MHA Flashcards
- What is the legal definition of a mental disorder according to the MHA (1992)?
an abnormal state of mind characterised by delusions, or disorders of mood or perception or volition of cognition to two degrees
- poses a serious danger to safety of the person or others
- diminishes capacity for person to care for themselves
- What are the FIVE exceptions to the MHA – Section 4?
a. Political, religious, or cultural beliefs;
b. Sexual preferences;
c. Criminal or delinquent behaviour;
d. Substance abuse;
e. Intellectual disability.
- What is a section 111?
Nurse’s holding power. A mental health nurse can hold a patient against their will if they assess the person to be mentally disordered and in need of urgent assessment for the MHA
a) How long can a nurse keep a patient under a section 111?
The patient must be seen by a medical practitioner within 6 hours of section 111 being applied
- What is the difference between delirium and dementia?
Dementia is a chronic degenerative brain disease that progresses over time. Delirium is an acute brain condition that causes confusion and disorientation. Delirium is often caused by a medical condition such as an infection drug interaction or toxicity
- Explain what ‘Diagnostic overshadowing’ means in relation to delirium and dementia.
Diagnostic overshadowing describes a situation where a person’s presentation is assumed to be related to a pre-existing condition rather than considering another cause. Increased confusion and disorientation is attributed to the existing diagnosis of dementia, rather than the potential for a delirium
- Identify the ‘Geriatric Giants’ and how they can cause rapid deterioration in older people? 5 of them
Incontinence, instability, immobility, intellectual function, Iatrogenic. The presence of one or more leads to an increased risk of the rest
eg someone who experiences immobility may start experiencing incontinence
