NURS 6501: Final Exam: Please contact Assignment Samurai for help with NURS 6501: Final Exam or any other assignment. Email: assignmentsamurai@gmail.com   A nurse practitioner is considering additional workup for a patient with suspected anxiety disorder. Which of the following would be an appropriate initial test? Group of answer choices

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Electroencephalogram
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

The correct answer is: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)   Explanation: When evaluating a patient with suspected anxiety disorder, it is essential to rule out medical conditions that can mimic or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. The most appropriate initial test is:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – To assess for hyperthyroidism, which can present with anxiety, tachycardia, and tremors.

Why Not the Others?

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Only indicated if seizure activity (e.g., temporal lobe epilepsy) is suspected.
• MRI of the brain: Reserved for cases with focal neurologic deficits or concern for structural abnormalities (e.g., tumor).
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): A nonspecific marker of inflammation; not useful for anxiety workup unless autoimmune/infectious causes are suspected.

Key Point: Anxiety disorders are clinical diagnoses, but TSH screening is a routine initial test to exclude hyperthyroidism. Other tests are only needed if history/exam suggests alternative causes. Thus, TSH is the most appropriate initial lab test.