Nursing interventions for a chronically ill, nonadherent teenager with a psychiatric diagnosis.

ISSUES AND PURPOSE: To describe the complex care of an adolescent with chronic psychiatric and medical problems. CONCLUSIONS: The nonadherent, self-abusing, adolescent was empowered to progress developmentally, as well as medically. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A planned team approach helped the adolescent become more developmentally appropriate and independent in self-care. The care plan designed by nursing staff included a change in nursing focus, creative problem solving, team nursing, and utilization of multidisciplinary resources.