Psych- lethargy,decreased oral intake
harry206 - 05-17-09 01:49

A 58-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with a 2-day history of lethargy and decreased oral
intake. She is unable to give a clear history, but her daughter who brought her to the hospital says that
she lives alone and she usually calls her every few days. When her mother did not answer her phone
she went to her home and found her asleep on the couch with alcohol on her breath. She was difficult to
arouse and walked with an unsteady gait. Her mother is reluctant to go to doctors and has lived alone
since her husband died 5 years ago. Her mother has always enjoyed drinking but in the last few years
has increased the frequency and quantity. She has a history of hypertension but is on no medications.
On admission, she appears disheveled and has a non-focal neurological examination. Laboratory
studies are normal except for an elevated alcohol level. A CT scan of the head is normal. After 3 days
of inpatient hydration and feeding, the patient is feeling much better and is scheduled for discharge.
The most important intervention prior to her discharge is