NR547 / NR 547 Final Exam (Latest 2024 / 2025): Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health across the Lifespan Practicum | Weeks 5-8 Covered | Complete Guide with Questions and Verified Answers - Chamberlain

Final Exam: NR547 / NR 547 (Latest 2024 / 2025) Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health across the Lifespan Practicum Exam Review | Weeks 5-8 Covered | Complete Guide with Questions and Verified Answers - Chamberlain Q: Suicide in the U.S. Answer: -Approximately 2/3 of clients with depression contemplate suicide • 10-15% die by suicide -Suicide is the second leading cause of death between the ages of 10-24 years -Almost 2 million adolescents attempt suicide each year -One in four older adults suicide attempts are fatal -One in 200 adolescent suicide attempts are fatal -Conversations about suicidal ideation are critical • Screening tools such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) are helpful resources to support these conversations. Q: Risk factors for suicide: Answer: -family history of suicide -history of depression -drug and alcohol use -history of school difficulties -high achiever -anxiety -having been bullied -access to lethal means -exposure to others with previous thoughts or actions of suicide -incarceration -traumatic life events or relationship issues -identifying as LGBTQ+ -Native American descent Q: Depression Lifespan Considerations: Older Adults Answer: second leading cause of disability after cardiovascular disease -impacts around 7% of the geriatric population -often underreport symptoms of depression -not a normal part of the aging process -Risk factors: • Chronic illness • Disability/ loss of mobility • Change in living situation • Role transitions • Loss of independence • Bereavement • Economic hardships Q: Depression Lifespan Considerations: Older Adults, pertinent information for an interview Answer: -socialization, including recent changes or loss -ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) -typical physical activity -appetite changes -weight loss or gain -psychotic symptoms -suicidal thoughts or ideations Q: Bipolar Lifespan considerations: older adults Answer: Approximately 10% of bipolar cases are diagnosed after the age of 50 -mania is more likely to be expressed as agitation or irritability rather than euphoria -more likely to experience mixed episodes -Late-onset bipolar disorder may be difficult to distinguish from dementia Q: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Answer: self-reporting tool that may be used to diagnose and treat depression 0-4: No depression No treatment indicated 5-8: Mild depression Pharmacologic or psychotherapeutic treatment may be indicated Base treatment on duration of symptoms and functional impairment 9-11: Moderate depression Pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, or combination treatment indicated 12-15: Severe depression Pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic, or combination treatment indicated Q: It is important to evaluate _______________ when depression is suspected Answer: cognitive function -Older clients may have associated memory loss, slowed processing, or impaired executive functioning • Depression is an independent risk factor for dementia • A Mini-Cog or other cognitive screening tool can provide a baseline assessment for clients Q: In clients who have dementia, self-reporting scales, such as the GDS, may be inappropriate. The __________________________________ may be used as an alternative Answer: Cornell Rating Scale for Depression in Dementia Q: goal of treatment for older adults experiencing depression Answer: achieve symptom remission -Options • pharmacotherapy • psychotherapy • psychosocial interventions Q: Depression tx for older adult: Pharmacologic Answer: SSRIs & SNRIs -Escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline have fewer drug-drug interactions than other medications and are appropriate choices for initial therapy in older adults taking multiple medications Q: Depression tx for older adult: Nonpharmacologic Answer: Engagement Social support Exercise Relaxation Q: DIGFAST Answer: mnemonic that may be helpful to assess for bipolar disorder in the clinical setting: Distractibility Impulsivity Grandiosity Flight of ideas Activity level Sleep Talkativeness