NURS 6512 Discussion Adolescent Patients

My assignment is based on working with an 85-year-old white female living alone with no family in declining health. While working on this task, I assume the patient is my mother, and I interrogate him with empathy, knowing that she is an elderly person who is likely to be more isolated and lonelier than individuals living with their loved ones. Here, I need to create an interviewing strategy to employ in assessing this patient’s medical condition, taking into account his advanced age that his health is declining.

Findings show that religious engagement among students declines during college, but their spirituality shows substantial growth. “Students become more caring, more tolerant, more connected with others, and more actively engaged in a spiritual quest.” (“Cultivating the Spirit – Spirituality in Higher Education”) The authors also found that spiritual growth enhances other outcomes, such as academic performance, psychological well-being, leadership development, and satisfaction with college. The study also identified a number of college activities that contribute to students’ spiritual growth. Some of these–study abroad, interdisciplinary studies, and service learning–appear to be effective because they expose students to new and diverse people, cultures, and ideas. Spiritual development is also enhanced if students engage in “inner work” through activities such as meditation or self-reflection, or if their professors actively encourage them to explore questions of meaning and purpose. (“Cultivating the Spirit – Spirituality in Higher (Alexander W, 2010)”). By raising public awareness of the key role that spirituality plays in student learning and development, by alerting academic administrators, faculty, and curriculum committees to the importance of spiritual development, and by identifying strategies for enhancing that development, this work encourages institutions to give greater priority to these spiritual aspects of students’ educational and professional development.

Communication is a difficult endeavor that requires empathy and courtesy, especially when dealing with senior individuals. It’s critical to observe, listen, and gather information when pertinent information is offered when speaking with these kinds of patients. To preserve a constant pace with the patient, the medical practitioner not only should go slowly and be very patient (Ball et al., 2019). Furthermore, by observing, the healthcare professional can connect to and be brought into the environment of the elderly. It is critical to comprehend the participant’s reality and the circumstances that may impact their responses. It’s critical for health care professionals to establish a good connection with patients in the interview session to create a favorable interaction.

The nurse tells the patient to introduce themselves to create familiarity and as the patient settles in the interview. Showing sincerity is vital while getting to know the social circle’s nature and the living condition of the patient. The questions could be personal, but they are meant to know the situation of the healthcare provider.

For this discussion, I will consider the case of an adolescent Hispanic/Latino boy living in a middle-class suburb. Adolescent patients are reluctant to open up and communicate. This may escalate if their parent or guardians are around. Therefore, it is imperative to assure the adolescent of confidentiality to encourage them to open up. Moreover, if the patient is accompanied by a guardian or a parent, it is important to let them stay outside during the interview process. This will allow the adolescent patient to feel confident and ready to open up on sensitive issues. While it is imperative to assure the adolescent that the information shared will be confidential, it is also important to let the patient know that the confidentiality of the information shared during the interview may not always be sustained if it will implicate the safety of another individual or it is in the best interest of the adolescent patient.

It is also necessary to establish a rapport with the patient. This will make them feel comfortable and share information with ease. This can be achieved by first seeking to know about the patient’s daily activities. If the patient is unwilling to communicate, it is important to assure him that he is safe. Most adolescents consider forced communication to be confrontational and have difficulties handling it. The adolescent may also keep quiet for some large amounts of time and show emotions such as anger, sadness, and exaggeration of events (Ball et al., 2017). It is imperative to show patience and let the patient express himself. To have a successful discussion with adolescents, respect, flexibility, and confidentiality is paramount.

The best risk assessment tool is the HEEADSSS. Getting the psychosocial history of an adolescent is as important as a physical examination. The vital psychosocial history is obtained through the use of the HEEADSSS method of interviewing adolescents. The tool focuses on “assessing the home environment, education and employment, eating, peer-related activities, drugs, sexuality, suicide/depression, and safety from injury and violence” (Contemporary Pediatrics, 2014). The adolescent stage is the time for growth and development. When health fears arise, the physical and social orientation of the adolescent is impacted. For example, sexual experimentation may result in pregnancies and sexual disorders. Additionally, the results of adolescent stressors such as depression, obesity, and mental health issues can easily go unidentified without strict physiological orientation (Contemporary Pediatrics, 2014). If one does not have an adequate psychosocial history, it is difficult to identify concerns early enough to protect the adolescents.
The targeted questions would be aimed at facilitating a better understanding of the patient. The HEEADSSS method is structured to allow effective communication. It also creates a confidential, empathetic and respectful environment that allows the patient to attain appropriate care. Some of the questions that I would ask the patient are;
1. Where is your home?
2. Who lives with you?
3. Do you go to school?
4. What activities do you engage in?
5. How do you consider your grades?
6. What do you do in your free time?
7. Who is your close friend?
8. Does any of your friends smoke or take alcohol?
9. Do you have a relationship and how would you describe the partner?

References

Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2017). Seidel’s guide to physical examination (9th ed.). St Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Contemporary Pediatrics, (2014). HEEADSSS 3.0: The Psychosocial Interview for Adolescents Updated for a New Century Fueled By media. Retrieved from https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/heeadsss-30-psychosocial-interview-adolescents-updated-new-century-fueled-media

Discussion: Building a Health History

Effective communication is vital to constructing an accurate and detailed patient history. A patient’s health or illness is influenced by many factors, including age, gender, ethnicity, and environmental setting. As an advanced practice nurse, you must be aware of these factors and tailor your communication techniques accordingly. Doing so will not only help you establish rapport with your patients, but it will also enable you to more effectively gather the information needed to assess your patients’ health risks.
For this Discussion, you will take on the role of a clinician who is building a health history for a particular new patient assigned by your Instructor.

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To prepare:

With the information presented in Chapter 1 of Ball et al. in mind, consider the following:
• By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned a new patient profile by your Instructor for this Discussion. Note: Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your new patient profile assignment.
• How would your communication and interview techniques for building a health history differ with each patient?
• How might you target your questions for building a health history based on the patient’s social determinants of health?
• What risk assessment instruments would be appropriate to use with each patient, or what questions would you ask each patient to assess his or her health risks?
• Identify any potential health-related risks based upon the patient’s age, gender, ethnicity, or environmental setting that should be taken into consideration.
• Select one of the risk assessment instruments presented in Chapter 1 or Chapter 5 of the Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination text, or another tool with which you are familiar, related to your selected patient.
• Develop at least five targeted questions you would ask your selected patient to assess his or her health risks and begin building a health history.

By Day 3 of Week 1

Post a summary of the interview and a description of the communication techniques you would use with your assigned patient. Explain why you would use these techniques. Identify the risk assessment instrument you selected, and justify why it would be applicable to the selected patient. Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the “Post to Discussion Question” link, and then select “Create Thread” to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Submit!
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

By Day 6 of Week 1

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days who selected a different patient than you, using one or more of the following approaches:
• Share additional interview and communication techniques that could be effective with your colleague’s selected patient.
• Suggest additional health-related risks that might be considered.
• Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:
Week 1 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 of Week 1 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 1

To Participate in this Discussion:
Week 1 Discussion

________________________________________
What’s Coming Up in Module 2?

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In Module 2, you explore the impact of functional assessments, diversity, and sensitivity in conducting health assessments. You also examine various assessment tools and diagnostic tests used to gather information about patients’ conditions and examine their validity, reliability, and impact in conducting health assessments.
Next week, you will specifically examine functional assessments as they relate to diversity and sensitivity
Registration for Shadow Health
Throughout this course, you will participate in digital clinical experiences using the online simulation tool Shadow Health. The Shadow Health digital clinical experience provides a dynamic, immersive experience designed to improve nursing skills and clinical reasoning through the examination of digital standardized patients. Using Shadow Health you will participate in health histories, focused exams, and a comprehensive assessment.
There will be four Shadow Health assessment components that you will need to complete in Module’s 2 and 3:
• Health History Assessment (Week 3 & 4)
• Focused Exam: Cough (Week 5) for a pediatric patient presenting with cough
• Focused Exam: Chest Pain (Week 7) for an adult patient presenting with chest pain
• Comprehensive (Head-to-Toe) Physical Assessment (Week 9)

Before you can participate in these simulations, you will need to register for a Shadow Health account. To do this:
• Go to the Walden Bookstore and purchase access to Shadow Health and the required texts.
• Once Shadow Health has been purchased, an access code will be emailed to you from the bookstore.
• Review this video explaining how to register in Shadow Health: https://vimeo.com/275921826/c12d50ee6e
• Use the Shadow Health link located in the navigation menu on the left in the Blackboard course.
• Follow the prompts to register in Shadow Health. You will need the access code provided from the bookstore to register. Once registered, Shadow Health should always be accessed via the link in Blackboard.
• Use only Google Chrome when accessing Shadow Health and make sure all other programs are turned off on your computer. Other browsers do not work well and will not allow the Shadow Health speech to text function to work.
• Once registered, complete the Shadow Health Orientation in the Shadow Health website/program and review the videos designed to assist with navigating and completing assignments.
• Read the Shadow Health Nursing Documentation Tutorial located in the Week 1 Learning Resources.
Note: As nurses you typically use the word assessment to mean completing the physical exam. However, in the SOAP Note format, assessment means diagnosis so start getting in the habit of calling the physical exam exactly that.

Week 2 Case Studies

In Week 2, your Instructor will assign you a case study related to your Discussion by Day 1 of the week. Please make sure to review the “Course Announcements” area of the course to verify your assigned case study. Please plan ahead to ensure you have time to review your case study and your Learning Resources so that you can complete your Discussions and Assignments on time.

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Practicum – Upcoming Deadline

In the Nurse Practitioner programs of study (FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and PMHNP) you are required to take several practicum courses. If you plan on taking a practicum course within the next two terms, you will need to submit your application via Meditrek .
For information on the practicum application process and deadlines, please visit the Field Experience: College of Nursing: Application Process – Graduate web page.
Please take the time to review the Appropriate Preceptors and Field Sites for your courses.
Please take the time to review the practicum manuals, FAQs, Webinars and any required forms on the Field Experience: College of Nursing: Student Resources and Manuals web page.
• Field Experience: College of Nursing Quick Answers

• Field Experience: MSN Nurse Practitioner Practicum Manual
• Student Practicum Resources: NP Student Orientation
Next Module

To go to the next module:
Module 2

Rubric Detail

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Content
Name: NURS_6512_Week_1_Discussion_Rubric
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Excellent Good Fair Poor
Main Posting Points Range: 45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
“Answers all parts of the Discussion question(s) with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources. Supported by at least three current, credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. Points Range: 40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
“Responds to the Discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. Supported by at least three credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. Points Range: 35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
“Responds to some of the Discussion question(s). One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Post is cited with two credible sources. Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Contains some APA formatting errors. Points Range: 0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
”

Does not respond to the Discussion question(s) adequately. Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Contains only one or no credible sources. Not written clearly or concisely. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Main Post: Timeliness Points Range: 10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by Day 3. Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
N/A Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
N/A Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post main post by Day 3.
First Response Points Range: 17 (17%) – 18 (18%)

“Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of Learning Objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. Points Range: 15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
“Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. Points Range: 13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
“Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the Discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. Points Range: 0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
“Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the Discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Second Response Points Range: 16 (16%) – 17 (17%)

“Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of Learning Objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. Points Range: 14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
“Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. Points Range: 12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
“Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the Discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. Points Range: 0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
“Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the Discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Participation Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days. Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
N/A Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
N/A Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
Total Points: 100
Name: NURS_6512_Week_1_Discussion_Rubric