At intake, you may encounter a patient who seems impatient, fidgety, or easily distracted. They may interrupt, lose track of questions, or appear agitated without an obvious trigger. These behaviors are often attributed to anxiety, substance use, or defiance, but they could also be symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an often underrecognized and undertreated condition in incarcerated populations. Understanding ADHD…
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This post is in response to a request by a nurse manager whose staff had recently dealt with a successful suicide onsite. She asked if I could suggest strategies she could share with her staff, who were very much affected by what happened. In correctional healthcare, we work with individuals who often carry heavy burdens—mental illness, trauma, substance use disorder,…
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A 63-year-old man is screened during booking. The intake nurse notes a blood pressure of 180/98. The man reports he is prescribed Lisinopril 40mg daily, though he hasn’t taken it that day. After verifying the prescription with his community pharmacy, the nurse obtains a continuation order and administers a dose from stock. He begins daily administration during pill line. Several…
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