A client unable to work due to relapsing schizophrenia is receiving Social Security Benefits. Which benefit will this provide to the client experiencing serious mental illness?

While all members of the interdisciplinary team play important roles in the care of a client started on antidepressant medication, the psychiatric nurse typically takes a leading role in monitoring the medication's effectiveness and side effects.

1. Pharmacist: The pharmacist plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and accurate dispensing of medications. They provide important information about the medication, its dosing, and potential drug interactions. However, they may not be directly involved in monitoring the client's response to the medication or assessing for specific side effects.

2. Psychiatrist: The psychiatrist is responsible for prescribing the antidepressant medication and determining the appropriate treatment plan for the client. While they may periodically review the client's progress and adjust the medication as needed, their role may focus more on the overall management of the client's mental health condition rather than continuous monitoring of the medication's effectiveness and side effects.

3. Psychologist: The psychologist typically focuses on providing therapy and counseling services to the client. While they may have knowledge about the effects of antidepressant medication, their primary role is not to monitor its effectiveness or side effects.

4. Psychiatric nurse: The psychiatric nurse is often at the forefront of medication monitoring and management. They closely observe the client for changes in symptoms, assess the client's response to the antidepressant medication, and monitor for any potential side effects or adverse reactions. The psychiatric nurse may collaborate with the psychiatrist and other team members to adjust the medication regimen and provide ongoing support and education to the client about their medication.

The nurse should include the following components when performing a mental status examination (MSE) on a client with a new diagnosis of dementia:

● Grooming: Assessing the client's grooming and personal hygiene can provide insights into their ability to care for themselves and maintain basic activities of daily living.

● Long-term memory: Evaluating the client's long-term memory can help identify any deficits or impairments in their ability to recall past events, experiences, or personal information. This is particularly relevant in dementia, as it often affects memory function.

● Support systems: Assessing the client's support systems, such as family members, friends, or caregivers, is essential in understanding the resources available to the client and the level of assistance they may require in managing their dementia. However, this does not occur within the mental status exam.

● Affect: Evaluating the client's affect refers to observing their emotional expression and responsiveness during the assessment. In dementia, changes in affect can occur, such as a flat affect or inappropriate emotional responses.

The component that should not be included in the MSE for a client with dementia is:

● Presence of pain: While pain assessment is an important aspect of caring for individuals with various health conditions, including dementia, it is not a specific component of the mental status examination. Pain assessment is typically addressed separately and should be conducted when necessary or based on the client's specific complaints or indications of pain.