List the parts of a comprehensive mental status examination (MSE) for mental health patients. Give examples of each and describe the significance to the advanced practice nurse.
Comprehensive Mental Health Examination
Sample Answer
- Description: Overall observation of the patient's physical presentation, grooming, hygiene, posture, movements, and activity level.
- Examples:
- Grooming/Hygiene: Well-groomed, clean; Poor hygiene, disheveled, body odor; Overly meticulous grooming.
- Posture/Movement: Erect, relaxed; Slumped, fidgety; Catatonic (immobile or purposeless movement); Agitated, pacing.
- Dress: Appropriate for time/place; Inappropriate (e.g., formal wear in summer heat); Mismatched items; Partial or no clothing.
- Significance to APRN: Provides initial clues about the patient's self-care abilities, insight, potential underlying conditions (e.g., neglect in depression, agitation in mania or psychosis, catatonia in severe illness), and overall state of mind. It can indicate safety concerns (e.g., neglect suggesting inability to care for oneself).
- Description: Assessment of the quantity, quality, and character of the patient's movements.