Title: Care of Clients with Substance Related Disorders, Eating and Personality Disorders
Course: NUR 1521C Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing > Section: Module 5

Individuals of all age groups, cultures and ethnic groups are vulnerable to substance related disorders. In fact, the age of onset for developing problems with alcohol and other drugs is increasingly becoming younger.  Substance abuse, according to some sources, is the number one health problem in the United States. More deaths, illnesses, accidents and disabilities are related to substance abuse than from any other preventable health problem. These occurrences place a tremendous burden on the health care system and impact all facets of society.

Eating disorders are real, treatable medical illnesses that not only cause extreme psyche pain but can also be life-threatening. The two main types are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Their prevalence is increasing and the treatment for these disorders is complex.

The nurse needs to understand the complex interrelatedness of the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions of personality disorders. This understanding will assist in diminishing negative or judgmental attitudes that may interfere with developing and implementing comprehensive treatment plans for clients with these disorders.

Learning Outcomes: ADN Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

- Use effective communication skills appropriate for nursing.
- Apply clinical judgment in providing care throughout the lifecycle using the nursing process.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ethical/legal practice and continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
- Provide competent and safe client care in health care settings.
- Engage in teaching and learning with clients throughout the lifecycle.

Objectives

- Compare and contrast the terms substance abuse, substance dependence and tolerance. (SLO#1)
- Summarize the psychological and medical illnesses that are co-morbid with substance abuse. (SLO#1)
- Compare the biological and behavioral effects of alcohol and other substances on clients across the life span. (SLO#1)
- Illustrate four components of the assessment process to be used with a person who is chemically dependent. (SLO#1,2,4)
- Compare and contrast the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and alcohol delirium. (SLO#1,4,5)
- Compare and contrast the signs and symptoms of intoxication, overdose and withdrawal for alcohol, and other substances. (SLO#1,4,5)
- Explain treatment of a person who is withdrawing from alcohol and other substances, including nursing care and pharmacological therapy. (SLO#1,4)
- Utilize the nursing process to formulate nursing diagnoses, goals, expected outcomes and interventions for clients with substance related disorders relating to (a) withdrawal, (b) active treatment, and (c) health maintenance. (SLO#1,2,4)
- Develop teaching plans to assist families and support persons during treatment and rehabilitation of clients with chemical impairment. (SLO#1, 5)
- Evaluate treatment plans for nursing care of chemically impaired clients. (SLO#1,2,4)
- Explain the treatment of chemically impaired health professionals. (SLO#1,2)
- Differentiate between clients with antisocial and borderline personality disorders. (SLO#1)
- Select nursing interventions and milieu management for clients with antisocial / borderline personality disorders .(SLO#1,2,4)
- Compare and contrast the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. (SLO#1)
Identify the priority nursing diagnoses and interventions for anorexia and bulimia. (SLO#1,2,4)

Reading Assignments

Varcarolis,E.(20010). Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing  (6th ed.) St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier

- Chapter 18  Substance Related Disorders
- Chapter 19  Personality Disorders
- Chapter 26  Eating Disorders

Recommended Reading

Varcarolis,E.(2011) Manual of Psychiatric Nursing Care Plans (4th ed.) St. Louis Missouri: Saunders/Elsevier

- Chapter 10 Addictions
- Chapter 11 Eating Disorders

Internet References

- Center for Addiction and Mental Health
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration