Ms. Smith is a 29-year-old patient at the outpatient psychia…
Ms. Smith is a 29-year-old patient at the outpatient psychiatric clinic. While completing her assessment you notice her hands are red, raw, and show signs of recent bleeding. She explains that she washes all her clothes in bleach, and uses the chemical to clean her hands several times a day. She states “I need to sterilize myself and my environment of all germs so I do not get sick.” While developing her nursing plan of care, you educate her about the importance of bacteria to the health and well being of not only humans, but also our planet.