UMH207 Understanding Mental Health Case Study
In this 1800-word Report, respond to the challenges and issues in the case scenario. You are asked to research and find studies/research/journal articles/government and international health agency reports relating to the case study. These peer-reviewed articles will help you support your line of reasoning. In this report, you will describe key points in relation to legal and ethical factors and the mental health act.
1) Read the case study provided via Assessment 3 area of the subject.
2) Address the following questions in your Report.
• Discuss how and why the Mental Health Act applies to the case scenario.
• Summarise and identify specific examples of legal and ethical issues in relation to the consumer’s rights.
• As the registered nurse looking after the consumer, explain how you advocate for their rights.
• Compare the concepts of mental health, mental illness and mental disorder. Determine which category the consumer in the case scenario fits
• Identify and illustrate the main symptoms of the mental health condition as outlined in the case (this can be done in table form)
• Determine a medication that may be clinically indicated for the consumer in the case scenario.
Provide a rationale for why it is indicated.
• Evaluate and explain three (3) techniques you would use to develop trust and rapport and begin a therapeutic relationship with the consumer when first admitted to the hospital.
• Express how you would explain the need to give the consumer an intramuscular medication.
• Given the consumer’s mental state at this time, identify one (1) technique you would use to ensure your safety (during the explanation about the intramuscular medication outlined above).
This assessment requires more than ten references. Use recent, relevant, and reliable resources to complete this task. These should be peer-reviewed literature related to the subject matter, no older than seven years. It is essential that you use the appropriate APA style for citing and referencing research. Please see more information on referencing on the Academic Skills webpage.
Your report should include the following:
Introduction
• Background information on the topic (including historical context, changes in our understanding etc.)
Body
• Subheadings can be used for each key area you are required to research for your topic.
• You can include graphs, diagrams and tables that may be appropriate. Ensure that you title these clearly, in the correct way, and reference using the APA referencing system where necessary.
Conclusion
• It brings together all of the information that you have presented in your report.
• It should link back to your introduction.
Analysis and evaluation of complex mental health cases is a chief skill required among mental health nurses. The discussion will proceed with consideration of the case of Jas, who is suffering from mental conditions. There will be an examination of medical and nursing interventions required for Jas in the report.
2.1 Mental Health Act and its applications
The Act of Mental Health (2014) is permissible for the case of Jas and her attempts to overdose on medication intentionally. The Act consists of three components of treatment: protection of patients’ rights, assessment and assisting individuals experiencing mental trauma (Department of Health, 2021). The evaluation component implies compulsory identification of the mental conditions of Jas. This can be followed by undertaking proper treatment for the protection of Jas's health along with safety. The imperativeness of the Act lies in safeguarding the rights of Jas that comprise the right to dignity, privacy and informed consent. This implies that the medical authorities can adequately hear the voice of individuals such as Jas. It can additionally help in the formulation of treatment according to the requirements of Jas. The Act of 2015, likewise, can be used in terms of providing support along with recovery (Government of Australia, 2023). The Act can help Jas access therapy, counselling, and community support services for MBA assignment expert.
2.2 Summary and identification of instances of legal and ethical issues
Based on the case study, it can be summarised that the patient, Jas, claimed she was a victim of unfair dismissal from work. Her manager terminated her because of jealousy. Jas considers herself superior to other employees as she considers herself as God's tongue and claims that other restaurant chains want to work with her. Later, she got blotto and was admitted to the hospital, where she claimed that the patient in that hospital tried to molest her. It can be concluded that Jas's dismissal from their job is unethical and sets an example of an ethical issue.
A similar case, the above one, showcases ethical issues in an Australian company, which involves legal consumer rights issues. It involves a BP worker's dismissal from an Australian refinery company for sharing a Hitler meme. The company terminated the employee for sharing such a controversial meme on social media and charged 2,00,000 dollars to him (Frayne, 2022). The employee claims unfair dismissal under section 394 of the Fair Work Act 2009. He won the case, arguing that the meme was shared outside the office premises and in a private Facebook group. The Fair Act 2009 protects employees from any sort of unethical practices by any company. Moreover, it provides legal support for unethical misconduct by a company (Commonwealth Numbered Acts, 2023).
2.3 Registered nurse advocacy
The registered nurse can undertake advocacy for Jas by showing respect for autonomy. The nurse needs to be allowed to make decisions without any external intervention.
It can be done by engaging in non-judgmental and open conversation (Abbasinia, Ahmadi &Kazemnejad, 2020). This will allow Jas to express her concerns as well as preferences. The registered nurse needs to inform the consumer about the different treatment options. It will enable them to gain informed consent before treatments and medical interventions. The registered nurse has to maintain the confidentiality of the patient (Larkin et al., 2019). Furthermore, there is a need for treatment without any type of discrimination. For instance, Jas must be treated with empathy and respect to improve her mental health.
2.4 Comparison of concept of mental illness, disorder and mental health
Mental health comprises a state of well-being that upholds a person's social, emotional and psychological aspects. Mental health makes the individual manage stress, undertake decisions, maintain relationships and experience a purposeful life. On the other hand, mental illness implies a medical condition that needs a prompt diagnosis (Mudd et al., 2020). Mental illness adversely impacts individual thoughts, feelings, behaviour and well-being (Hartman, Heinrichs & Mashhadi, 2019). It can therefore cause impairment, anxiety and distress in regular life. The conditions of mental health can include common health conditions such as depression and anxiety, along with severe states of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (Hartman, Heinrichs & Mashhadi, 2019). However, mental disorders are distinguished by thoughts, behaviours and emotions that can jeopardise mental functioning, causing distress.
Figure 1: Mental Illness and Disorders
Source: (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021)
It can be stated from the above figure that mental distress has become common among Australians and the rate is considerably high among women. The intensity of distress is further evident among young Australians within 34 years, as in the case of Jas, who is 32 years old. Mental disorders are diagnosed per the Statistical and Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Therefore, mental health is a broader concept comprising positive well-being (RANZCP, 2023). Mental disorders and mental illness are clinically diagnosable conditions that influence an individual's mental functioning.
The case of Jas shows that she has had a mental disorder for a long time. As per the case, Jas has been suffering from the condition for the last twelve years, making it imperative to undertake prompt treatment. Schizoaffective disorder is a complicated condition of psychiatry that amalgamates traits of mood disorders and schizophrenia (Baryshnikov et al., 2020). The state Jas shows that she suffers from psychotic symptoms along with the occasion of mood disturbances.
2.5 Identification and illustration of main symptoms of the mental health
The main symptoms of schizoaffective disorder experienced by a person involve psychological issues. Hallucinations involve seeing, hearing and feeling things that do not exist in real life. The case study showed that the patient protested for justice due to sexual assault by another patient in the hospital (Smith, 2023). Delusion involves believing in things which has no connection with the real world. Disorganised speech means when a patient says irrelevant things that have no connection with each other (Refer to the appendix).
Moreover, the patient's speaking speed changes abruptly from slow to fast or vice-versa. Disorganised behaviour means when a patient relies on others to schedule the events in everyday life unless the patient's life becomes disorganised. Catatonic behaviour indicates when a patient cannot move or perform any physical action (Arrigo, 2023). Other negative symptoms involve changes in sleep patterns, body language, less interest in socialising and a reduced range of emotions. Moreover, the patient lacks interest in performing physical activities (Refer to Appendix 1).
2.6 Determination of medication and its reason for adoption
The clinical treatment of Jas's schizoaffective disorder (SD) comprises medications for addressing challenges of mood swings and psychotic symptoms. The chief medication can consist of antipsychotic medication that can help manage symptoms ranging from disorganised thinking to delusions (Baryshnikov et al., 2020). This type of meditation which is called antipsychotics of the second generation, is considerably effective for the treatment of SD. The major reason is that this medication decreases the side effects compared to conventional antipsychotic medications. The major types of atypical antipsychotics are quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone and aripiprazole.
The choice behind the selection of antipsychotic medication is that it helps in the identification of imbalances that are present in the neurotransmitter. The medicine helps address, for instance, the inequality in the working of dopamine in the brain. The application of the medication leads to the obstruction of extensive working of neurotransmitters (Hartman, Heinrichs & Mashhadi, 2019). This helps in the minimisation of disruption along with distressing symptoms of schizoaffective disorder. Applying the medication can provide immediate relief to the patients such as Jas. Atypical antipsychotic treatment can help minimise the relapses that Jas suffers. It can help improve the patient's life after getting released from medical institutions.
2.7 Evaluate and explain three techniques to develop trust and rapport
Techniques such as actively listening to the patients, showing genuine interest in patients and being respectful to the patient help in building confidence in the nurse and the healthcare facilities.
Actively listening to the patients: This involves listening to the opinions of the patient regarding their health and the healthcare system; leaving behind other works for a while helps develop rapport with the patient (Train Healthcare, 2020). Moreover, being empathetic towards the patients' feelings makes the nurse sync with the vibes of the patients completing the nurse trustworthy in the eyes of a patient.
Showing genuine interest: It is important to show genuineness in understanding the patients' feelings. Moreover, being genuine in the approaches, such as discussing the treatment that would be provided to the patients transparently, helps develop trust in the nurse and, consequently, the healthcare care organisation (Mills, 2020). Apart from these, asking patients about related health issues, specifically in terms of their experiences, would help showcase genuine interest regarding their health issues, which consequently helps build trust.
Respectful: Respecting the thoughts and opinions of the patients regarding health care and their health issues is important for maintaining rapport with the patient. Patients must feel comfortable sharing their thoughts (Train Healthcare, 2020). This would make the patients reveal many opinions regarding healthcare and the disease, consequently developing good terms with the nurse and healthcare organisation.
2.8 Explain the way to convince a patient to administer an intramuscular medication
Explaining the need to give an intramuscular injection to a patient involves understanding the patient's medical condition and explaining the intramuscular injection's benefits. Convincing the patients about the need for the intramuscular injection would help the patient in giving relief from the hallucinations. Moreover, explaining to the patient that the medication would help normalise her sleep cycle and make her combat schizophrenia effectively.
A nurse can convince a patient by maintaining rapport with the patient. Apart from these, a nurse needs to assess a patient's healthcare literacy to fill the patient's knowledge gap regarding the safety of the intramuscular injection. Apart from these, the nurse could explain the need for intramuscular injection by telling them the efficacy of intramuscular injection compared to oral medications. Intramuscular injections work faster as they are injected into the muscles, which helps quickly enhance the drug's drug delivery and bodily procession (Pharmapproach, 2023). Moreover, the nurse could explain the need for intramuscular injection by giving examples of the recovery rate of patients taking intramuscular injections; this would encourage the patient to take intramuscular injections and convince the patient named Jas regarding the need for intramuscular injection.
2.9 Given the consumer’s mental state at this time, identify a technique to ensure your safety
The mental state of the patient named Jas is better in comparison to the previous condition. The patient currently agrees to take oral medication timely. However, she still behaves aggressively and presents her grandiosity through her behaviour to others. It can be said that the patient needs improvements in her mental state. A technique that can ensure safety while giving a patient an intramuscular injection involves correct hand techniques while administering the injection at the injection site (Cafasso, 2023). The administration of injection properly consists in holding the syringe perpendicular to the skin and piercing the skin gently. While administering the injection, it is necessary to assess whether the patient is going through severe pain or not.
Moreover, the correct administration technique also involves checking whether the patient has any numbness in the area of administration or not (Cafasso, 2023). Besides these, it is important to select the particular area of the body where the injection needs to be administered. Moreover, while administering the medicine, the nurse must check whether any blood is coming from the injected site.
Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that mental health leads to many complications in a patient's life. It can be concluded that the mental health treatment of the patient named Jas involves three stages: treatment, assessment and assistance. It can be supposed that the patient has Schizophrenia disorder, which psychologically impacts the patient. It can be concluded from the study that the medicine needed for minimising the effect of Schizophrenia from the patient named Jas involves antipsychotic drugs. Moreover, it can be concluded that active listening, being respectful and showing genuine interest in patients help in the cooperation of patients with healthcare organisations.
Abbasinia, M., Ahmadi, F., &Kazemnejad, A. (2020). Patient advocacy in nursing: A concept analysis. Nursing ethics, 27(1), 141-151. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733019832950
Arrigo, T. D. (2023). Schizophrenia symptoms: Positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-symptoms
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). First Insights from the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-21. Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/first-insights-national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing-2020-21
Baryshnikov, I., Sund, R., Marttunen, M., Svirskis, T., Partonen, T., Pirkola, S., & Isometsä, E. T. (2020). Diagnostic conversion from unipolar depression to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder: A nationwide prospective 15‐year register study on 43 495 inpatients. Bipolar disorders, 22(6), 582-592. DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12929
Commonwealth Numbered Acts. (2023). Fair work act 2009 (no. 28, 2009). http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/fwa2009114/index.html Cafasso, J. (2023, April 21). Intramuscular injection. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/intramuscular-injection
Department of Health (2021, October 24). Mental health act 2014. Department of Health. Victoria, Australia. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/practice-and-service-quality/mental-health-act-2014
Frayne, A. (2022, October 17). BP worker wins unfair dismissal case after being sacked for posting Hitler Meme. Stacks Law Firm. https://stacklaw.com.au/news/employment-law/bp-worker-wins-unfair-dismissal-case-after-being-sacked-for-posting-hitler-meme/?utm_source=mondaq&utm_medium=syndication&utm_term=Employment-and-HR&utm_content=articleoriginal&utm_campaign=article
Government of Australia. (2023). Mental health act 2015: ACTS. Mental Health Act 2015 | Acts. https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2015-38/
Hartman, L. I., Heinrichs, R. W., & Mashhadi, F. (2019). The continuing story of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: One condition or two?.Schizophrenia Research: Cognition, 16, 36-42. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scog.2019.01.001
Larkin, M. E., Beardslee, B., Cagliero, E., Griffith, C. A., Milaszewski, K., Mugford, M. T., ... & Witte, E. R. (2019). Ethical challenges experienced by clinical research nurses:: A qualitative study. Nursing ethics, 26(1), 172-184. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733017693441
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Mudd, A., Feo, R., Conroy, T., & Kitson, A. (2020). Where and how does fundamental care fit within seminal nursing theories: A narrative review and synthesis of key nursing concepts. Journal of clinical nursing, 29(19-20), 3652-3666. DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15420
Pharmapproach. (2023, June 1). Intramuscular route of drug administration: Advantages and disadvantages. Pharmapproach.com. https://www.pharmapproach.com/intramuscular-route-of-drug-administration-advantages-and-disadvantages/
RANZCP. (2023). Mental health legislation. RANZCP. https://www.ranzcp.org/clinical-guidelines-publications/in-focus-topics/mental-health-legislation#:~:text=Mental%20Health%20Acts%20(MHAs)%20enable,serious%20harm%20and%20provide%20care.
Smith, M. (2023, March 1). Schizophrenia symptoms and coping tips. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-disorders/schizophrenia-signs-and-symptoms.htm
Train Healthcare. (2020, June 3). 5 tips to build patients’ trust in Nurses. Train Healthcare. https://www.trainhealthcare.com/5-tips-build-patients-trust-nurses/#:~:text=Building%20trust%20requires%20active%20listening,patient%20as%20they%20express%20themselves.