When a nurse combines information about a patient’s verbal communication and nonverbal cues during psychological assessment, what is the nurse primarily aiming to understand?
The patient’s mental and emotional state
In a psychological (mental status) assessment, the nurse listens to what the patient says (verbal content, tone, speed of speech) and observes non-verbal cues such as facial expression, posture, eye contact and gestures.
Putting the two together helps the nurse judge mood, affect, thought process and emotional state, and spot mismatches (for example, saying “I’m fine” while crying).
Social status, physical health and family history are gathered through other parts of the history and examination.
Hence, The patient’s mental and emotional state.
Similar Questions
Which action by a nurse contributes to a therapeutic environment?
Which social factor has recently emerged as a significant challenge in ensuring child mental health?
In forensic psychiatry, following nursing standards helps to:
Which interview technique best encourages a patient to elaborate on their feelings during a mental health assessment?
A child recently diagnosed with stage IV renal cancer is scheduled for a palliative consultation. When the nurse enters the room, the parent says, "There must be a mistake with the pathology report. My child always been healthy. I want a re-test at a different hospital." Which stage of DABDA is the parent exhibiting?
What is a common misconception regarding suicide risk in patients who start feeling better after depression?
A nurse must design a psychoeducation session for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Which approach is most likely to improve parental understanding and support for their child’s social development?
Which of the following best describes a person with dependent personality disorder?
When caring for a patient experiencing a panic attack, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A nurse believes that people with mental illness are dangerous. How might this misconception affect her professional behavior?
Important Questions from Mental Health Nursing
Which action by a nurse contributes to a therapeutic environment?
Which social factor has recently emerged as a significant challenge in ensuring child mental health?
In forensic psychiatry, following nursing standards helps to:
Which interview technique best encourages a patient to elaborate on their feelings during a mental health assessment?
A child recently diagnosed with stage IV renal cancer is scheduled for a palliative consultation. When the nurse enters the room, the parent says, "There must be a mistake with the pathology report. My child always been healthy. I want a re-test at a different hospital." Which stage of DABDA is the parent exhibiting?
