Question

A nurse is assessing available support systems for a client in the community mental health clinic. the client is divorced, has no siblings, and both parents died last year. the client has contact with once-supportive former in-laws; however, the client describes a strained relationship since the divorce. with regard to the relationship with the in-laws, what knowledge does the nurse use to plan care?

Answer 1

The nurse must use knowledge about the current relationship between the client and his/her in-laws in terms of what support they would be willing or able to provide in relation to what needs the client has. Those needs that are not met by the in-laws, would need to be found through community resources to provide the client adequate support for her mental health needs.