Read the case studies provided in this week’s Learning Resources and select the one most similar to the client population you are most likely to work with.
Create four questions that you can ask the client as part of a clinical interview/assessment, and explain why these questions are important.
Select two assessment instruments that you might use during the assessment of this client. Also, explain why you selected them and how each instrument informs diagnosis.
Identify the preliminary diagnoses you are considering for this client and why.
Identify what information you need to seek out to complete the diagnostic process. Include background, contextual information, and any co-occurring disorders that may be present.
CASE STUDY FOR THE ESSAY: Martha is a 72-year-old heterosexual-identifie-d female of African American heritage. She is recently widowe-d, having just lost her husband to a heart attack. Martha and her husband were marrie-d for 45 years; she has 3 children and 6 grandchildren, all of whom live in other states. Martha was referre-d to you by her primary care physician, who expresse-d concerns following Martha’s multiple requests for pain medication refills during a very short time span.
The physician also shared that Martha has tried to get the office physician assistant to write her a prescription separately in addition to that requested directly from the doctor.
Martha’s medical history includes a thyroid disorder and migraines; in the past, she has also been on pain medications for extended periods of time due to a hip injury. Martha maintains that the surgeries did little to help the problems and reports, “I’m always in pain.” Martha acknowledges she sometimes takes more Percocet than (she) should, though she quickly rationalizes her drug use and changes the subject.
She also shares that she is lonely most of the time.
Since the loss of her husband, she feels unmotivated to visit her children and grandchildren. When Martha speaks of her life, she presents with a sad affect and shares memories in a wistful, melancholy manner.
Martha becomes defensive and agitated when she is asked about misusing the medication and the substantial associated health risks. She dismisses your concerns by saying, “So what if it’s dangerous? Who would miss me anyway?”
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