ATI Capstone Content Review: Mental Health - Tips of the Week

All clients should have a Mental Status Exam, which includes: Level of consciousness Physical appearance Behavior Cognitive and intellectual abilities The nurse conducts the MSE as part of his or her routine and ongoing data collection of the client. Changes in Mental Status should be investigated further and the provider notified. Tools such as the mini-mental status examination (MMSE) and the Glasgow Coma Scale may be used as part of the MSE. There are two types of mental health hospitalizations: Voluntary commitment and involuntary or civil commitment. Involuntary commitment is against the client’s will. Despite that, unless proven otherwise, clients are still considered competent and have the right to refuse treatment. Use the following communication tips when answering questions on NCLEX: * If the client is anxious or depressed – use open-ended, supportive statements * If the client is suicidal – use direct, yes or no questions to assess suicide risk * If the client is panicked – use gentle guidance and direction * If the client is confused – provide reality orientation * If the client has delusions / hallucinations / paranoia – acknowledge these, but don’t reinforce * If the client has obsessive / compulsive behavior – communicate AFTER the compulsive behavior * If the client has a personality or cognitive disorder – be calm and matter-of-fact Therapeutic strategies for mental health illnesses and disorders can include medications, talk and behavior therapy, and / or brain stimulation. Clients undergoing care for mental health disorders may feel pressure to deny behavior or issues to appear ‘normal’. The nurse should always carefully collect data regarding each individual to ensure optimal response to therapies. Nurses may use strategies such as communication skills, orienting clients, offering self-care assistance, administering