Mental Status Examination: A Comprehensive Core Skills Guide for All Health Professionals [booklet]

This comprehensive mental status examination core skills guide is an invaluable tool for all health professionals, including registered nurses, student nurses, social workers, midwives, occupational therapists, psychologists and medical doctors. The guide provides uncomplicated assessment terminology definitions that are easy to remember and integrate into each assessment you complete. The mental status examination is a methodical assessment tool used to evaluate the appearance, behavior, general manner and mental functioning of an individual. The mental status examination provides a snapshot of an individuals psychological performance capability, at any moment in time, and is considered to be a key element in the comprehensive assessment process. This guide will lead you through the mental status examination in a structured and systematic approach, providing examples and prompt questions of each key element, as you progress with your learning.

Nick Fitzgerald and Rachel Fitzgerald are registered nurses with an interest in clinical education. Nick and Rachel are sharing their clinical skills and knowledge with the wider nursing and health community through the development of evidence-based literature that will enhance patient care. Nick and Rachel currently reside in New Zealand, after relocating from England via Australia.