NR 547 DIFFERENTIAL DX MIDTERM / EXAM
STUDY GUIDE / COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS / 2025-2026
Terms in this set (187)
Differential Dx Diagnostic reasoning is the process of questioning one's
thinking to determine if all possible avenues have been
explored and if the conclusions that are drawn are based on
evidence. This is a critical step for providers who are trying
to uncover a cause, or diagnosis, for their clients' signs and
symptoms. The provider's initial hypothesis is known as the
differential diagnosis. The differential diagnosis, or
differential, is a working list of potential problems that can
be associated with the initial or chief complaint.
Establishing a differential diagnosis is a critical step in
providing safe, quality care. This evolving process of clinical
reasoning and decision making involves examining the
client's presentation, clinical data, and when appropriate,
screening and diagnostic test results to distinguish one
disease from another and arrive at the correct diagnosis. The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-
5TR)provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnosest
How long have you been feeling this way? Did
something happen in your life that may have
History of Present Illness
triggered these emotions?
How is this current situation impacting your life?
,The Psychiatric History Have you ever been hospitalized for any mental health
issues?
Have you ever had counseling or psychotherapy? Have
you ever taken medications for your mental health in
the past?
Are you currently on any medications for mental health or
sleep?
Medical History/Screening Do you have a primary care provider?
for General Medical Do you have any medical illnesses?
Conditions Are you currently taking any medications or herbal supplements?
Do you have any allergies to medications?
Have you ever been hospitalized for any reason?
Have you ever had surgery?
Family Psychiatric History Has any relative of yours ever been hospitalized for a mental
health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours ever been diagnosed with a
mental health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours had a history of seizures or
dementia/Alzheimer's?
Tell me a little bit about your childhood and how you grew up.
How was your experience in school when you were younger? Did
you enjoy school?
Social and Developmental How do you support yourself with your finances? Do you
History have a good support system? Are you currently in a
relationship? Where do you live? Who do you live with?
What do you do in your free time? What activities do you
enjoy?
,Which of the following A)Explain how the medication targets the symptoms, specific
should be included when benefits, and expected time course. (Correct answer)
providing client education
B)Identify potential side effects, duration of side effects, and
about medication regimens?
Select all that apply. adverse effects. (Correct answer) C)Explain the instructions,
dosing, and special requirements. (Correct answer)
D)Use teach-back methods to ensure client understanding.
(Correct answer)
,
STUDY GUIDE / COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS / 2025-2026
Terms in this set (187)
Differential Dx Diagnostic reasoning is the process of questioning one's
thinking to determine if all possible avenues have been
explored and if the conclusions that are drawn are based on
evidence. This is a critical step for providers who are trying
to uncover a cause, or diagnosis, for their clients' signs and
symptoms. The provider's initial hypothesis is known as the
differential diagnosis. The differential diagnosis, or
differential, is a working list of potential problems that can
be associated with the initial or chief complaint.
Establishing a differential diagnosis is a critical step in
providing safe, quality care. This evolving process of clinical
reasoning and decision making involves examining the
client's presentation, clinical data, and when appropriate,
screening and diagnostic test results to distinguish one
disease from another and arrive at the correct diagnosis. The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-
5TR)provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnosest
How long have you been feeling this way? Did
something happen in your life that may have
History of Present Illness
triggered these emotions?
How is this current situation impacting your life?
,The Psychiatric History Have you ever been hospitalized for any mental health
issues?
Have you ever had counseling or psychotherapy? Have
you ever taken medications for your mental health in
the past?
Are you currently on any medications for mental health or
sleep?
Medical History/Screening Do you have a primary care provider?
for General Medical Do you have any medical illnesses?
Conditions Are you currently taking any medications or herbal supplements?
Do you have any allergies to medications?
Have you ever been hospitalized for any reason?
Have you ever had surgery?
Family Psychiatric History Has any relative of yours ever been hospitalized for a mental
health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours ever been diagnosed with a
mental health issue?
Has any blood relative of yours had a history of seizures or
dementia/Alzheimer's?
Tell me a little bit about your childhood and how you grew up.
How was your experience in school when you were younger? Did
you enjoy school?
Social and Developmental How do you support yourself with your finances? Do you
History have a good support system? Are you currently in a
relationship? Where do you live? Who do you live with?
What do you do in your free time? What activities do you
enjoy?
,Which of the following A)Explain how the medication targets the symptoms, specific
should be included when benefits, and expected time course. (Correct answer)
providing client education
B)Identify potential side effects, duration of side effects, and
about medication regimens?
Select all that apply. adverse effects. (Correct answer) C)Explain the instructions,
dosing, and special requirements. (Correct answer)
D)Use teach-back methods to ensure client understanding.
(Correct answer)
,
