This section reviewed the components of a mental health history and mental status examination . Nurses must understand their role in performing mental status examinations.

Upon completion of this section, you should be able to verbalize considerations the nurse must use when assessing a patient for alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. The nurse must be able to identify factors that influence a mental health assessment, such as a patient’s culture, past experiences with mental health treatment, and communication barriers .

mental status examination — an assessment of a patient’s level of consciousness and orientation, appearance and general behavior, speech, motor activity, affect and mood, thought and perception, attitude…. abuse — the act of causing physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, sexual, and financial harm to a person. at-risk population — a group of individuals who are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health, social, or economic outcomes due to various factors. controlled environment — an artificial setting that is carefully regulated and monitored to ensure maximum accuracy and precision.