Chapter 9

Assessment Strategies and the

Nursing Process

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The nursing process in psychiatric mental health
nursing

Slide 9-2 (Fig. 9-1)

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Purposes of Psychiatric Assessment

● Establish rapport
● Obtain understanding of problem
● Assess psychological functioning
● Identify goals
● Perform mental status examination
● Identify behaviors/beliefs/areas to be modified to
effect positive change
● Formulate a plan of care

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Levels of Intervention in Psychiatric
Nursing

● Primary
- Prevention
● Secondary
- Treatment
● Tertiary
- Rehabilitation

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Underlying Premises for All Levels

● Individuals have the right to decide their destiny and

be involved in decision-making
● Nursing intervention assists individuals to meet their
own needs or solve their own problems
● The ultimate goal of nursing action is to assist
individuals to maximize level of functioning

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Queries to Facilitate Spiritual
Assessment

● What role does religion/spirituality play in your life?

● Does faith help you in stressful situations?
● Do you pray/meditate?
● Who or what supplies you with strength and hope?
● Has your illness affected religious/spiritual
practices?
● Do you participate in any religious activities?
● Do you have a spiritual advisor or member of the
clergy available?
● Is there anyone I can contact to help put you in
touch with your church/place of worship?
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Basic Level: Interventions

● Counseling
● Milieu therapy
● Promotion of self care
● Psychobiological interventions
● Health teaching
● Case management
● Health promotion and health maintenance

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Advanced Practice: Interventions

All basic level interventions plus:

● Psychotherapy
● Prescriptive authority and treatment
● Consultations

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