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Mental Health, Nutritional, Skin, Hair and Nail Assessment.

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Submitted By blkstallion4life
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Assessing Mental Status
Most of a mental status assessment can be done during an interview. Assess the patient’s appearance, behavior, mood, thought processes and cognitive function, coping mechanisms, and potential for self-destructive behavior. Record your findings.
Most of us already do an assessment of mental status everyday, esp. in our jobs. But now we are going to take a little closer observation. Mental Status exam is a FOCUSed exam. Used for screening, assess state of consciousness (expected or unexpected) or to assess whether the patient is experience delirium versus dementia.
Past Medical and Family History
Any history of * Neurological disorders * Brain surgery * Psychiatric counseling * Mental retardation * Alzheimer disease * Learning disorders
Personal and Social History
Pertinent data should include:
· Emotional status
· Life goals, relationship with family members
· Intellectual level
· Sleeping/eating patterns, weight loss/gain
· Anxiety
· Use of alcohol or street drugs
Age and Condition-Related Variations * Children * Areas relevant to children are speech & language, behavior, performance of self-care activities, personality and behavior patterns and learning difficulties * Older Adults * Ask about any experiences with depression, or changes in mental functions
Let’s look at appearance… this can help to indicate emotional and mental status, specifically noting his/her dress and grooming. Some things to note should be his appearance, is it clean and appropriate for age, gender, and situation. What does his posture look like, erect or slouched?
Is his gait brisk, slow, shuffling, or unsteady? Does he walk normally?
What about his facial expression? Does he look alert, or stare blankly? Does he appear sad or angry?
How about eye contact, does he stare at you for long periods, does

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