Look for a patient that meets criteria or zero points will be given.
| Category | Response |
| Clinical Experience | Mental health screening in adult-gerontology patients should be a routine part of primary care. There are many validated screening tools available for different mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. It is important to choose a screening tool that is appropriate for the patient’s age, cognitive abilities, and cultural background. Briefly describe a situation where you encountered a patient where you needed to use a screening tool in the clinical setting. What were the presenting symptoms or concerns? |
| Lab Test | There are no specific laboratory tests for mental health conditions. However, some medical conditions can cause symptoms that mimic mental health conditions, so you may order laboratory tests to rule out these conditions. What are some conditions and lab test and screening tool? |
| Differential Diagnoses | If the test results were abnormal, what are some potential explanations (differentials) for the abnormality in the context of adult-gerontology patient? |
| Age-Related Considerations | How might the interpretation of this test change for an older adult patient compared to a young adult? Are there any specific concerns related to aging that might influence the results or their significance? |
| Guidelines | Briefly discuss the guidelines you are using to base off your treatment approach based on abnormal results on the diagnosis. Are there any specific considerations for managing these abnormalities in adult-gerontology patients? |
| Challenges | (Optional – Ideas for peer replies) You can also discuss any challenges you faced in interpreting or utilizing this test in practice. |
Download and fill in the table in this Discussion Template Download Discussion Templatewith your responses. Copy and paste the table as your initial post.
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should include responses to each of the required criteria.
- You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts.
- All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.
- Please post your initial response by 11:59 PM ET Thursday, and comment on the posts of two classmates by 11:59 PM ET Sunday.
- Late work policies, expectations regarding proper citations, acceptable means of responding to peer feedback, and other expectations are at the discretion of the instructor.
- You can expect feedback from the instructor within 48 to 72 hours from the Sunday due date.
