Mental Health
Complete four short essay questions using the case vignette below. A maximum of 400 words per question is required. A minimum of 2-3 reference per question is required. The reference list is to be included at the end of each short essay.
Guidelines
Even though the essays have a word limit of 400 words you are required to present them in an essay format with a clearly defined introduction, body and conclusion.
Avoid writing in the ??first person’ in academic writing.
Pay attention to the word count. Aim for 400 words. Penalties apply for being over or under the word limit.
Choose your references carefully. Do not use:
• Websites such as Wikipedia, myDr, Nurse.com, Scribd, and other nursing/health/medical blog sites
• Information from organisational intranet sites or other sites that require registration or log in to access material.
• Consumer websites such as the Better Health Channel or consumer information from government departments or agencies.
The reference list is placed immediately below each of the four essays.
Amir Daud is a 28 year old refugee from Afghanistan. He has recently been released from detention on a bridging visa. He is living in supported accommodation with other refugees. Amir has been referred by his caseworker for assessment and trauma counselling. You are the nurse assigned to visit Amir.
On your first visit you find Amir pleasant and co-operative, if somewhat reserved in his general demeanour. Amir tells you the story of his flight from Afghanistan. Following a perilous journey to Australia Amir spent two years in detention – a time of constant uncertainty and anxiety. He witnessed many episodes of self-harm by fellow detainees. He says he experienced chronic stress because he was powerless to influence his situation. Amir is ethnic Hazara – his family remain in Afghanistan. He has had limited communication with his family since arriving in Australia but he knows they continue to face persecution. He feels guilt for leaving them behind – he hopes they can be re-united but given his own uncertain circumstances this seems unlikely. He feels his situation is hopeless.
Amir has been told he must find employment. But he complains of poor concentration. He sleeps poorly and often dreams about his life in Afghanistan and his experiences in detention. He also says he has intrusive negative thoughts during his waking hours and these make him fearful and reluctant to engage with others.
Question1
After your initial discussions with Amir you think he may be experiencing an anxiety disorder. Describe the type of anxiety disorder Amir is likely to be experiencing and what factors in his history indicate this type of disorder.
Question2
Explain what is meant by the neurobiology of anxiety.
Question3
Why is hope relevant in mental health nursing practice? How might you incorporate this concept in subsequent therapeutic communication with Amir? What other elements of communication might you employ?
Question 4
Define what is meant by ethnicity. Given Amir’s ethnic background explain what cultural assessments you might make in planning his ongoing care.
