Final answer:
The best way to assess a client's present mental status with generalized anxiety disorder involves evaluating their appearance, behavior, cognitive function, and thought processes, focusing on their level of worry, physical symptoms, and functional ability.
Step-by-step explanation:
To best determine a client's present mental status, especially when dealing with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a comprehensive assessment should include evaluating several factors. These factors include the client's appearance, behavior, cognitive function, and thought processes. Specifically, for someone with GAD, assessing their level of worry, physical symptoms of anxiety such as restlessness or muscle tension, and their ability to manage daily activities can be particularly telling. A mental status exam may also involve inquiries about mood, insight, judgment, and whether the anxiety is constant or episodic. Other important aspects might include their response to potential stressors or triggers, any co-occurring physical or emotional symptoms, and how the anxiety impacts their social and occupational functioning.