Unit 8 Workbook Assignment

Unit Eight Workbook Assignment Chapter 14: Mental Disorders Assignment: For each scenario that follows, explain how and why you would schedule an appointment or suggest a referral based on the patient’s reported symptoms. Be sure to first review the “Guidelines for Patient-Screening Exercises” found on page iii in the Introduction section of your Workbook.

1. A father calls the office saying his 6-year old son is experiencing a speech pattern of frequent repetitions or prolongations of sounds or syllables. The fluency of his normal speech is punctuated with broken words and word repetitions. How do you respond to the call?

2. The daughter of an older patient calls in saying her father is experiencing loss of short-term memory, the inability to concentrate, impairment of reasoning, and subtle changes in personality. He is also restless, is having trouble sleeping, and is combative. How do you handle this call?

3. A female patient calls the office stating she is experiencing deep persistent sadness, despair, and hopelessness. She says she is having problems sleeping and does not want to eat. This started a few days ago and is getting worse. She wants help. How

do you handle this call?

4. A patient’s husband calls the office saying his wife is having problems sleeping and is irritable. She is having nightmares about a fatal automobile accident she witnessed three months ago. She refuses to ride in a car. He is requesting an appointment. How do you handle this call? 5. A male patient calls the office and tells you he is having difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. He also says he is physically and mentally tired, groggy, tense, irritable, and anxious in the morning. He states his sleep is not restorative. How do you handle this call?