Hamer B A
Regional Mental Health Centre, Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada.
J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 1998 May;36(5):27-31. doi: 10.3928/0279-3695-19980501-12.
When assessing a client, avoid abstract questions, instead ask concrete, open-ended questions. All clients should be assessed for risk of suicide, elopement, or a danger to self or others. Be aware of underlying causes or confounding variables that may affect a client's mental status.