During a mental status examination, a patient sits looking tense and suspicious. The patient has a reddened scar on the left cheek and is wearing a torn, soiled shirt and only one shoe
Which observation about appearance has the greatest significance for the patient's current mental state? a. The patient has a reddened scar on the left cheek.
b. The patient is wearing a torn, soiled shirt.
c. The patient appears tense and suspicious.
d. The patient is wearing only one shoe.
C
The observation of tension and suspicion indicates current stress and possible paranoia. The scar, the condition of the clothing, and the absence of a shoe are not as relevant to the patient's current mental state because they originated in a time other than the present.
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