Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders Veneta S Easter, MSN, RN Walden University

Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders Veneta S Easter, MSN, RN Walden University

DECISION TREE2 Case Study: Mr. Akkad, a "76-year-old male, was brought to the office for strange behavior. Upon clinical evaluation, the laboratory and diagnostic tests, including a head CT-scan, were normal, ruling out any organic basis to his conduct." According to his son, the patient presented with strange thoughts and behaviors for the past two years, which was getting worse. Some of the family's personality changes included loss of interest in religious activities with the family and becoming critical to everyone. The things he used to take seriously had become a source of ridicule. His memory was declining, and he forgot something. His family reported that he would occasionally have challenges finding the right words in a conversation and would move to a different dialogue line. The patient appeared very pleasant, cooperative, and seemed to enjoy having conversations with his therapist. However, his contact was low, and assessment of his recollection ability showed confabulation while performing his "mini-mental state exam (MMSE)," of which he scored 18 out of 30. He is also confused when it comes to time and events and partially oriented to place. His awareness, decision-making, and impulses are impaired, and he denies having feels of wanting to harm himself or others