In a review of the content and material related to a psychiatric mental health assessment interview, what components were surprising for you or different from your previous nursing experience intake information?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Understanding the Psychiatric Mental Health Assessment Interview: A Surprising Perspective
Introduction
The psychiatric mental health assessment interview is a critical component of patient evaluation and treatment planning. As a nursing professional with experience in various medical settings, I was initially surprised by the distinct approach taken during these assessments compared to traditional nursing intake processes. This essay will explore the surprising components of the psychiatric mental health assessment interview, including its holistic nature, emphasis on therapeutic rapport, and the inclusion of psychosocial elements. By understanding these differences, we can better appreciate the complexities involved in mental health nursing and improve our overall approach to patient care.
Thesis Statement
The psychiatric mental health assessment interview diverges from conventional nursing intake processes by emphasizing a holistic, patient-centered approach that prioritizes therapeutic rapport and incorporates significant psychosocial factors, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of mental health care.
Holistic Approach
One of the most striking differences in the psychiatric mental health assessment interview is its holistic approach. Unlike traditional nursing assessments that often focus on physical symptoms and medical history, mental health assessments delve into the emotional, social, and environmental factors influencing a patient’s well-being. For instance, during my previous nursing experiences, I would primarily gather information about a patient’s physical health, medications, and allergies. In contrast, mental health assessments require an exploration of the patient’s thoughts, feelings, relationships, and coping mechanisms.
This comprehensive perspective allows healthcare professionals to understand the patient as a whole rather than merely a collection of symptoms. By acknowledging the interplay between psychological factors and physical health, we can develop more effective treatment plans that address the root causes of mental health issues rather than just their manifestations.
Emphasis on Therapeutic Rapport
Another surprising aspect of the psychiatric mental health assessment interview is the strong emphasis on building therapeutic rapport with the patient. While establishing rapport is essential in all nursing interactions, it takes on a heightened importance in mental health settings. The interview process often involves sensitive topics such as trauma, self-harm, or substance abuse, which can only be addressed if the patient feels safe and understood.
In my previous nursing roles, rapport-building was often more transactional; I would introduce myself and gather information efficiently. However, mental health assessments require a more nuanced approach. Active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication are crucial components of the assessment process. This relational dynamic not only facilitates trust but also encourages patients to share their experiences more openly, leading to a more accurate understanding of their mental health status.
Inclusion of Psychosocial Factors
Lastly, one of the most profound differences I encountered in psychiatric mental health assessments was the extensive consideration given to psychosocial factors. Traditional nursing intake processes typically focus on biological aspects and medical history. In contrast, mental health assessments actively explore social supports, cultural backgrounds, and personal stressors. Understanding these elements is vital for developing effective interventions tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.
For example, during my first psychiatric assessment, I was surprised to find questions about the patient’s family dynamics, work situation, and community resources. These factors can significantly influence a person’s mental health and can help identify potential barriers to treatment or recovery. By incorporating these psychosocial elements into the assessment process, we can create more comprehensive care plans that address both clinical needs and lifestyle factors.
Conclusion
The psychiatric mental health assessment interview presents several components that were surprising compared to my previous nursing experiences. Its holistic nature, emphasis on therapeutic rapport, and incorporation of psychosocial factors highlight the complexities of mental health care. As healthcare professionals, it is essential to embrace these differences to enhance our understanding of mental health patients and improve our practice. By adopting a more integrated and compassionate approach to patient assessments, we can provide better care that addresses both the mind and body, ultimately fostering improved outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.
