The Focus Is On Your Ability To Integrate Your Subjective An

The Focus Is On Your Ability To Integrate Your Subjective And Objectiv

The focus is on your ability to integrate your subjective and objective information gathering into formulation of diagnoses and development of patient-centered, evidence-based plans of care for patients of all ages with multiple, complex mental health conditions. At the end of this term, your SOAP notes will have demonstrated your knowledge of evidence-based practice, clinical expertise, and patient/family preferences as expected for an independent nurse practitioner incorporating psychotherapy into practice.

Paper For Above instruction

The integration of subjective and objective information is fundamental in constructing accurate diagnoses and tailored care plans in mental health nursing. This comprehensive approach ensures that care is both evidence-based and centered on the unique needs and preferences of each patient, facilitating optimal outcomes across diverse populations. As nurse practitioners, the ability to synthesize personal patient narratives with clinical data is essential in managing complex mental health conditions effectively.

Subjective data collection begins with establishing a trusting environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences, feelings, and concerns. This includes history of present illness, psychosocial background, family history, and understanding of the patient's subjective perception of their condition. For instance, in the provided case of a 14-year-old female presenting with thoughts of dying, feelings of flatness, and prior self-harm, the subjective account reveals critical insights into the severity and nature of her depression (Mullen, 2018). The patient's report of suicidal ideation and self-injury behaviors guides clinicians in assessing immediate risks and necessitates urgent safety planning.

Objective data encompass observable signs, clinical examination findings, and diagnostic test results. For example, vital signs, mental status examination (MSE), lab tests, and other relevant assessments provide quantifiable evidence to support or question hypotheses derived from subjective reports. In the case, the patient's alertness and orientation, mood, affect, speech coherence, and judgment are assessed to determine her mental state (Flanagan et al., 2015). Stable vital signs and negative lab results do not negate the severity of her depressive symptoms but provide a baseline for ongoing monitoring and response to treatment.

Combining subjective and objective data facilitates diagnostic accuracy. For instance, the patient's symptoms align with diagnoses of Major Depressive Disorder (ICD-10 F32.1), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1), and PTSD (F43.1). Each diagnosis is supported by subjective reports of depressive mood, suicidal ideation, and objectively observed features such as affect and thought coherence. Accurate diagnosis is critical for selecting appropriate evidence-based interventions, such as pharmacotherapy with SSRIs like Paxil, and psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (Mullen, 2018).

Formulating a patient-centered plan involves integrating subjective preferences, such as the patient and family's willingness to commence medication and therapy, with clinical evidence and safety considerations. The plan includes initiating pharmacotherapy, providing psychoeducation, and arranging follow-up to reassess symptom progression and treatment efficacy (Flanagan et al., 2015). This holistic approach ensures that the care plan respects patient autonomy while adhering to best practice guidelines.

In complex cases, such as the presented adolescent, ongoing assessment and data integration are crucial. Regular follow-up allows for adjustments based on treatment response and emerging subjective complaints or objective findings. Successful integration of subjective and objective data cultivates a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition, enabling targeted interventions that address underlying issues and promote recovery. This process underscores the nurse practitioner's role in delivering holistic, evidence-based mental health care.

References

• Flanagan, C., Berry, D., Jarvis, L., & Liddle, R. (2015). AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 & AS. Illuminate Publishing Ltd: Gloucestershire.
• Mullen, S. (2018). Major depressive disorder in children and adolescents. Mental Health Clinician, 8(6), 255-263. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.v8n6(2018/164)
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2018). Depression. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.) (DSM-5).
• Hickey, J. V. (2016). Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Continuity and Transformation. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Rush, A. J., et al. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: A STAR*D report. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(11), 1905-1917.
• Vesel, S. & Kocmur, M. (2018). Evidence-based pharmacological treatment of adolescent depression. Psychiatria Danubina, 30(Suppl 2), 300-307.
• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. (2019). Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with depressive disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 58(3), 291-315.
• Flaherty, L. M. (2012). Integrating subjective and objective data in mental health assessment. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 18(4), 281-287.
• Asarnow, J. R., et al. (2015). Evidence-based approaches to adolescent depression. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 24(4), 753-768.