A nurse is providing mental health education to a group of high school students. Which of the following information about screening for mental illness should the nurse include?
"Regular physical examinations are commonly used to diagnose mental illness."
"Screening for mental illness is difficult because most mental illnesses cannot be detected through laboratory testing."
"Risk factors for developing a mental illness are unknown, making screening difficult."
"Mental illnesses can be detected through regular blood tests."
The Correct Answer is B
B. Mental illnesses are primarily diagnosed through clinical assessments, interviews, and observation of symptoms by mental health professionals. While laboratory tests may be used to rule out other medical conditions that could mimic psychiatric symptoms or to monitor the effects of medication, they are not typically used as primary screening tools for mental illness.
A. Regular physical examinations are important for overall health and may help identify physical conditions that could contribute to or coexist with mental health symptoms. However, physical examinations alone are not sufficient for diagnosing mental illness.
C. There are known risk factors associated with the development of various mental health conditions.
D. There are no specific blood tests that can definitively diagnose most mental health disorders. Blood tests may be used to rule out physical conditions that could be contributing to symptoms or to monitor medication levels, but they are not direct diagnostic tools for mental illness.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by unstable mood, behavior, and relationships, often leading to impulsive behaviors including self-harm. It's crucial for the family to understand the potential for self-harm in individuals with BPD and to learn how to recognize warning signs and effectively intervene to ensure the client's safety.
A. While medication may be a component of treatment for some individuals with BPD, it is not typically the first-line intervention for managing the disorder.
C. Group therapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups, can be beneficial for individuals with BPD as they provide opportunities for skill-buildin. However, it may not be the immediate priority when teaching the family about BPD.
D. Insurance coverage can be addressed at a later time, and the immediate focus should be on providing information and support to help the family understand and cope with the diagnosis and its implications for the client's well-being.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Fluctuating cognition and visual hallucinations are characteristic features of Lewy body dementia (LBD). LBD is a type of dementia that involves abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. These deposits can cause fluctuations in cognitive abilities, leading to periods of clarity alternating with confusion or disorientation. Visual hallucinations are also common in LBD, often involving seeing people, animals, or objects that are not present.
A. Prion diseases are not commonly associated with fluctuating cognitive function.
C. HIV infection can cause a range of neurological complications, but they usually manifest differently from the symptoms described in the scenario.
D. Symptoms of TBI-related dementia would depend on the severity and location of the brain injury, but they often involve cognitive deficits consistent with the area of brain damage
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