Mental state assessment is a key element in the fundamental nursingyet often overlooked. Contrary to popular belief, it should not be limited to patients with obvious symptoms such as depression, delirium or cognitive impairment.
📌 Wrong: A mental health assessment is only carried out if the person presents symptoms.
➡️ Common mistake! According to recent data, more than half of caregivers do not systematically carry out this assessmentThis can lead to delays in treatment.
✅ Good reflex: integrate mental state assessment into daily practiceeven in the absence of obvious signs.
📌 True: Impaired attention and level of consciousness are key factors in diagnosing delirium.
🔎 Delirium is a fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and attention. It is precisely this variability that makes it difficult to identify and explains why we " misses out " in many cases.
🚨 Consequences: Undetected delirium can have serious consequences on the patient's health (falls, aggravation of underlying illnesses, prolonged hospitalization).
💡 The right thing to do: include assessment of attention and awareness in every clinical examination.
🎓 Register for accredited training in clinical assessment which will take place March 11th and benefit from a 25% with promo code WOMEN (valid until March 11).
📘 Improve your clinical documentation skills with the nursing writing guide.
Rigorous assessment and accurate documentation are the keys to ensuring the quality and safety of care. 🚑✨
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