Psychosocial Assessment

Question 1

What are some factors that influence assessment?

Answer 1

• Client participation/feedback (if client extremely depressed and unable to answer parts of assessment may be vague)
• Client’s health status (anxious, tired, pain can affect assessment)
• Client’s previous experiences/misconceptions about health care (if client reluctant to seek treatment may have difficulty answering questions directly)
• Client’s ability to understand
• Nurse’s attitude and approach

Question 2

What are some factors that influence assessment?

Answer 2

• Client participation/feedback (if client extremely depressed and unable to answer parts of assessment may be vague)
• Client’s health status (anxious, tired, pain can affect assessment)
• Client’s previous experiences/misconceptions about health care (if client reluctant to seek treatment may have difficulty answering questions directly)
• Client’s ability to understand
• Nurse’s attitude and approach

Question 3

True or false: When interviewing a client, the nurse should select an area that is quiet and isolated from others.

Answer 3

False
Rationale: The nurse should interview a client in an environment that is comfortable, private, and safe for both the client and the nurse, as well as quiet and with few distractions.
–> However, the nurse should not choose an isolated location, particularly if the client is unknown to the nurse or has a history of any threatening behavior.

Question 4

Which item would the nurse include when assessing a client’s self-concept?
A. Roles
B. Support systems
C. Body image
D. Abstract thinking

Answer 4

C. Body image
Rationale: Assessment of the client’s self-concept includes information about the client’s personal view of self, a description of physical self, and emotions.
–> Roles and support systems are addressed when assessing the client’s roles and relationships. Abstract thinking is addressed when assessing the client’s sensorium and intellectual processes.

Question 5

True or false: Personality tests measure a person’s cognitive abilities.

Answer 5

False
Rationale: Personality tests reflect the client’s personality in areas such as self-concept, impulse control, reality testing, and major defenses.
–> Intelligence tests evaluate the client’s cognitive abilities and intellectual functioning.