Question

A 32-year-old homeless client is referred to an outpatient treatment program for delusional behavior. A nurse notes during the history-taking process that the client eats only one meal a day, which is high in fat and contains no vegetables. The client also states that she rarely eats fruit. Which approach can the nurse use to help the client eat more nutritious meals?

1) Encourage the client to eat more fruits and vegetables
2) Provide the client with a daily vitamin supplement
3) Refer the client to a nutritionist for a personalized meal plan
4) Educate the client about the importance of a balanced diet

Answer 1

The nurse should educate the homeless client about the importance of a balanced diet, collaborate with a nutritionist to create a personalized meal plan, provide a daily vitamin supplement, and refer the client to food assistance services. Encouraging the intake of a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole plant foods, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is essential for improved nutrition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nutritional Strategies for a Homeless Client

To help a 32-year-old homeless client eat more nutritious meals and address delusional behavior potentially exacerbated by poor nutrition, a multifaceted approach is necessary. To begin with, the nurse can certainly educate the client about the importance of a balanced diet, emphasizing the role it plays in overall health and well-being. By understanding the benefits of consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, the client may be more inclined to include them in their diet. These are high in vitamins, phytochemicals, and fiber, particularly important for individuals consuming high-fat meals with limited variety.

Collaboration with a nutritionist to develop a personalized meal plan that is realistic for the client's circumstances can facilitate adherence to nutritional guidelines. Additionally, providing a daily vitamin supplement may help mitigate deficiencies in the short term, although it is not a substitute for a varied diet. It is important to consider the client’s accessibility and resources; therefore, referring them to community programs like SNAP or other food assistance services that encourage the inclusion of fruits and vegetables may be beneficial.

Finally, the inclusion of complete proteins from plant sources, such as combinations of beans and rice, can be encouraged as they play a crucial role in overall nutrition. The nurse should emphasize choosing whole and fresh foods over processed ones, reducing intake of sugar and salt, limiting saturated fats while increasing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, to contribute towards a more balanced diet.