What is the first action a nurse should take when caring for a client with hoarding disorder related to food?

The first action a nurse should take when caring for a client with hoarding disorder related to food is to assist the client with completing the Hoarding Scale Self Report. This tool is crucial as it provides a structured way to assess the severity of the hoarding behavior and the specific issues related to food collection and storage. Understanding the extent of the disorder through a standardized assessment is foundational, as it helps in formulating an appropriate care plan and interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.

Understanding the specific behaviors and triggers associated with the hoarding of food can also inform the therapeutic approach and any necessary referrals for further psychological support. Engaging the client in this self-assessment fosters awareness of their situation, which is an important step toward addressing the disorder in a compassionate manner.

Once the assessment is completed, the nurse can then look into other actions such as counseling on food storage, encouraging the discarding of expired items, or conducting a nutritional assessment. However, these steps are most effective when informed by insights gained from the initial assessment.