Mental Health:
Complete four short essay questions using the case vignette below. A maximum of 400 words per question is required. A minimum of two references per question is required. The reference list is to be included at the end of each short essay.
References must be peer reviewed journal articles or texts and should be no more than five years old. Links to all references used must be included in the reference list.
Each essay must include a defined introduction, body and conclusion
Avoid writing in the first person even if the question asks what would you do.
Case Vignette:
You are a graduate nurse working in the Accident and Emergency department. Mary, a 27 year-old woman presents to the department seeking advice about her health. You recognise Mary. She lives on your street and although you do not know her socially she is a neighbourhood acquaintance. Mary’s marriage ended 18 months ago after her husband had an extra-marital affair. After the divorce Mary started work in a local nursing home as a care assistant. She has two small children. She has found sole parenting difficult. Mary claims she is experiencing almost daily headaches. She states that she has been having difficulty getting off to sleep for the last six months, is irritable and on edge, and finds herself shouting at the children frequently. She had recently started experiencing palpitations and a tingling sensation in her hands.
Mary states that she feels “stressed” most of the time. She says that she spends a lot of the day worrying about various things, such as whether she is bringing up her children well, whether she will find another partner and the security of her employment. She is unable to relax and has difficulty concentrating at work. She worries that there may be a physical cause for her complaints. She can’t afford to be away from work and her support networks are limited.
Question 1: Explain the difference between anxiety and fear. Describe how each of these states might manifest as a distinct clinical disorder.
Question 2: Describe what information you should obtain from Mary during your initial interview.
Question 3: Discuss the communication techniques you might use in your interview with Mary.
Question 4: As Mary is an acquaintance, do you need to consider professional boundaries as you begin to plan her care?
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