergencies.
Nursing considerations
- Enquire about participation in family and social activities and the social support system available.
- Monitor for exhaustion and manage the environment to reduce overstimulation.
Patient education
- Educate the client and family on the condition and signs and symptoms of relapse.
- Explain the importance of adherence to medications and reviews.
- Inform the family of other support systems available in the community.
Documentation
- Document the care and findings in the report book.
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
Open Component Task app