A middle-aged homeless male experiencing severe abdominal pain comes i

QUESTION

A middle-aged homeless male experiencing severe abdominal pain comes into the emergency department of the community hospital. What should the nurse do for this individual?

1. Provide care
2. Ask for proof of health insurance
3. Ask for the name of last employer
4. Send to the nearest Medicaid office

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 1

Uninsured Americans access health services if they can pay for them, if they are sick enough to be admitted to the emergency department of a public hospital, or through a national insurance model (Medicaid) if they are extremely impoverished. Since the individual came through the emergency department of a community hospital the nurse should provide care. Asking for proof of insurance or name of last employer is not appropriate since the individual is homeless. Sending to the nearest Medicaid office would be inappropriate because the individual is in need of health care now.