Assesment of Psychiatric-Mental Health Clients

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
Institute of Nursing
Psychiatric Nursing NCM 204
Prof. Andy Lynn Noble- Hizo, RN, MAN

ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH CLIENTS

The nursing process is a six step problem-solving approach to nursing that also serves as an organizational framework for the practice of nursing. It sets the practice of nursing in motion and serves as a monitor of quality nursing care. Nurses in all specialties practice the first step, assessment of clients with psychiatric disorders.

STANDARD I ASSESSMENT- collection of health data.
STANDARD II DIAGNOSIS – analysis of data to determine diagnosis
STANDARD III IDENTIFICATION – identification of expected outcomes
STANDARD IV PLANNING – development of a plan of care to attain expected outcomes
STANDARD V IMPLEMENTATION- implementation of interventions identified in the plan of care
STANDARD VI EVALUATION – evaluation of progress in attaining expected outcomes

CLIENT ASSESSMENT__________________________________________________

TWO TYPES OF DATA:
OBJECTIVE – data include information obtained verbally from the client, as well as the results of inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation.
SUBJECTIVE – data include information obtained from the client, family members or significant others during direct questioning and during health history taking.

TYPES OF ASSESSMENT:
COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT – includes data related to the client’s biologic, psychological, cultural, spiritual and social needs.
      - Generally completed in collaboration with other health care professionals such as physician, psychologist, neurologist and social worker.
      - Physical exam is performed to rule out any physiologic causes of disorders such as anxiety, depression or dementia.
      - Many psychiatric facilities require comprehensive assessment, including medical clearance, before or within 24 hours of admission to avoid medical emergencies in a psychiatric setting.

FOCUSED ASSESSMENT – includes...