A nurse is conducting a mental status examination. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to determine the client’s insight?
A.
“Do you feel you need treatment?”
B.
“Who is the governor of this state?”
C.
“What do you get when you subtract 7 from 100?”
D.
“How do you get money for your needs?”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To assess a client’s insight during a mental status examination, the nurse should ask:
A. “Do you feel you need treatment?”
Explanation:
Insight in a mental status examination refers to the client’s awareness and understanding of their own mental health condition, including their recognition of the need for treatment. Evaluating insight is crucial because it provides information about the client’s self-awareness and their ability to acknowledge the nature of their illness.
Why Option A is Correct:
Option A, “Do you feel you need treatment?” directly assesses the client’s insight by asking them to reflect on their own condition and acknowledge whether they believe they require professional intervention. This question gauges the client’s understanding of their illness and their recognition of its impact on their life. Insight involves a degree of self-awareness and the ability to perceive one’s own mental health status realistically. A client with good insight will recognize their need for treatment, while a client with poor insight might deny having a problem or underestimate the severity of their condition.
Why Other Options are Incorrect:
- Option B: “Who is the governor of this state?” This question tests the client’s orientation and knowledge of current events, but it does not provide insight into their awareness of their mental health condition.
- Option C: “What do you get when you subtract 7 from 100?” This question assesses the client’s cognitive functioning, specifically their arithmetic skills. While important, it does not address insight into their mental health or treatment needs.
- Option D: “How do you get money for your needs?” This question relates to the client’s understanding of their financial situation and coping strategies rather than their awareness of their mental health condition.
In summary, Option A is the most appropriate for evaluating a client’s insight because it directly addresses their awareness and acceptance of their mental health status and the necessity for treatment.