HLT301 Mental State Examination Workbook for Nursing

Task:

Description

This task provides you with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate knowledge of processes associated with assessing a person’s mental state in different health care contexts, and supporting the person to navigate to a place of recovery.

Supporting literature to answer the questions: 

You need to demonstrate you have used the most appropriate source for your responses e.g. policy documents, journal article, textbook etc. Not all the answers require a citation, however you are expected to use a variety of sources eg textbook, journal articles, credible websites etc.

Academic sources should be published within the last 5 years.

Assessment Task 1

1. Define the mental state assessment, describe when it is to be used and describe why it is a useful tool for nursing or midwifery practice

2. Describe Andy’s  appearance and behaviour during the initial assessment

3. Differentiate between mood and affect, and then describe affect as it relates to Andy

4. Discuss Andy’s speech 

5. What signs or symptoms associated with an episode of psychosis  can you identify in the interview with Andy?

6. What tests might Dr Taylor request at the end of the consult with Andy, and why are these important in the context of symptoms consistent with psychosis? (max 100 words) 3 marks

7. Dr Taylor assesses Andy’s thought. Describe how you think she might describe and document her findings in the progress notes? 

8. How would you assess Andy’s  insight into his current emotional and cognitive state? What are the likely positive or negative outcomes associated with this level of insight? Please comment on his overall judgement as well. 

9. Looking at Andy’s presentation overall, what risks does he currently present with?  Are there risks that you have excluded? Provide evidence for all your responses. Please give consideration to his physical health as well as all other possible risks.

10. Andy is diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. What interventions/treatment and care pathways/options  would be appropriate for his care? Give consideration to the setting in which this care might be provided. Provide rationales for your plans. You will need to read the relevant chapter in your textbook, as well as look for other academic sources