What should be done for a patient with a risk of social isolation?

Encouraging family visits is crucial for a patient at risk of social isolation because social support plays a significant role in emotional well-being and recovery. Family members can help maintain connections that are essential for the patient's mental health, thereby reducing feelings of loneliness and distress. Regular interaction with loved ones can provide emotional support, boost morale, and foster a sense of belonging, all of which are vital for individuals who may feel cut off from their social networks.

In contrast, promoting ambulation activities, assessing nutritional intake, and providing educational materials, while important aspects of patient care, do not directly address the risk of social isolation. Ambulation activities focus on physical mobility, which may not necessarily enhance social engagement. Assessing nutritional intake is more related to physical health rather than emotional support or social interaction. Similarly, although educational materials can inform patients about their health or treatment, they do not inherently provide the social connections that help combat feelings of isolation.