| Module 3: Overview

These next few weeks will move faster than you may wish and gaining a base line of knowledge reflecting your needed efforts will serve you well sooner rather than later.

OBJECTIVES

Effectively treat patients with common Neurology and Psychosocial disorders seen in primary care across the lifespan:

Effectively assess patients through use of the following strategies:
- gathering patient information including patient history.
- performing the applicable physical exam given the patient's symptoms.
- ordering appropriate diagnostic tests.
Evaluate and synthesize assessment data to determine a primary diagnosis and differential diagnoses.
Create treatment plans that include:

- personalized recommendations ranging from holistic care to medical prescriptions and rehabilitation.
- comprehend patient scripts describing the pathophysiology (relaying to patient in laymen's terms).
- age and culturally appropriate patient education.
- appropriate referrals when needed including interprofessional referrals and available resources in the community to assist patients.

In the neurology area please be familiar with these topics and/or pathologies:

Headaches
Bell’s Palsy
Vertigo
Parkinson’s Disease
Tremors
Meningitis and Encephalitis
Seizure Disorders
MS
TIA
Giant Cell Arteritis

In the area of the Psychosocial Disorders, these knowledge elements are critical to advanced practice:

Alcohol Abuse
Substance Abuse
Eating Disorders
Depression
Anxiety
Interpersonal Violence

When exploring and reviewing pathologies, please include all of these elements:

Disease description
Incidence
Risk Factors
Assessment Findings
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnostic Studies
Prevention
Non-Pharmacologic Management
Pharmacologic Management
Consultation/Referral
Follow up
Expected Course
Possible Complications

These elements reflect the foundation of knowledge expected for advanced practice. I hope that you are all beginning to dig in and make the most of your time in this course.

Has everyone been in close contact with your clinical instructor to review your test results and plan to generate improved test scores?