Unit Eight Workbook Assignment

Chapter 14: Mental Disorders

Assignment: For each scenario that follows, explain how

and why you would schedule an appointment or suggest a
referral based on the patient’s reported symptoms. Be
sure to first review the “Guidelines for Patient-Screening
Exercises” found on page iii in the Introduction section of
your Workbook.

1. A father calls the office saying his 6-year old son is

experiencing a speech pattern of frequent repetitions
or prolongations of sounds or syllables. The fluency
of his normal speech is punctuated with broken words
and word repetitions. How do you respond to the
call?

2. The daughter of an older patient calls in saying her

father is experiencing loss of short-term memory, the
inability to concentrate, impairment of reasoning, and
subtle changes in personality. He is also restless, is
having trouble sleeping, and is combative. How do
you handle this call?

3. A female patient calls the office stating she is

experiencing deep persistent sadness, despair, and
hopelessness. She says she is having problems
sleeping and does not want to eat. This started a few
days ago and is getting worse. She wants help. How
 do you handle this call?

4. A patient’s husband calls the office saying his wife is

having problems sleeping and is irritable. She is
having nightmares about a fatal automobile accident
she witnessed three months ago. She refuses to ride
in a car. He is requesting an appointment. How do
you handle this call?

5. A male patient calls the office and tells you he is

having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. He
also says he is physically and mentally tired, groggy,
tense, irritable, and anxious in the morning. He
states his sleep is not restorative. How do you handle
this call?