Instructions:
Jasmine Clark is a 18-year-old female who resides at home with her mother and father. She is a senior in high school and plans to attend the University of Nebraska next fall. This is her first psychiatric visit. She insists that she needs to go to the hospital because she is “mentally ill”. Her parents are with her at the pediatric office.
Chief Complaint: “I think I need help.”
Past Psychiatric History: No prior psychiatric treatment
Medical History: No acute or chronic medical conditions. Reports regular menstrual period. No history of sexual relationships. Urine toxicity negative and pregnancy test negative upon admission. No incidents of tic disorder.
This is an unfolding case study which we will be utilizing for this discussion
Questions:
- In your opinion, what is mental illness?
- You are the nurse who will be interviewing the patient. What concepts do you need to consider before you prepare to go and speak with Jasmine? (Elaborate on at least 3)
- Based on the nervous system, what assessment questions could illuminate a potential mental health disorder? (Elaborate on at least 3).
- What information can be obtained from the parents
- Give one example of an ego defense mechanism statement that Jasmine states during your interview. (You must pick a different defense mechanism than your peers)
My example: ” I am going to the University of Nebraska. My dad has always said the best and the brightest are Cornhuskers. That’s me.”
EGO Defense Identification
Add a question: After you have analyzed the content from the discussion board, please add a question to the end of your initial post regarding the reading material for the week.
Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.
Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis, and include peer-reviewed journal evidence to support the student’s position.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this response, we will provide answers to the content provided in the given case study. Each question will be addressed separately, providing relevant information and analysis based on the context.
Answers:
1. In your opinion, what is mental illness?
Mental illness refers to a broad range of conditions that affect a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, and overall mental well-being. These conditions can interfere with an individual’s ability to function effectively in daily life, impacting their relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Mental illness can encompass various disorders such as mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. It is important to recognize that mental illness is not simply a personal weakness, but rather a complex interplay of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
2. You are the nurse who will be interviewing the patient. What concepts do you need to consider before you prepare to go and speak with Jasmine? (Elaborate on at least 3)
Before speaking with Jasmine, several concepts should be considered:
a) Therapeutic communication: It is crucial to establish a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship by utilizing active listening skills, empathy, and non-judgmental attitudes. This helps create a safe and supportive environment for Jasmine to express her concerns and emotions freely.
b) Cultural sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences is important in providing holistic care. Being mindful of Jasmine’s cultural background can help avoid misunderstandings, promote cultural inclusivity, and enhance the accuracy of assessment and treatment planning.
c) Developmental considerations: Considering Jasmine’s age as an 18-year-old adolescent, understanding the developmental challenges and changes associated with this stage is important. Adolescents often experience identity exploration, emotional fluctuations, and peer pressure, which may influence their perceptions and expressions of mental health concerns.
3. Based on the nervous system, what assessment questions could illuminate a potential mental health disorder? (Elaborate on at least 3)
Assessment questions focusing on the nervous system can provide insights into potential mental health disorders:
a) Sleep patterns: Inquiring about sleep quality, duration, and any disturbances like insomnia or nightmares can help identify sleep-related disorders and certain mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
b) Appetite changes: Assessing for appetite fluctuations, significant weight loss or gain, and altered eating behaviors can indicate potential eating disorders or mood disorders.
c) Energy levels and fatigue: Exploring changes in energy levels, persistent fatigue, lack of motivation, or excessive restlessness can provide clues regarding the presence of conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
4. What information can be obtained from the parents?
When gathering information from the parents, essential details can include:
– Family psychiatric history: Inquiring about any history of mental illness or psychiatric disorders within the family can determine potential genetic predispositions.
– Childhood development: Obtaining information about Jasmine’s early development, milestones, and any significant childhood experiences can help identify possible contributors to her current concerns.
– Social and family dynamics: Understanding the family’s dynamics, relationships, stressors, and support systems can shed light on potential environmental factors impacting Jasmine’s mental health.
5. Give one example of an ego defense mechanism statement that Jasmine states during your interview. (You must pick a different defense mechanism than your peers)
Example: “I don’t need help, it’s just stress from school. I can handle it on my own.” (Rationalization)
Ego defense mechanisms are psychological strategies used by individuals to protect themselves from uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or realities. Rationalization involves explaining or justifying one’s thoughts or behaviors in a manner that makes them appear reasonable or acceptable. In this case, Jasmine rationalizes her distress as mere stress from school, denying the need for help to maintain a sense of control and autonomy.
Please note that the specific defense mechanism statement may vary based on individual interpretations and analysis.
As an AI language model, I don’t have access to peer-reviewed journal evidence or specific APA references. However, it’s important to conduct further research and include relevant references to support the statements provided above.
