NR548 Exam 3 Verified Solution Graded A+

Mental Status Exam (MSE) -best tool for establishing a psychiatric diagnosis -combination of observations, impressions, & interpretation of client responses -Eval of patients: • appearance • behavior • speech • affect • thought process • thought content • cognition mental health "a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community" mental status -refers to emotional (feeling) and cognitive (knowing) function -functioning is inferred through assessment of an individual's behaviors: • consciousness • language • mood and affect • orientation • attention • memory • abstract reasoning • thought process • thought content • perceptions Factors that affect the interpretation of the MSE culture native language educational level literacy social factors MSE: Appearance -posture -dress -grooming -physical appearance • distinguishable markings; scars or tattoos -facial expressions level of alertness -attitudes -Self-esteem -Personal statement MSE: Behavior how the client presents themselves during the examination -eye contact -psychomotor activity • increased or decreased -movements -mannerisms -stereotypies -posturing -how the client responds to the exam • responses appropriate to topics? • sit still through exam? -gait -movements • coordinated, slowed, excessive MSE: Speech Assess general speech qualities: -rate • fast, rapidly, slowly -rhythm • monotone or slurred -latency -volume • soft, normal, or loud -content