Assessing Mental Status and Substance Abuse Risks

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to mental health and mental status assessment, including factors affecting mental health, assessment tools, and the role of nursing in mental health care.

Mental Status

Refers to the level of cognitive functioning, including thinking, knowledge, problem solving, and emotional functioning, such as feelings, mood, and behaviors.

World Health Organization Health Definition

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Mental Health

A state of well-being where an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with normal stresses of life, works productively, and makes contributions to their community.

American Psychiatric Association Definition of Mental Disorders

Any condition characterized by cognitive and emotional disturbances, abnormal behaviors, and impaired functioning.

Factors Contributing to Mental Disorders

Can include environmental, psychological, genetic, chemical, and social factors.

Nursing Assessment in Mental Health

Involves assessing and screening for mental health conditions, including observation and communication with clients.

Economic and Social Factors

Factors affecting mental health that include financial stability, social support, and community resources.

Substance Abuse

A persistent condition affecting mental health that can lead to dependence syndrome.

SLUMS (St. Louis University Mental Status)

An assessment tool used to evaluate cognitive function, with scoring indicating normal cognitive function or dementia.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A scale used to assess a client's level of consciousness based on eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)

A tool that assesses alcohol consumption and dependence through a series of questions.

Depression Questionnaire

A set of questions designed to evaluate symptoms of depression, including changes in sleep, appetite, and concentration.

SAD PERSONS Scale

A tool used to assess suicide risk by evaluating factors such as sex, age, and previous attempts.

Warning Signs of Alzheimer Disease

Behaviors indicating potential Alzheimer’s, such as repetitive questioning, forgetfulness, and difficulty with familiar tasks.

Differences Between Dementia and Delirium

Dementia is characterized by chronic progressive cognitive decline, while delirium is an acute confusional state often reversible.

Validating Data

An essential process in nursing to ensure collected data is accurate and reliable, often involving additional questioning or verification with professionals.

Analysis of Data

The process of interpreting client data to identify health concerns and potential collaborative problems with other healthcare providers.