Mental Health & GAD
This disorder is characterized by excessive worry lasting at least 6 months.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
This medication was prescribed to Betty for anxiety.
What is buspirone (BuSpar)?
Betty’s slurred speech and weakness are signs of this condition.
What is a stroke?
This acronym helps identify stroke symptoms quickly.
What is FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)?
Betty shows this symptom when she cannot sleep and stays awake worrying.
What is insomnia?
Buspirone does NOT work immediately; it takes this long to become effective.
What is 2–4 weeks?
This scale is used to assess stroke severity.
What is the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
This is why ongoing NIHSS assessments are important.
What is to monitor neurological changes and progression?
Name one physical symptom Betty shows during the interview.
What is restlessness / fatigue / difficulty concentrating / muscle tension?
This class of medications is also commonly used for GAD and includes sertraline.
What are SSRIs?
A BP of 168/90 is considered this major stroke risk factor.
What is hypertension?
These devices were ordered to prevent this complication.
What is DVT (deep vein thrombosis)?
This is a common comorbidity seen with GAD.
What is depression?
These herbal supplements Betty asked about may interact with medications and are unsafe without provider approval.
What are Kava and Passaflora?
This diagnostic test is done first to rule out bleeding in stroke patients.
What is a CT scan without contrast?
One lifestyle change Betty should make to reduce stroke risk.
What is controlling BP / reducing caffeine / healthy diet / exercise?
This cultural belief is suggested when her sister mentions an “evil eye.”
What is a cultural/spiritual belief in illness (mal de ojo)?
This teaching point is important: buspirone should be taken this way for best results.
What is taking it consistently (not PRN)?
Weakness on Betty’s right side suggests damage to this side of the brain.
What is the left hemisphere?
When educating Betty (who has GAD), teaching should be adjusted in this way.
What is using simple, clear instructions and reassurance?