Discussion Question 1

Facial pain or numbness is occasionally a chief complaint in primary care. Choose one differential diagnosis for facial pain or numbness in a select population and discuss signs, symptoms, physical findings, and diagnostic testing. You may choose a pediatric, adult, obstetric, or geriatric patient. Support your answer with evidence-based literature (references).

Discussion Question 2

The diagnosis of altered mental status is general rather than exact. There are several specific sources for altered mental status. Choose three different diagnoses and discuss symptoms, risk factors, any cultural influences, assessment, and diagnostic tools that you would use to reach this diagnosis.

Discussion Question 3

Healthcare is an ever-evolving science. Research findings create changes that are communicated quickly through the Internet, paper publications, and eventually books. The MMSE has long been used to evaluate severity of Alzheimer's disease.

Research the Internet and find one other test that would be useful in screening or diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. It must be a scientific test, not lay testing. Discuss why you would use this test in your practice as an advanced practice registered nurse or why not.