NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
Walden University NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment-Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.
How to Write the Body for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.
Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.
How to Format the References List for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.
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Sample Answer for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
The population in the united states is composed of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and this aspect is also duplicated in the healthcare system. To ensure the provision of quality and effective healthcare services to the diverse population, the healthcare providers must be competent, sensitive, and also be aware of the diversity of the patient cultures and other essential beliefs as well as avoid stigmatizing patients based on their cultural differences. When a healthcare provider is culturally competent, he or she accepts the diverse needs of their patients even though the diverse needs may be different from those of theirs. To ensure culturally competent healthcare services, the healthcare providers must be sensitive to the patient’s socioeconomic status, heritage and ethnicity. Distinct from cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity, cultural competence is the ability of healthcare providers to modify their practices such that they effectively meet the needs of the different cultural groups (Sharifi, Adib-Hajbaghery, & Najafi, 2019). On the contrary, cultural awareness and sensitivity highlight the ability to recognize the differences without necessarily modifying practices to meet the various needs of different patients.
Case scenario
The case study presents Mono Nu, who is a 44- year old Filipino patient who started blood thinner medications a period of two weeks ago. The patient is from a low-income household and hence does not afford the prescribed medication. Besides, he has no adequate understanding on the working mechanism of the medications or why they are necessary. In addition, the patient lacks a social support network so that he can maintain his medications. His main diet is fish and tofu, which may lack in some essential nutritional components hence affecting the mode of action of the blood thinner medications.
Cultural Factors
Mono Nu is from the Philippines which makes him have a different understanding of health and wellness contrary to people from the western culture. The culture in the Philippines is such that they rely on family, friends, and faith in God for healing (Cacho & del Castillo, 2022). This culture of health and wellness prevents the Philippines from access to healthcare. The culture of the patient, therefore, has an impact on his health because it can dictate his willingness to adhere to the prescribed medications (Collado, 2019). In addition, the patient does not understand why his medications are producing the anticipated results meaning that the patient might be frustrated or, might be in a state where he feels helpless. His choice of diet however indicates that he appreciates specific diet which is essential to healthy eating. As a health practitioner, some of the most sensitive issues to take into account while interacting with this particular patient include their age, cultural differences in terms of health beliefs, the likelihood of frustrations with the medications, and some potential side effects of medications.
May 2012, Alice Randall wrote an article for The New York Times on the cultural factors that encouraged black women to maintain a weight above what is considered healthy. Randall explained—from her observations and her personal experience as a black woman—that many African-American communities and cultures consider women who are overweight to be more beautiful and desirable than women at a healthier weight. As she put it, “Many black women are fat because we want to be” (Randall, 2012).
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Randall’s statements sparked a great deal of controversy and debate; however, they emphasize an underlying reality in the healthcare field: different populations, cultures, and groups have diverse beliefs and practices that impact their health. Nurses and healthcare professionals should be aware of this reality and adapt their health assessment techniques and recommendations to accommodate diversity.
In this Discussion, you will consider different socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors that should be taken into considerations when building a health history for patients with diverse backgrounds. Your Instructor will assign a case study to you for this Discussion.
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To prepare:
• Reflect on your experiences as a nurse and on the information provided in this week’s Learning Resources on diversity issues in health assessments.
• By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned a case study by your Instructor. Note: Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your case study assignment.
• Reflect on the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors related to the health of the patient assigned to you.
• Consider how you would build a health history for the patient. What questions would you ask, and how would you frame them to be sensitive to the patient’s background, lifestyle, and culture? Develop five targeted questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to assess his or her health risks.
• Think about the challenges associated with communicating with patients from a variety of specific populations. What strategies can you as a nurse employ to be sensitive to different cultural factors while gathering the pertinent information?
By Day 3 of Week 2
Post an explanation of the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient you were assigned. Explain the issues that you would need to be sensitive to when interacting with the patient, and why. Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to assess his or her health risks.
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 2
Respond on or before Day 6 on 2 different days to at least two of your colleagues who were assigned a different patient than you. Critique your colleague’s targeted questions, and explain how the patient might interpret these questions. Explain whether any of the questions would apply to your patient, and why.
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Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
Discussion Week 2
Patient Scenario:
TJ, a 32-year-old pregnant lesbian, is being seen for an annual physical exam and has been having vaginal discharge. Her pregnancy has been without complication thus far. She has been receiving prenatal care from an obstetrician. She received sperm from a local sperm bank. She is currently taking prenatal vitamins and takes over the counter Tylenol for aches and pains on occasion. She has a strong family history of diabetes. Gravida 1; Para 0; Abortions 0.
Specific Socioeconomic, Spiritual, Lifestyle, and other Cultural Factors
Despite impressive advances towards LGB equality in many countries, including the United States, research suggests that LGB persons continue to experience health disparities on almost every major US health indicator, including tobacco use, alcohol and drug use, depression, anxiety and suicidality, reproductive and sexual health, nutrition, physical activity and obesity (Dorsen & Van Devanter, 2017). While working with this patient, it is essential to be aware of the patients’ demands and provide non-judgmental care. Identifying risk factors for sexually transmitted infections are a necessary part of the sexual history (Ball et al., 2019). For this patient focusing on the chief complaint, when discharge may have begun, and how long it has been happening. Lifestyle could be a focus to examine further due to the strong family history of diabetes; it would be essential to ask questions related to diet, unusual fatigue, or history of vaginal/bladder infections.
Culturally Sensitive Issues
Being competent in cross-cultural functioning means learning new behavior patterns and effectively applying them in the appropriate settings (Cultural Competence in Health and Human Services, 2020). Culturally competent suggestions would be understanding and showing interest in the patient as a unique person, exploring and respecting the patient, beliefs, values, and preferences for care (Ball et al., 2019). While interacting with this 32-year-old pregnant patient, who identifies themself as a lesbian, it would be vital to inquire how the patient would like to be identified throughout the plan of care. Also, particular attention should be paid to care for patients who self-identify as being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) (Ball et al., 2019). As a healthcare provider, I would need to invest time studying and becoming culturally competent to provide efficient care.
Five Targeted questions to ask patient
1. How are you feeling today?
2. How would you like to be addressed?
3. How are you coping with pregnancy?
4. Do you want or expect emotional support from the healthcare team
5. Are there medical matters that you do not wish to disclose to others?
6. Is there a religion or faith in which you wish to follow?
References
Ball, J., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). In Seidel’s guide to
physical examination: an interprofessional approach (9th ed., pp. 28-93). essay, Mosby.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Cultural Competence In Health and Human
Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://npin.cdc.gov/pages/cultural-
competence.
Dorsen, C., & Van Devanter, N. (2017). Open arms, conflicted hearts: nurse-practitioner’s
attitudes towards working with lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. Journal of Clinical
Nursing, 25(23-24), 3716–3727. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13464
Sample Answer 3 for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
John Green, 33-year-old Caucasian male, presents to the office to establish as a new patient. John’s natal sex is female, but he identifies as a male. He transitioned from female to male 2 years ago. He has made a full transition with family and socially last year. He just moved back home and is unemployed at this time. He has been obtaining testosterone from the internet to give to himself. He has not had any health care since he decided to change other than getting his suppression medications through Telehealth 3 months ago. His past medical history includes smoking 2 packages of cigarettes per day for the last 10 years, smokes 3-6 marijuana joints every weekend (has an active green card) and does suffer from depression episodes. He is HIV positive for the last 3 years but remains virally suppressed at his last blood draw 6 months ago. He has been feeling very weak over the last few weeks which prompted him to move back home with his parents. He takes Biktarvy once daily that comes in the mail for free, tolerates it well, and 100 mg Testosterone IM every 7 days. His PMH is non-contributory. No past medical history. He has never been married. No significant family history. He is worried since moving back home and unemployed he will be a burden on his family, and he thinks his health may be declining.
There are several John Green’s economical, spiritual, behavioral, and cultural characteristics that I must consider as a nurse practitioner.
Socioeconomic Factors
Due to financial constraints, John may not be able to continue receiving medical care and taking his prescribed medications. John’s experience is only one example of the many obstacles transgender persons face when trying to make ends meet. There is a higher rate of homelessness, poverty, and unemployment among transgender people compared to the general population. This may be due to the multiple challenges that transgender people face in the workplace and in society as large. Due to financial constraints, he must rely on buying testosterone from the internet, which may expose him to the risk of utilizing harmful and inefficient drugs. As he is HIV + and a smoker, he may end up costing his family more money for medical care than they can afford.
Spiritual Factors
John’s spirituality and sense of self-worth may undergo profound changes because of his gender transition. The place of transgender individuals, defined by the religious and socio-cultural values especially of Muslim society. the sacred faith (Islam – as experienced in Pakistan and Bangladesh) does not accept other options outside the male and female gender norms; however, any notion that is not translated by the Holy Quran, for example living outside the male-female range, is anti-Islamic and is dealt with by dangerous means of violence (Yasser et al. 2021). Thus, respect for his religious or spiritual practices is warranted because they may play a significant impact in his propensity to seek medical care and adhere to treatments.
Lifestyle Factors
As a result of his smoking and marijuana use, John may be at an increased risk for developing lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to inform him about the dangers that such behaviors may pose to his health. Medical schools, mental health counseling training programs, recovery and behavioral health services, and healthcare insurance companies need to be aware that the relationship between experiences with medical transition, age, and personal gender identity may impact rates of substance use within the transgender community (Redcay et al., 2022). It’s important to evaluate his mental health and provide the care he needs because his depressive episodes may have a wider influence on his welfare and quality of life. Transgender individuals experience, in addition to higher levels of anxiety and depression, increased suicidal behaviors when social supports are not in place. Research suggests that they do not attempt suicide because of their gender identity, but because of a lack of support (Jacob et al., 2017). Finally, John’s way of life is illustrative of the challenges transgender persons face. John is currently childless and does not have a partner. Finding a loving, supportive relationship can be difficult for transgender persons.
Cultural Factors
John may face discrimination and stigma due to his HIV-positive diagnosis and his gender transition. There are many cultural challenges he faces that the rest of us don’t face. In some societies, men enjoy greater social status and political influence simply by virtue of their gender. This trend of health care discrimination coupled with avoidance of seeking care leads to poorer health for transgender people (Jacob et al., 2017). As his healthcare practitioner, it is my responsibility to foster an accepting and non-judgmental atmosphere, one that considers his individual values and cultural norms.
Sensitive Issues During Provider – Patient interaction
Being mindful of John’s transition and the specific health concerns he may be experiencing as a result is essential while communicating with him. John may encounter stigma and discrimination because of his transgender status, and it’s crucial to be aware of this. Treating his medical history with dignity and inviting his queries is essential. Transgender individuals experience discrimination, stigmatization, and unethical and insensitive attitudes in healthcare settings. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about the ways to deliver ethical and culturally competent care (Sundus et al., 2021).
Targeted Questions to Build Patient Health History and Assess Health Risks
- Can you tell me more about your gender transition journey, including when you first realized your gender identity and the steps you took to transition?
- How long have you been smoking, and have you tried to quit in the past?
- How often do you use marijuana, and have you ever experienced any negative effects of using it?
- Can you describe your experience with depression, including how often you experience episodes and any triggers that you have noticed?
- How are you managing your HIV positive status, and have you ever experienced any side effects or difficulties with your treatment?
References
Jacob, M., Cox, S., & Cox, S. R. (2017). Examining transgender health through the International
Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health’s (ICF) Contextual Factors. Quality
of Life Research, 26(12), 3177–3185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-017-1656-8Links to an external site.
Redcay, A., Counselman Carpenter, E., & Lally, K. (2022). The Impact of Gender Identity,
Medical Transition, and Other Substances on Marijuana Use for Transgender
Adults. Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences.
Sundus, A., Shahzad, S., & Younas, A. (2021). Ethical and culturally competent care of
transgender patients: A scoping review. Nursing Ethics, 28(6), 1041–1060.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020988307
Yasser, Q. R., Agrawal, R., & Ahmed, I. (2021). Transgender disclosure decisions and workplace
socio-cultural dynamics. Labour & Industry, 31(2), 87–105.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10301763.2020.1847023
Sample Answer 4 for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
This week a 44-year-old Filipino patient represents to the clinic for blood thinner lab evaluation. The patient was placed on a blood thinner, presumably warfarin, two weeks ago, and now his PT/INR needs evaluation to see if his levels are within the normal therapeutic range. The expected range for prothrombin time (PT) is 11-13.5 seconds, and the international ratio (INR) range is 0.8- 1.1, but a provider may want your levels to be between 2.0-3.0 to prevent blood clots (Prothrombin Time (PT): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.). The patient is not currently in the therapeutic range. The patient reports compliance with the daily use of medication, eating a diet rich in fish and tofu, and expressed a lack of understanding as to why the drug is ineffective.
Family, culture, spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic status sum up who an individual is and how they live their lives. All these facets largely influence people’s health outcomes. The Filipino culture is an interdependent matriarchal society with proud Catholic beliefs (Miller, 2023). Family is of the utmost importance as well as upholding Filipino values. Language and traditions include eating several times daily, hosting fiestas, and helping others in need (Dumaraos, 2022). However, the patient’s lab results may reflect cultural barriers such as a language barrier.
An assessment of the patient’s primary language and the need for an interpreter will need to be reviewed. Blood thinners such as warfarin have many interactions with other medications, supplements, herbs, and foods. The patient reports a diet rich in fish and tofu. Research says that soy products such as tofu, a staple protein source in Asian cultures, can decrease the effectiveness of warfarin on the INR (Tan & Lee, 2020). Additionally, Tan and Lee (2020) report that fish, another Asian staple, can cause a hypo-coagulant state, putting patients at risk of bleeding. Therefore, obtaining more information regarding daily diet, cultural beliefs regarding a medical condition, and faith in alternative options will help the provider educate the patient and family on possible lifestyle changes. Alternatively, the provider will need to modify therapy to accommodate the patient.
Addressing sensitive matters regarding individuals’ beliefs needs to be handled with care. Using the RESPECT model will aid in navigating these sensitive topics while maintaining effective patient-centered care communication (Ball et al., 2019). The provider should build a rapport and show empathy and support; next, the provider should partner with the patient to develop a viable solution and provide any explanation or clarification if needed. Lastly, the provider must respect the patient’s cultural beliefs and strive to be culturally competent, and work on establishing trust.
Five Questions to aid in building the patient’s health history include:
- What is your primary language?
- This question evaluates if a language barrier may interfere with the patient’s understanding of how diet affects INR and warfarin levels. It also assesses if there is a need for an interpreter.
- Who decides for the family?
- This question gives the provider context if their family is matriarchal or patriarchal. This information will help the provider understand who needs to be present to help make healthcare decisions with the patient.
- Who is responsible for food preparation?
- This information will inform the provider who makes meals because they will also need to be educated on possible modifications that need to be made to accommodate the patient’s health needs.
- Are there specific beliefs or preferences concerning food, such as those believed to cause or cure an illness?
- We need to understand the cultural view of food so the provider can better understand how to treat the patient to accommodate their lifestyle and beliefs.
- What is the tendency to use alternative care approaches/ or herbal remedies exclusively or as a complement?
- This question is similar to question four; however, this question focuses on alternatives other than food that need to be understood to better care for the patient.
References
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., & Flynn, J. A. (2019). Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). https://mbsdirec
Links to an external site.t.vitalsource.com/books/9780323481953
Dumaraos, G. (2022, November 30). Things You Should Know About Filipino Culture. Culture Trip. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/11-things-you-should-know-about-the-filipino-culture/
Miller, J. (2023). Religion in the Philippines. Asia Society. https://asiasociety.org/education/religion-philippines#:~:text=The%20Philippines%20proudly%20boasts%20to,well%20over%20100%20Protestant%20denominations
Prothrombin time (PT): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003652.htm#:~:text=Normal%20Results&text=Most%20of%20the%20time%2C%20results,INR%20of%200.8%20to%201.1
Tan, C. S. S., & Lee, S. W. H. (2020). Warfarin and food, herbal or dietary supplement interactions: A systematic review. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 87(2), 352–374. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14404
Sample Answer 5 for NURS 6512 Discussion Diversity and Health Assessment
Shawn Billings – 28 year old African American “Frequent Flyer”
Culture is defined as values, beliefs, customs, traditions, patterns of thinking, norms, learned behaviors, ideas, and perceptions of an individual or populations. Cultural beliefs frame our thinking, decision making, and perceptions of life. All patients deserve to be treated and assessed in a culturally sensitive manner (Young & Guo, 2016). It is apparent that Shawn Billings is an African American male, but it would still be beneficial to ask him questions regarding his beliefs, education level, and socioeconomic status to help gauge their effects on his health. It is also important to establish a trusting relationship where Shawn feels that you are going to help him, since he probably has had experiences with other practitioners who have dismissed his complaints.
As a practitioner you should be careful not to assume that all members in a particular cultural group share the same beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. Shawn has already been characterized as a “frequent flyer” so in performing his assessment, one must be careful not to let any unconscious biases impede accurately forming a diagnosis on the patient (Ball et al., 2019).
Since the assessment of pain is more subjective, questions can be centered around the characteristics of his pain. Examples include:
- When did your migraines first begin?
- Does anything trigger them or make them worse?
- What makes them better? And what treatments have previously been used do not work?
- Does the pain disrupt normal activities of daily living? Does it disrupt your sleep?
- What type of education have you received from other practitioners regarding your pain and relief of symptoms? (Ball et al., 2019).
African Americans suffer from an increased risk of chronic illness, which includes an increased prevalence of chronic pain, poor chronic pain outcomes, and poorer treatment of chronic pain. Individuals with chronic pain are vulnerable to under treatment, especially African Americans who are subjected to increased negative stereotypes. African Americans living in urban poverty lack safe access to physical activity, have decreased social support because of neighborhood characteristics, and face increased exposure to neighborhood violence, which have a cumulative effect on the experience of chronic pain. Due to his socioeconomic status, he may lack the insurance coverage required to meet his needs. Individuals of lower socioeconomic status also hold more physically demanding jobs that increase the risk for pain-related injury and may be less able to take time off to seek medical care. Primary care providers also tend to underestimate the severity of pain in African Americans as they tend to report a higher pain rating with a longer duration (Maly & Vallerand, 2018). It is important that Shawn is educated regarding his migraines and the etiology of migraines so that he may help to prevent and remedy them. It may also be helpful to explain the mechanisms in which certain medications work, and how they may or may not be working to help his pain so that he understands that it may be beneficial to try different combinations of medications and be more open to the idea.
References
Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Maly, A., & Vallerand, A. H. (2018). Neighborhood, socioeconomic, and racial influence on chronic pain. Pain Management Nursing, 19(1), 14-22.
Young, S., & Guo, K. L. (2016). Cultural diversity training. The Health Care Manager, 35(2), 94–102. https://doi.org/10.1097/hcm.0000000000000100