Ch 8 Assessment Book Key Points

Question 1

The purpose of the psychosocial assessment is to:

Answer 1

construct a picture of the client’s current emotional state, mental capacity, and behavioral function.

This baseline clinical picture serves as the basis for developing a plan of care to meet the client’s needs.

Question 2

The components of a thorough psychosocial assessment include:

Answer 2

the client’s history, 
general appearance and motor behavior, 
mood and affect, 
thought process and content, 
sensorium and intellectual process, 
judgment and insight, 
self-concept, 
roles and relationships, 
and physiologic and self-care considerations.

Question 3

Several important factors in the client can influence the psychosocial assessment:

Answer 3

ability to participate and give feedback,
physical health status,
emotional well-being and perception of the situation,
and ability to communicate.

Question 4

The nurse’s attitude and approach can greatly influence the psychosocial assessment. The nurse must conduct the assessment:

Answer 4

professionally, nonjudgmentally, and matter-of-factly, while not allowing personal feelings to influence the interview.

Question 5

To avoid making inaccurate assumptions about the client’s psychosocial functioning, the nurse must be sensitive to the client’s:

Answer 5

cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Many cultures have values and beliefs about a person’s role in society or acceptable social or personal behavior that may differ from the beliefs and values of the nurse.

Question 6

Accurate analysis of assessment data involves:

Answer 6

considering the entire assessment and identifying patterns of behavior as well as congruence among components and sources of information.

Question 7

Self-awareness on the nurse’s part is crucial to obtain an:

Answer 7

accurate, objective, and thorough psychosocial assessment.

Question 8

Areas that are often difficult for nurses to assess include:

Answer 8

sexuality and self-harm behaviors and suicidality.

Discussion with colleagues and experience with clients can help the nurse to deal with uncomfortable feelings.

Question 9

The client’s safety is a priority; therefore, asking clients:

Answer 9

clearly and directly about suicidal ideation is essential.