During a mental status examination,a patient sits looking tense and suspicious.The patient has a reddened scar on the left cheek and is wearing a torn,soiled shirt and only one shoe.Which observation about appearance has the greatest significance for the patient's current mental state?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation of tension and suspicion indicates current stress and possible paranoia.The scar,the condition of the clothing,and the absence of a shoe are not as relevant to the patient's current mental state because they originated in a time other than the present.

During a Mental Status Examination,a Patient Sits Looking Tense and Suspicious.The