NR 547 Differential Dx Midterm
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Differential Dx - (correct Answer) - 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-5-TR)provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnosest
History of Present Illness - (correct Answer) - 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 - (correct Answer) - 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 for General Medical Conditions - (correct Answer) - Do you have a primary
care provider?
Do you have any medical illnesses?
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 - (correct Answer) - 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 - (correct Answer) - 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?
Which of the following should be included when providing client education about medication regimens?
Select all that apply. - (correct Answer) - A)Explain how the medication targets the symptoms, specific
benefits, and expected time course. (Correct answer)
B)Identify potential side effects, duration of side effects, and 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)
Apply the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Suicide Risk Screening Tool (Links to an external site.)
to the scenario below.
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 consult. In speaking with the PMHNP, the client describes persistent feelings of
sadness and hopelessness. She states that she often wonders if her husband 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 pills and go to sleep forever. The client reports a previous suicide attempt
when she was 16 but denies that she is considering killing herself right now.
Based on the client's ASQ score, what is the most appropriate response?
A) No action is necessary as the client is not - (correct Answer) - B)Provide a brief suicide safety
assessment.
Rationale: While the client's responses do not indicate a need for a stat full safety and mental health
evaluation, the client requires a brief suicide safety assessment to determine whether a full mental
health evaluation in necessary. It is also important to notify the client's physician or the clinician
responsible for the client's care.
,Complete Blood Count - (correct Answer) - The CBC is a serum diagnostic test that measures red blood
cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The CBC includes a differential of the
white blood cells. A CBC is often included as part of routine health screening or to obtain information
related to specific conditions. In mental health, the CBC is used to rule out medical conditions that may
present with symptoms that can be attributed to both medical and psychiatric diagnoses. For example,
the CBC can help rule out anemia as a cause for depressive symptoms and fatigue or rule out infection as
a cause of acute mental status changes. The CBC is also used to monitor certain treatment regimens. For
example, some medications, such as clozapine, require routine analysis of absolute neutrophil count and
platelet levels.
Normal Range of:
Red blood cells
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
Reticulocytes - (correct Answer) - Red blood cells: 4.5-6.0 million/microliter
Hemoglobin: 12-18 grams/100 mL
Hematocrit: 38%-48%
Reticulocytes: 0%-1.5%
Normal Range of?
White blood cells (total):
Neutrophils:
Eosinophils:
Basophils:
Lymphocytes:
Monocytes:
Platelets: - (correct Answer) - White blood cells (total): 5000-10,000/microliter
Neutrophils: 55%-70%
Eosinophils: 1%-3%
Basophils: 0.5%-1%
Lymphocytes: 20%-35%
Monocytes: 3%-8%
Platelets: 150,000-300,000/microliter
, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - (correct Answer) - The CMP is another common blood test used
to determine general health status. The CMP includes several tests that provide information about fluid
and electrolyte balance as well as the status of the body's metabolism, liver function, and kidney
function. In psychiatric care, the CMP may be used to rule out medical conditions that could cause
symptoms such as changes in mood or cognition. The CMP is also used to monitor the effects of
medications, such as antipsychotics, on liver function and glucose levels.
Normal CMP Levels
Electrolytes
Sodium (Na+):
Postassium (K+):
Chloride (Cl-):
Bicarbonate (HCO3-): - (correct Answer) - Normal CMP Levels
Electrolytes
Sodium (Na+): 136-145 mEq/L
Postassium (K+): 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Chloride (Cl-): 95-105 mEq/L
Bicarbonate (HCO3-): 22-28 mEq/L
Normal CMP levels
Misc.
Calcium, serum (Ca 2+)
Glucose, serum Fasting:
2-h postprandial:
Cholesterol, serum:
Total Protein
Albumin - (correct Answer) - Calcium, serum (Ca 2+) 8.4-10.2 mg/dl
Glucose, serum Fasting: 70-110 mg/dl;
2-h postprandial: <120mg/dl
Cholesterol, serum: REC<200 mg/dl
Total Protein 6.0-7.8 g/dl
Save
Differential Dx - (correct Answer) - 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-5-TR)provides guidance for identifying psychiatric diagnosest
History of Present Illness - (correct Answer) - 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 - (correct Answer) - 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 for General Medical Conditions - (correct Answer) - Do you have a primary
care provider?
Do you have any medical illnesses?
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 - (correct Answer) - 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 - (correct Answer) - 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?
Which of the following should be included when providing client education about medication regimens?
Select all that apply. - (correct Answer) - A)Explain how the medication targets the symptoms, specific
benefits, and expected time course. (Correct answer)
B)Identify potential side effects, duration of side effects, and 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)
Apply the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Suicide Risk Screening Tool (Links to an external site.)
to the scenario below.
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 consult. In speaking with the PMHNP, the client describes persistent feelings of
sadness and hopelessness. She states that she often wonders if her husband 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 pills and go to sleep forever. The client reports a previous suicide attempt
when she was 16 but denies that she is considering killing herself right now.
Based on the client's ASQ score, what is the most appropriate response?
A) No action is necessary as the client is not - (correct Answer) - B)Provide a brief suicide safety
assessment.
Rationale: While the client's responses do not indicate a need for a stat full safety and mental health
evaluation, the client requires a brief suicide safety assessment to determine whether a full mental
health evaluation in necessary. It is also important to notify the client's physician or the clinician
responsible for the client's care.
,Complete Blood Count - (correct Answer) - The CBC is a serum diagnostic test that measures red blood
cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The CBC includes a differential of the
white blood cells. A CBC is often included as part of routine health screening or to obtain information
related to specific conditions. In mental health, the CBC is used to rule out medical conditions that may
present with symptoms that can be attributed to both medical and psychiatric diagnoses. For example,
the CBC can help rule out anemia as a cause for depressive symptoms and fatigue or rule out infection as
a cause of acute mental status changes. The CBC is also used to monitor certain treatment regimens. For
example, some medications, such as clozapine, require routine analysis of absolute neutrophil count and
platelet levels.
Normal Range of:
Red blood cells
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
Reticulocytes - (correct Answer) - Red blood cells: 4.5-6.0 million/microliter
Hemoglobin: 12-18 grams/100 mL
Hematocrit: 38%-48%
Reticulocytes: 0%-1.5%
Normal Range of?
White blood cells (total):
Neutrophils:
Eosinophils:
Basophils:
Lymphocytes:
Monocytes:
Platelets: - (correct Answer) - White blood cells (total): 5000-10,000/microliter
Neutrophils: 55%-70%
Eosinophils: 1%-3%
Basophils: 0.5%-1%
Lymphocytes: 20%-35%
Monocytes: 3%-8%
Platelets: 150,000-300,000/microliter
, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - (correct Answer) - The CMP is another common blood test used
to determine general health status. The CMP includes several tests that provide information about fluid
and electrolyte balance as well as the status of the body's metabolism, liver function, and kidney
function. In psychiatric care, the CMP may be used to rule out medical conditions that could cause
symptoms such as changes in mood or cognition. The CMP is also used to monitor the effects of
medications, such as antipsychotics, on liver function and glucose levels.
Normal CMP Levels
Electrolytes
Sodium (Na+):
Postassium (K+):
Chloride (Cl-):
Bicarbonate (HCO3-): - (correct Answer) - Normal CMP Levels
Electrolytes
Sodium (Na+): 136-145 mEq/L
Postassium (K+): 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
Chloride (Cl-): 95-105 mEq/L
Bicarbonate (HCO3-): 22-28 mEq/L
Normal CMP levels
Misc.
Calcium, serum (Ca 2+)
Glucose, serum Fasting:
2-h postprandial:
Cholesterol, serum:
Total Protein
Albumin - (correct Answer) - Calcium, serum (Ca 2+) 8.4-10.2 mg/dl
Glucose, serum Fasting: 70-110 mg/dl;
2-h postprandial: <120mg/dl
Cholesterol, serum: REC<200 mg/dl
Total Protein 6.0-7.8 g/dl
