1. Describe the nature, purpose, and process of the mental status examination. 2. Examine the observations and clinical implications of each category of the mental status examination. 3. Identify commonly used psychological tests. 4. Analyze the value of using behavioral rating scales in psychiatric nursing practice. The mental status examination includes information in a number of categories (Box 6-1). It is one part of a complete psychiatric nursing assessment tool. In completing this examination, it is critically important to be aware that sociocultural factors can greatly influence the outcome of the examination (Box 6-2). The content, observations, and some of the clinical implications associated with each category are described in the following sections (Robinson, 2002). • Speech disturbances are often caused by specific brain disturbances. For example, mumbling may occur in patients with Huntington chorea, and slurring of speech may occur in intoxicated patients. • Manic patients often show pressured speech. • People with depression often are reluctant to speak at all. Motor activity describes the patient’s physical movement. • Excessive body movement may be associated with anxiety, mania, or stimulant abuse. • Little body activity may suggest depression, organic mental disorders, catatonic schizophrenia, or drug-induced stupor. • Tics and grimaces may suggest medication side effects. • Repeated motor movements or compulsive behavior may indicate obsessive-compulsive disorder. • Repeated picking of lint or dirt off of clothing is sometimes associated with delirium or toxic conditions.
Psychological Context of Psychiatric Nursing Care
Content of the Examination
Speech
Clinical Implications
Motor Activity
Clinical Implications
Psychological Context of Psychiatric Nursing Care
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