NURS 650 9-1 Concept Map Template

Introduction To NURS 650 9-1 Concept Map Template

This Owlisdom assignment of NURS 650 9-1 Concept Map Template involves creating a detailed concept map for a chosen psychological disorder. A concept map visually organises and represents knowledge, helping to clarify complex topics by displaying relationships between concepts. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on completing the concept map template, ensuring a thorough understanding of the disorder’s pathophysiology, causes, risk factors, symptoms, impacts, differential diagnoses, diagnostic tests, and treatment options.

Choosing A Primary Diagnosis

• Select one neurological disorder from the provided list.
• Write the name of the disorder at the top of your concept map.

Example

Primary Diagnosis: Bipolar Disorders

Describe the pathophysiology of the primary diagnosis in your own words.

Pathophysiology Of Primary Diagnosis

• Describe the biological and neurological mechanisms involved.
• Highlight any relevant neurotransmitter imbalances or structural brain changes.

Example

Bipolar disorder is characterised by significant fluctuations in mood, energy, and activity levels, ranging from manic highs to depressive lows. The exact pathophysiology is complex and involves a combination of neurotransmitter imbalances, structural brain changes, and genetic predispositions. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are often imbalanced in bipolar disorder, affecting mood regulation and stability.

Causes

• List genetic, neurobiological, and environmental causes.
• Explain how these factors interact to cause the disorder.

Example

Genetic predisposition

Neurobiological factors

Environmental triggers such as stress or significant life changes

What are the patient’s risk factors for this diagnosis?

Risk Factors

In this section of NURS 650 9-1 Concept Map Template, we will discuss Risk Factors.

• Discuss genetic, ethnic, and physical risk factors.
• Mention any lifestyle or environmental factors that may contribute.

Example

Genetics: A family history of bipolar disorder significantly increases risk.

Ethnicity: Prevalence and presentation can vary slightly among different ethnic groups, but bipolar disorder affects all ethnicities.

Physical: Sleep disturbances, substance abuse, and hormonal imbalances can trigger episodes.

What are the patient’s signs and symptoms for this diagnosis?

Signs And Symptoms

• List the signs and symptoms during different phases of the disorder.
• Differentiate between symptoms during manic and depressive phases.

Example

Manic Phase: Elevated mood or irritability, overactivity, rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, impulsivity.

Depressive Phase: Persistent sadness, low energy, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances.

How does the diagnosis impact other body systems, and what are the possible complications?

Impact On Body Systems And Complications

• Discuss the impact on neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine, and psychosocial systems.
• Identify potential complications.

Example

Neurological/Cognitive: This can lead to cognitive decline during depressive phases.

Cardiovascular: Stress from manic or depressive episodes can increase heart disease risk.

Endocrine: Stress response activation can lead to hormonal imbalances.

Psychosocial: Impaired social and occupational functioning, potential for substance abuse, and high suicide risk.

What is another potential diagnosis that presents in a similar way to this diagnosis (differentials)?

Differential Diagnoses

• List potential differential diagnoses.
• Briefly explain how these differ from the primary diagnosis.

Example

Major depressive disorder (if only depressive episodes are observed)

Schizoaffective disorder (if psychotic symptoms are present outside of mood episodes)

Borderline personality disorder (emotional instability and impulsivity)

What diagnostic tests or labs would you order to rule out the differentials for this patient or confirm the primary diagnosis?

Diagnostic Tests And Labs

• List necessary psychiatric and medical evaluations.
• Mention any specific tests or imaging studies.

Example

Psychiatric evaluation for a comprehensive mental health assessment.

Medical evaluation to rule out thyroid problems or other physiological causes of mood swings.

Blood tests to check for substance use.

Sleep studies if sleep disorders are suspected.

What treatment options would you consider? Include possible referrals and medications.

Treatment Options

• List medications and their purposes.
• Describe psychotherapy options.
• Mention lifestyle modifications and referrals to specialists.

Example

Medications: Mood stabilisers (e.g., lithium, valproic acid), antipsychotics (for manic phases), and antidepressants (for depressive phases).

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, family therapy.

Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, sleep hygiene, nutritional counselling.

Referrals: A psychiatrist for medication management, a psychologist or therapist for ongoing therapy, and possibly a social worker for support with life challenges.

CLOSING

By following these guidelines of NURS 650 9-1 Concept Map Template, students can effectively complete the concept map assignment, demonstrating a thorough understanding of bipolar disorder and enhancing their ability to organise and synthesise complex information about psychological disorders. In the next module of NURS 650, we will explore the 10-1 Case Study Analysis.