02 Assessment and Care Planning Free Online FlashCards

What is the purpose of a mental health assessment?

It helps understand a person’s concerns, strengths, safety, health, and support needs; it informs care but does not by itself establish a diagnosis.

What information can inform a thorough assessment?

Consider the person’s account, observed presentation, relevant history, and—when appropriate—with respect for privacy and consent, information from other sources.

Why evaluate new or unexpected changes in mental state medically?

New or unexpected changes may have medical, medication-related, or substance-related causes, so they warrant appropriate medical evaluation.

What should be explained before beginning an assessment conversation?

Explain your role, the conversation’s purpose, confidentiality and its limits, and how information will be used.

Which dimensions help characterize a present concern?

Explore onset, duration, frequency, severity, triggers, changes over time, and effects on daily functioning.

What does a mental status examination describe?

The MSE describes current presentation and mental functioning. It is a contextual snapshot, not a diagnosis.

How do mood and affect differ in the MSE?

Mood is the person’s reported emotional state; affect is the emotion conveyed through expression, tone, and behavior.

How do thought process and thought content differ?

Thought process describes how ideas are organized and connected. Thought content includes preoccupations, beliefs, fears, and thoughts of harm.

What does a positive risk screening result mean?

A positive screen identifies a need for further evaluation; it is not a complete risk assessment.

What should be explored when assessing suicide concerns?

Explore current thoughts, timing and frequency, plan and access to means, past attempts or self-injury, acute stressors, supports, and reasons for living.

What should you do if a person cannot be kept safe?

Do not leave the person alone. Promptly involve the responsible clinician, follow emergency procedures, and arrange urgent evaluation.

What does a collaborative safety plan include?

It outlines warning signs, coping strategies, supportive contacts, professional or crisis resources, and steps to make the environment safer when relevant. It is not a promise or contract to avoid harm.