The statement "I'm the Queen of England" made by a client in a manic phase should be documented under which area of the mental status examination?

The statement "I'm the Queen of England" is indicative of a grandiose delusion, a common symptom seen in individuals during a manic phase of bipolar disorder. This suggests that the client's thought process is characterized by unrealistic beliefs about themselves, often with an inflated sense of self-importance or superiority.

Documenting this statement under thought content is appropriate because it pertains specifically to the beliefs and perceptions the client expresses during the examination. Thought content encompasses the information conveyed by the client, including delusions, hallucinations, and distortions in thinking. In manic episodes, such assertions reflect how the person views themselves in a significantly altered reality.

By contrast, mood and affect would focus on the emotional state of the client rather than their specific beliefs. Psychomotor behavior would involve observations of the client’s physical movements and activity levels, while attitude toward the nurse pertains to the client's demeanor and engagement with the healthcare provider. None of these categories specifically address the nature of the statement made by the client, highlighting the significance of documenting it under thought content.