Mary was recently admitted to the psychiatric ward of a hospital. She does not seem to talk, except for mumbling a few incoherent phrases every few hours. When asked why she thought she was brought to the hospital, Mary just shrugged her shoulders, not seeming to understand the question. What is the best way for hospital staff to assess Mary's psychological state, and why?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mental status exam is the most appropriate assessment tool because it is based on behavioural observations, which is important for someone who is not able to communicate effectively. Projective and thematic tests require active participation from the patient, which may not be possible in Mary's case. The MMPI is a useful tool, but it may not provide as much information about Mary's current psychological state as a mental status exam would.

Mary Was Recently Admitted to the Psychiatric Ward of a Hospital