The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a tool used to assess the level of consciousness in patients with traumatic brain injury. The scale results in a score by assessing three areas: eye-opening response, verbal response, and motor response. Each area is scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with a maximum score of 15. Cognitive function is not assessed to obtain a GCS. PMHNPs should be familiar with the GCS and other tools for screening and assessing TBI to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.
Other tools, such as the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) or the Brief Traumatic Brain Injury Screen (BTBIS), may be used to assess cognitive function in patients with suspected TBI.

This patient presents with symptoms suggesting a binge eating and purging disorder, such as bulimia. Bulimia does not usually affect thyroid function; therefore, you would expect normal thyroid levels in this patient.
Other laboratory findings in patients with bulimia might include the following:
* Hypokalemia
* Hypochloremia
* High serum amylase
* Hypomagnesemia

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is most appropriate, as this patient has an all-or-nothing mindset. Their thinking and reasoning can best be mitigated using CBT techniques.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), existential therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are not as effective for treating an all-or-nothing mindset when compared to CBT.

In acute renal failure, calcium levels decrease.
However, in disease processes such as acidosis, Addison's disease, and hyperthyroidism, calcium levels are known to be increased.

Around 25% of those diagnosed with a mood disorder experience manic or hypomanic episodes. Almost all patients who experience a manic or hypomanic episode also experience periods of depression. The severity and duration of the highs and lows differentiate the types of bipolar disorder:
* Bipolar I disorder: These patients experience at least one manic episode and may or may not experience a major depressive episode.
* Bipolar II disorder: These patients experience at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode.
* Cyclothymic disorder: These patients experience mood swings, but they are not severe enough to be called major depressive episodes or manic episodes.
Schizoaffective disorder is a psychotic disorder characterized by patients experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia along with either depression or mania.