Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: From Suffering to Hope

CRITICAL THINKING Chuck Malloy Chuck Malloy is a 29-year-old who has a long history of alcohol and drug abuse. He was admitted to your inpatient dual diagnosis unit after what he describes as an “accidental overdose” of heroin in combination with alcohol and use of alprazolam (Xanax) he obtained on the street. He has a history of many arrests for possessing and selling narcotics. He has a five-year-old son who was found with a bag of drugs in his backpack at school last month, and the news story went viral. His son is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Youth Services. Chuck tells you this is a devastating loss for him, and that the event led to his recent increase in drug use, as he has lost his reason to try to kick his addictions. Application What are some of the feelings you had as you read a little bit about Chuck’s history? What are some of the challenges you would face as a nurse working with Chuck? Answers Answers will vary. Answers will vary.