NURS 650 7-1 Concept Map Template

Introduction To NURS 650 7-1 Concept Map Template

This Owlisdom assignment of NURS 650 7-1 Concept Map Template involves creating a concept map to demonstrate your understanding of a specific neurological disorder. The concept map will help you organise and visualise key aspects of the disorder, including its pathophysiology, causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications, differential diagnoses, diagnostic tests, and treatment options. This guide will provide you with a structured approach to completing the concept map effectively.

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: Parkinson’s Disease

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

Pathophysiology Of Primary Diagnosis

• Explain the mechanisms that lead to the development of the disorder.
• Include how these processes affect the body.

Example

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the motor system. The disease is characterised by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain. Dopamine is crucial for regulating movement, and its deficiency leads to the symptoms associated with PD.

Causes

• Identify primary and secondary causes.
• Provide a brief explanation of how these causes contribute to the disorder.

Example

The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Presence of Lewy bodies, abnormal aggregates of protein that develop inside nerve cells, affecting brain function.

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

Risk Factors

• List genetic, ethnic, and physical risk factors.
• Explain the relevance of each factor.

Example

Genetics: A family history of PD increases risks.

Age: Most commonly affects middle-aged and elderly people.

Sex: More prevalent in men than women.

Exposure to pesticides and herbicides.

Head injuries.

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

Signs And Symptoms

• List the symptoms typically associated with the disorder.
• Ensure that both common and severe symptoms are included.

Example

Tremor: Shaking usually begins in a limb, often the hand or fingers.

Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

Rigid muscles

Impaired posture and balance

Loss of automatic movements (like blinking)

Speech changes

Writing changes

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

Impact On Body Systems And Complications

• Describe the impact on neurological, musculoskeletal, and other systems.
• List possible complications arising from the disorder.

Example

Musculoskeletal: Increased risk of falls due to balance and coordination problems.

Mental health: Depression and anxiety are common.

Autonomic dysfunction: Issues with blood pressure regulation, sweating, and urinary urgency.

Cognitive decline: Dementia occurs in the later stages of the disease.

Sleep disturbances.

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

Differential Diagnoses

• List conditions that may present similarly.
• Explain why these conditions are considered differentials.

Example

Essential tremor: Distinguished by a tremor that primarily affects hands and may involve the head and voice but without other Parkinsonian features.

Multiple system atrophy: Presents with similar movement issues but includes significant autonomic dysfunction early in the disease.

Drug-induced parkinsonism: Similar symptoms caused by certain medications such as antipsychotics.

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 the tests and labs needed.
• Provide a brief rationale for each test.

Example

No specific test exists to diagnose Parkinson’s Disease. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history and neurological examination.

Neuroimaging (such as MRI) to rule out other causes of symptoms, such as strokes or brain tumours.

PET scans might be used to observe the dopamine system.

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

Treatment Options

In this section of NURS 650 7-1 Concept Map Template, we will discuss Treatment Options.

• Describe lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical options.
• Include possible referrals to specialists.

Example

Medications: Levodopa (often combined with carbidopa), dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and anticholinergics to manage symptoms.

Physical therapy: Helps maintain mobility and balance.

Speech therapy: Addresses difficulties with speech and swallowing.

Surgical options: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients who do not respond adequately to medications.

Referrals: Neurologists for specialised care, particularly movement disorder specialists.

CLOSING

By following these guidelines of NURS 650 7-1 Concept Map Template, students can effectively complete the concept map assignment, demonstrating a thorough understanding of neurological disorders. This exercise not only aids in organising critical information but also enhances the ability to visualise complex medical conditions and their management comprehensively. In the next module of NURS 650, we will explore the 8-1 Case Study Analysis.