Who should the nurse inform if a mental health client reports an inability to refill their prescription due to financial constraints?

The most appropriate person for the nurse to inform in this situation is the case manager. A case manager is a professional responsible for coordinating care for clients, particularly those facing challenges that may impede their treatment, such as financial difficulties. The case manager is positioned to connect the client with necessary resources, such as financial assistance programs, medication assistance programs, or other forms of support that could help address the financial barriers to obtaining medication.

While informing other professionals like the psychiatrist or social worker might also be beneficial, the case manager's role specifically encompasses addressing logistical and resource-related issues. The psychiatrist typically focuses on the client's mental health treatment and medication management, while the social worker may assist with broader psychosocial issues but is not necessarily tasked with coordinating all aspects of care. Informing a family member, while considerate, may not directly address the immediate need for assistance with medication access and could breach the client's confidentiality unless consent is provided.