Nursing Assessment of Mental Health

Nursing Assessment of Mental Health
By Dr. Hayder AL-Hadrawi

College of Nursing/ University of Babylon

Students Learning Outcomes
At the end of this presentation, learners will be able to:
1. Identify the principles & the categories that are used to assess the mental health status of different clients.
2. Formulate appropriate questions that lead to obtain enough information for each category to use as basis in developing care plan that fits a patient’s needs.
3. Describe the physical impairments that are common among clients with mental disorders.
4. Demonstrate appropriate mental health assessments

Factors Influencing Assessment
ِA. Client’s Participation and health status: If the client is unable or unwilling to participate, some areas of the assessment will be incomplete or vague. For example, the client who is extremely depressed may not have the energy to answer questions or complete the assessment. The nurse may need to contact the client more than one time to complete the assessment. If the client is anxious, tired, or in pain, The information that the nurse
obtains may reflect the client’s pain or anxiety rather than an accurate assessment of the client’s situation.

B. Client’s previous Experiences and Attitudes : If the client is reluctant to seek treatment or has had previous unsatisfactory experiences with the health-care system. The client may minimize or maximize symptoms or problems or may refuse to provide information in some areas.

C. Client’s Ability to Understand: A client with impaired hearing also may fail to understand what the nurse is asking

D. Nurse’s Attitude and Approach: The client may refrain to provide sensitive information, such as child abuse or domestic violence if he or she perceives the nurse as nonaccepting, defensive, or judgmental.