NR 547 Differential Diagnosis in Psychiatric-Mental Health
across the Lifespan Practicum - Chamberlain
NR 547 Week 1
1. differential diagnosis: The provider's initial hypothesis
-a working list of potential problems that can be associated with the initial or chief
complaint
-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)
• provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnoses
2. Psychiatric assessment: History taking: -History of Present Illness
-How long have you been feeling this way?
-Did something happen in your life that may have 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?
1/8
-Are you currently on any medications for mental health or sleep?
Medical History/Screening for General Medical Conditions
, -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?
Social and Developmental History
-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?
-How do you support yourself with your finances?
-Do you 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?
3. Screening and Psychiatric Rating Scales: Evidence-based screening tools and
psychiatric rating scales
-can help the provider identify symptoms and assess their severity and can assist
with the evaluation of response to treatment
4. A 52-year-old client presents to the emergency department following a car
accident. The emergency department (ED) physician is concerned that the
client may have intentionally crashed her car and requests a stat PMHNP con-
sult. In speaking with the PMHNP, the client describes persistent feelings of
sadness and hopelessness. She states that she often wonders if her husband
2/8
would be happier if she wasn't around anymore since she's never happy and
sometimes thinks about what it would be like to just take a handful of sleeping
across the Lifespan Practicum - Chamberlain
NR 547 Week 1
1. differential diagnosis: The provider's initial hypothesis
-a working list of potential problems that can be associated with the initial or chief
complaint
-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR)
• provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnoses
2. Psychiatric assessment: History taking: -History of Present Illness
-How long have you been feeling this way?
-Did something happen in your life that may have 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?
1/8
-Are you currently on any medications for mental health or sleep?
Medical History/Screening for General Medical Conditions
, -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?
Social and Developmental History
-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?
-How do you support yourself with your finances?
-Do you 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?
3. Screening and Psychiatric Rating Scales: Evidence-based screening tools and
psychiatric rating scales
-can help the provider identify symptoms and assess their severity and can assist
with the evaluation of response to treatment
4. A 52-year-old client presents to the emergency department following a car
accident. The emergency department (ED) physician is concerned that the
client may have intentionally crashed her car and requests a stat PMHNP con-
sult. In speaking with the PMHNP, the client describes persistent feelings of
sadness and hopelessness. She states that she often wonders if her husband
2/8
would be happier if she wasn't around anymore since she's never happy and
sometimes thinks about what it would be like to just take a handful of sleeping
