Key Content Area 3

Question 1

Why would you perform a physical assessment and clinical observations?

Answer 1

To gather information on the interactions between the persons physical and mental health (biopsychosocial health)

To establish a physical baseline to go off when implementing treatment and care.

An opportunity to establish TR

Rule our underlying physical conditions that may be presenting as mental illness

Question 2

What is an MSE?

Answer 2

A mental state examination is a semi-structured interview to assess another persons current neurological and psychological functioning across several dimensions at that point in time

Question 3

What is the purpose of an MSE?

Answer 3

 Clarify the presence and extent of the persons mental health problems.
 Evaluate the person’s present mental state.
 Forms the baseline for future assessments.
 Can evaluate any changes/fluctuations in mental state, condition and
response to treatment.
 Identify areas for immediate intervention (consider risk).
 Assists in the determination of appropriate clinical pathways & interventions

Question 4

Why would you do an MSE?

Answer 4

To assess the 10 components of the MSE

Question 5

What are the 10 components of the MSE?

Answer 5

1. Appearance
2. Behaviour
3. Mood
4. Affect
5. Speech
6. Thought form
7. Thought content
8. Perception
9. Cognition
10. Judgement

Question 6

What risks are you assessing for in a risk assessment?

Answer 6

The persons intent and level of risk, ie. potential risk of harm to self or others. This will determine the type of care and management

Question 7

Why do we assess risk?

Answer 7

To reduce this risk of adverse events occuring ( harm to self or others)

Question 8

What does risk mean in this context?

Answer 8

Potential danger to themselves or others including the likelihood, severity and imminence

Question 9

Why is a risk assessment important when taking is biopsychosocial approach to information gathering?

Answer 9

To develop a clear picture of various influences affecting the patients current state.

This allows the formulation of the care plan to focus on the clients most immediate needs and their safety as well as that of those around them.

Question 10

As well as the MSE, physical and risk assessments, what else would you add?

Answer 10

General health history, so your SAMPLE and SMSFAM

Opporunity to establish therapeutic relationship

Opportunity for client education, seeing what kind of knowledge base they have on how their physical and mental health interact. Screening, symptom awareness.

Involvement of MDT

Learn their personality and preferences, how they like to be approached.