A nurse is collecting data from a new client. Which of the following questions should the nurse include when determining the client's psychosocial status?
Explanation & Rationale
Introduction: Psychosocial assessment evaluates the intersection of a client’s psychological state and their social environment. This includes analyzing support systems, coping mechanisms, and external stressors. Identifying these factors is essential for creating a holistic plan of care that addresses the client's emotional resilience and resource availability during recovery. A. This question directly assesses the client's social support system and coping strategies. By identifying who the client relies on during emotional distress, the nurse can gauge the strength of the client’s external resources. This is a fundamental component of a psychosocial history in both psychiatric and medical-surgical settings. B. Asking about the timing of a last mammogram is part of a preventative health screening or physical health history. While important for overall wellness, it does not provide information regarding the client's emotional health, social interactions, or psychological functioning, which are the core focuses of a psychosocial assessment. C. Inquiring about the onset of menses is a component of the reproductive or gynecological history. It is an objective physical developmental milestone rather than a psychosocial indicator. This data point is used to assess physiological health and does not reflect the client’s current social support or mental health status. D. Questions regarding medical insurance are typically categorized under financial or demographic data. While economic factors do influence psychosocial well-being, this specific question is administrative. A more psychosocially focused question would address how financial stressors affect the client's daily life or ability to access necessary care.