Post a summary of the interview and a description of the communication techniques you would use with your assigned patient. Explain why you would use these techniques. Identify the risk assessment instrument you selected and justify why it would be applicable to the selected patient. Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient.
Summary of the Interview:
During the interview, the patient expressed concerns about their mental health and exhibited signs of depression and anxiety. They mentioned experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. The patient also reported feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness and mentioned having thoughts of self-harm.
Communication Techniques:
To effectively communicate with this patient, several techniques can be employed. Active listening is crucial to make the patient feel heard and understood. This involves giving them undivided attention, maintaining eye contact, and acknowledging their feelings and concerns. Reflecting and paraphrasing their statements can also show empathy and help clarify any misunderstandings.
Additionally, open-ended questions can encourage the patient to express themselves more freely and provide a deeper understanding of their symptoms. For example, asking, “Can you tell me more about how you’ve been feeling lately?” or “What are the specific changes you’ve noticed in your appetite and sleep patterns?” can elicit more detailed responses.
Using non-verbal cues, such as nodding or maintaining an open body posture, can further convey attentiveness and support. It is essential to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where the patient feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions openly.
Risk Assessment Instrument:
The risk assessment instrument selected in this case is the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). The PHQ-9 is a widely used instrument for screening and monitoring depressive symptoms. It consists of nine questions that cover the core symptoms of depression, including sadness, loss of interest, and thoughts of self-harm. Each question is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.
Justification of Applicability:
The PHQ-9 is applicable to this patient because they have expressed a range of depressive symptoms, as well as thoughts of self-harm. By administering the PHQ-9, the healthcare provider can assess the severity of the patient’s depression and monitor their progress over time. The instrument is quick and easy to administer, making it suitable for regular use during follow-up appointments. By using the PHQ-9, the healthcare provider can track changes in symptoms, identify potential worsening of depression, and determine the need for additional interventions or referrals.
Targeted Questions:
1. How long have you been experiencing these feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities?
2. Can you describe any specific situations or triggers that make you feel more anxious or depressed?
3. Have you noticed any changes in your sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up throughout the night?
4. On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no thoughts of self-harm and 10 being constant thoughts, how frequently have you been experiencing thoughts of self-harm?
5. Have you spoken to anyone about your mental health concerns? If so, what support have you received?
These targeted questions aim to gather specific information about the duration and severity of the patient’s symptoms, potential triggers, and their level of distress. Asking about self-harm thoughts is crucial to assess the patient’s immediate risk and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place. Additionally, inquiring about their support system provides insight into their current social support and potential resources that can be utilized in their treatment plan.