Tag: Clinical-Nursing

  • Theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods and research-based (or evidence-based) practice

    Theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods and research-based (or evidence-based) practice

    Answers to questions expected to be 150 words. Provide two or more references for each question using in-text citations and source referencing in APA 6th ed. formatting (see announcement on APA 6th ed. formatting). No title page or running header needed.

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    DQ #1

    The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of methods in a nursing study? Support your answer with current evidence-based literature.

    DQ #2

    According to the textbook, nurses in various settings are adopting a research-based (or evidence-based) practice that incorporates research findings into their decisions and interaction with clients. How do you see this being applied in your workplace? theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods and research-based (or evidence-based) practice

     

    Research in Nursing Studies

    DQ#1

    The main difference between quantitative and qualitative analysis is the way the problem is approached. In particular, qualitative research entails a complete and detailed description of ideas or events whereas quantitative research involves describing activities by use of statistical models. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods has advantages than using just one of the two ways. Just to mention, using both methods enlarges the research that a person would miss is they used a single approach (Grove, Gray, & Burns, 2015, p 32). As an illustration, the research will be more comprehensive since it gives statistical research and also observation analysis. Subsequently, using both methods provides sufficient information for developing an informative hypothesis and also speeds up the conclusion of the research study. theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods and research-based (or evidence-based) practice.

    On the contrary, using both methods may be problematic. As a case in point, qualitative research concentrates on various answers whereas quantitative analysis necessitates only one truth. According to Moss and Media, such phenomena could cause breakdown of different problems at the qualitative and quantitative phases of the study and correct such a problem is hectic (2016).

    References

    Grove, S., Gray, J., & Burns, N. (2015).
    Understanding Nursing Research, 6th Edition
    .      Saunders, 092014. VitalBook file theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods and research-based (or evidence-based) practice

    Moss, Dudovskiy, and Media, J. (2016). Research Methods.
    Research Methodology.
    Retrieved from:           

    Research Methods


    .

     

    DQ#2

    It is a fact that nurses working in diverse settings are using evidence-based practice and incorporates research outcomes in decision-making process and interaction with clients. As In O’Donnell and In Nácul puts forward, using evidence-based practices helps to manage patients and is essential in applied nursing research encompassing perioperative procedures (2016). The evidence-based practice at my workplace is an application used for hourly rounding. Such activities help the nurses in my workplace to anticipate and address the needs of the patients in time hence leading to the better patient outcome theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods and research-based (or evidence-based) practice.

    According to Borbasi and Jackson (2014), the final evidence-based practice regularly used in the workplace is the rule of hand washing for both the patient and the nurse. My workplace uses this evidence-based practice as a way of eradicating germs. Evidence-based practice at my workplace has reduced the patient fall rate drastically as well as giving nurses the chance to assess the basic needs of a patient.

    References

    In O’Donnell, J. M., & In Nácul, F. E. (2016). 
    Surgical intensive care medicine.
     Cham: Springer,

    Borbasi, S., & Jackson, D. (2014). 
    Navigating the maze of nursing research
    . Chatswood, N.S.W: Elsevier Australia theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods and research-based (or evidence-based) practice

  • Moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example

    Moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example

    To prepare:

    • Review literature for moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP.

    • Select one of the articles you found that was published within the last 5 years to use as a focus for this assignment.

    Write a 2-page paper in which you do the following:

    • Summarize the moral/ethical issue in the article (no more than 1 paragraph).

    • Describe the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the issue.

    • Analyze the ethical issue and compare them to the state health laws and regulations in your state. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example.

    • Outline the process of ethical decision making you would use to address this ethical dilemma.

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    Ethics in Psychiatric Mental Health Practice

    The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a registered nurse practitioner specialized wit handling psychiatrist mental cases. This group of nurses is highly trained and possesses a master’s degree level of education. PMHPs perform physical examinations and screening, formulate initial physical diagnoses and make precise references to indicate primary care for mentally ill patients. PMHNPs are entitled to develop relationships with severe mental cases, which help identify underlying health problems. They are in charge of coordinating and integrating multidisciplinary mental care services, while providing comprehensive family psychiatric mental health education. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example. However, PMHNPs do face an array of ethical and moral challenges when disseminating their duties. It is in the light of their predicaments that it is important to evaluate the ethical issues which entail lack of confidentiality and poor decision making.

    Ethical Issue

    Findlay et al. (2015) conducted a research to ascertain the relationship between patients suffering from schizophrenia and poor behavioral decisions that lead to poor health outcomes. The researches employed a descriptive qualitative study to examine behavioral decision making amongst patients suffering from schizophrenia. The main objective of employing the descriptive qualitative analysis was to gain in-depth understanding on experiences and perspectives of the patients involved in the research.  All the participants were required to understand the purpose of the study, willing to communicate effectively about their schizophrenia conditions, and be 18 years and above. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example. The researchers excluded patients who had communication problems, and exhibited inability to communicate. Findlay et al. (2015) used the content analysis to scrutinize collected and sampled data. The researchers discovered that the group of schizophrenic patients understood the cause of their predicaments and were able to reveal their behavioral indulgence. Particularly, some publicly stated that they engaged in smoking and listening to music to relieve their stress. The researchers, therefore, concluded that most of the schizophrenic patients understood their ailments, and would engage PMHNPs for relevant treatment methods.  They seconded that the root cause of poor outcomes in patients suffering from schizophrenia was contributed by poor decision making by PMHNP nurses. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example.

    Moral and ethical dilemmas

    Behavioral decision making is a vital component when handling patients, specifically those suffering from mental disabilities. Normally, patients suffering from mental illnesses may be subjected to forceful commitment to care, majorly due to bad decisions from their relatives and families (Streiner, Norman, & Cairney, 2015). Patients might contest such decisions, since they are against their will. PMHNPs encounter such unethical dilemmas, since they compromise the legal rights of a patient (Annamalai, & Tek, 2015). Besides, they make decisions that lead to deterioration of a patient’s health instead of ensuring recovery. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example.

    Analysis and state health laws and regulations

    The department of mental health services in Chicago is committed to offering utmost excellent care to all patients suffering from mental conditions. The state dictates that the department collaborates with community mental health providers to directly invest with the local partners to provide mental health services (Jacobson, & Dahlen, 2016). The law explains that not all interventions work for all patients, and therefore, PMHNPS need to precisely understand a patient’s problems and apply relevant approaches to foster better outcomes (Delaney, K. R. (2016). The law supports the need for practitioners to be diverse and integrate approaches that ensure better patient outcomes while keeping and upholding the law.

    Opinion

    It is normal for PMHNPs to encounter ethical dilemmas when handling patients with mental disabilities. In my opinion, however, it is necessary to engage family members when faced with such predicaments. Besides, I would consider the opinion of the patient about the preferred treatment method. This way, I would ensure the dissemination of an appropriate treatment approach that works within the law and satisfies the patient’s needs, guaranteeing better outcomes. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example.

    References

    Annamalai, A., & Tek, C. (2015). An overview of diabetes management in schizophrenia patients: office based strategies for primary care practitioners and endocrinologists.
    International journal of endocrinology
    ,
    2015
    .

    http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/969182

    Delaney, K. R. (2016). Psychiatric mental health nursing workforce agenda: Optimizing capabilities and capacity to address workforce demands.
    Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
    ,
    22
    (2), 122-131. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example.

    Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1078390316636938

     

    Findlay, L. J., El-Mallakh, P., Howard, P. B., Hatcher, J., & Clark, J. J. (2015). Health Behavior Decision-making in African-American Adults Diagnosed with Schizophrenia.
    Issues in mental health nursing
    ,
    36
    (7), 493-504.

    https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2014.1002646

    Jacobson, P. D., & Dahlen, R. (2016). Health Law 2015: Individuals and Populations.
    Journal of health politics, policy and law
    ,
    41
    (6), 1097-1118.

    https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-3665940

    Streiner, D. L., Norman, G. R., & Cairney, J. (2015).
    Health measurement scales: a practical guide to their development and use
    . Oxford University Press, USA. moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example.

    Retrieved from https://books.google.co.ke/books?hl=en&lr=&id=JH3OBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Streiner,+D.+L.,+Norman,+G.+R.,+%26+Cairney,+J.+(2015).+Health+measurement+scales:+a+practical+guide+to+their+development+and+use.+Oxford+University+Press,+USA.&ots=tj_Fye9J9k&sig=lDHsWBilqZtWsjy9II1VeEQo7p4&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP essay example

  • Nursing literature review essay example

    Nursing literature review essay example

    While the implementation plan prepares students to apply their research to the problem or issue they have identified for their capstone change proposal project, the literature review enables students to map out and move into the active planning and development stages of the project.

    A literature review analyzes how current research supports the PICOT, as well as identifies what is known and what is not known in the evidence nursing literature review essay example. Students will use the information from the earlier PICOT Statement Paper and Literature Evaluation Table assignments to develop a 750-1,000 word review that includes the following sections:

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    Title page

    Introduction section

    A comparison of research questions

    A comparison of sample populations

    A comparison of the limitations of the study

    A conclusion section, incorporating recommendations for further research

    Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. nursing literature review essay example.

    This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

    Please, references should not be older than 5 years and use Grand Canyon University format

     

    Abstract

    Introduction:
    Nicotine is presented a highly addictive psychoactive substance that requires a structured strategy to address the behavioral and biological aspects of the addiction. NRT is presented as one strategy that could be effective in smoking cessation efforts. The purpose is to provide evidence that supports NRT being recommended as an efficiency cessation tool for smokers who have expressed the intention to quit smoking. nursing literature review essay example.

    Comparison of research questions:
    The eight articles under review all address NRT use among young adult smokers.

    Comparison of sample population:
    The eight studies are categorized as qualitative and quantities studies with the qualitative studies recruiting a smaller sample of participants (between 11 and 15 smokers) while the quantitative studies recruited a larger sample of participants (between 100 and 3,094 smokers).

    Comparison of limitations:
    The qualitative studies recruited a small population sample that reduced their generalizability nursing literature review essay example. Additionally, some of the research aims are too broad. The current research intends to address the limitations by recruiting a large sample of participants that will improve results generalizability and focusing on NRT as a single smoking cessation strategy.

    Conclusion:
    Overall, the present research intends to present evidence that supports NRT use among smokers who have presented quitting intention to improve cessation efficiency.

    Introduction

    Nicotine is identified as a highly addictive psychoactive substance. In fact, it is behaviorally and biologically addictive making it difficult for cigarette smokers to quit as any quitting action would be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms (Barbeau, Burda & Siegel, 2013). To address the concern that links quitting with harm, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been proposed. The therapy acts by replacing nicotine with a less harmful material so that the behavioral and biological aspects of smoking are not disrupted (Silla, Beard & Shahab, 2014). As such, nursing practitioners should recommend NRT for smokers who have expressed the intention to quit in order to improve the cessation efficiency. nursing literature review essay example.

    A comparison of research questions

    The present research intends to compare the cessation efficiency of NRT against other smoking cessation therapies with the intention of identifying the most efficient approach for use by cigarette smokers intending to quit. nursing literature review essay example. As such, it intends to answer the question of: Is NRT is more efficient than other smoking cessation therapies to justify special attention from nursing personnel? To answer this question, it is prudent to collect secondary information from sources talking about NRT. Buller et al. (2014) asked the question: How useful and effective is nicotine patch (NRT) in smoking cessation interventions? Silla, Beard and Shahab (2014) ask the question of: what attitudes and beliefs do smokers and ex-smokers exhibit towards NRT? Barbeau, Burda and Siegel (2013) ask the question: do e-cigarettes present better efficacy results when compared against other NRT strategies? Thurgood et al. (2015) asks two questions. The first question is: what is the effectiveness of different smoking cessation interventions for patients with substance use disorders? The second question is: what is the impact of smoking cessation treatment on substance use outcomes? Garcia-Rodriguez et al. (2014) asks the question: What are the estimated relapse rates and predictors to smoking when using NRT among young adults? Chen et al. (2016) asks the question: What are the high-risk smoking behaviors and barriers to smoking cessation among homeless individuals? Hakim, Chowdhury and Uddin (2017) ask the question: What are the correlates of unsuccessful smoking cessation among adults in Bangladesh? Diemert et al. (2013) asked the question: What are the predictors of young adults smoking cessation behavior? The research questions from the eight selected journal articles are all concerned with smoking cessation, six of them focusing on NRT. There relevance to the current research is highlighted by the fact that they all address the same topic (smoking cessation) for the same population (young adults). As such, they will be useful in answering the present question of whether NRT is more efficient than other smoking cessation therapies to justify special attention from nursing personnel. nursing literature review essay example.

    A comparison of sample populations

    Buller et al. (2014) applied a quantitative research approach whereby a sample of 3,094 smokers was recruited aged between 18 and 30 years. Silla, Beard and Shahab (2014) applied a qualitative approach that recruited 15 participants who included current and ex-smokers. Barbeau, Burda and Siegel (2013) applied a qualitative approach that recruited 11 participants who included 9 men and 2 women. Thurgood et al. (2015) applied a qualitative approach that evaluated randomized control trials published between 1990 and 2014. Garcia-Rodriguez et al. (2014) applied a quantitative research approach that relied on secondary data from Waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Chen et al. (2016) applied a quantitative research approach that recruited 100 smokers from a homeless shelter. Hakim, Chowdhury and Uddin (2017) applied a quantitative research approach that used secondary data from 2009 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) for Bangladesh in which 1,552 smokers older than 14 years were recruited. Diemert et al. (2013) applied a quantitative design that relied on secondary data from the Ontario Tobacco Survey in which 592 young adult smokers were recruited as participants. The eight studies are focused on smokers as the population of interest, with the qualitative studies recruiting a smaller sample of participants (between 11 and 15 smokers) while the quantitative studies recruited a larger sample of participants (between 100 and 3,094 smokers). nursing literature review essay example. The present study will make use of these aspects by focusing on recruiting the participants from the population of interest (smokers older than 17 years).

    A comparison of the limitations of the study

    Although the eight studies do not clearly outline their limitations, one limitation can be gleaned in the qualitative studies. The qualitative studies recruited a very small sample of participants (between 11 and 15) when compared to the whole population of smokers thereby making the results non-generalizable. A larger sample would be required to improve the results generalizability since such a sample would be more representative of the demographic peculiarities of the population. Still, it is understood that recruiting a larger sample would have exponentially increase the research cost for the qualitative studies. The present research will address this limitation by recruiting a large number of participants while considering the cost, convenience and time aspects. Another limitation is noted in Thurgood et al. (2015) where the formulated research aim is too broad. The present study addresses this concern by focusing on NRT as a single smoking cessation strategy. nursing literature review essay example.

    Conclusion (with recommendations)

    One must accept that nicotine is a highly addictive psychoactive substances that presents both behavioral and biological aspects. As such, there is a need to develop effective strategies to break the addiction. In addition, one must acknowledge that there are a range of strategies available for facilitating smoking cessation, although they each differ in terms of approach, effectiveness and efficacy. NRT is one such strategy that has been explored, particularly its use among young adult smokers and performance in comparison to other strategies. Eight research studies have been presented that research this aspect, but their results are limited by use of small samples and formulation of very broad objectives. The present research will address the limitations by recruiting a large sample of participants to improve results generalizability, and narrowing the objective to focus on NRT use among smokers older than 17 years as a representative of all smokers. The intention is to present evidence that supports NRT use among smokers who have presented quitting intention to improve cessation efficiency nursing literature review essay example.

    References

    Barbeau, A., Burda, J. & Siegel, M. (2013). Perceived efficacy of e-cigarettes versus nicotine replacement therapy among successful e-cigarette users: a qualitative approach.
    Addict Sci Clin Pract.
    , 8, 5. doi: 10.1186/1940-0640-8-5

    Buller, D., Halperin, A., Severson, H., Borland, R., Slater, M., Bettinghaus, E., Tinkelman, D., Cutter, G. & Woodall, G. (2014). Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Quitting by Young Adults in a Trial Comparing Cessation Services.
    J Public Health Manag Pract.
    , 20(2), E7-E15. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0b013e3182a0b8c7

    Chen, J., Nguyen, A., Malesker, M. & Morrow, L. (2016). High-Risk Smoking Behaviors and Barriers to Smoking Cessation among Homeless Individuals.
    Respiratory Care
    , 61(5), 640-645. doi: 10.4187/respcare.04439 nursing literature review essay example

    Diemert, L., Bondy, S., Brown, S. & Manske, S. (2013). Young Adult Smoking Cessation: Predictors of Quit Attempts and Abstinence.
    American Journal of Public Health
    , 103(3), 449-453. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300878

    Garcia-Rodriguez, O., Secades-Villa, R., Florez-Salamanca, L., Okuda, M., Liu, S. & Blanco, C. (2014). Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Quitting by Young Adults in a Trial Comparing Cessation Services.
    Drug Alcohol Depend.
    , 132(3), 479-485. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.03.008

    Hakim, S., Chowdhury, M. & Uddin, J. (2017). Correlates of unsuccessful smoking cessation among adults in Bangladesh.
    Preventive Medicine Reports
    , 8, 122-128. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2017.08.007

    Silla, K., Beard, E. & Shahab, L. (2014). Nicotine replacement therapy use among smokers and ex-smokers: associated attitudes and beliefs: a qualitative study.
    BMC Public Health
    , 14, 1311. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1311 nursing literature review essay example.

    Thurgood, S., McNeill, A., Clark-Carter, D. & Brose, L. (2015). A Systematic Review of Smoking Cessation Interventions for Adults in Substance Abuse Treatment or Recovery.
    Nicotine & Tobacco Research
    , 18(5), 993-1001. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntv127 nursing literature review essay example

  • Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision

    Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision

    Analyze salient ethical issues in psychiatric mental health practice

    Compare ethical dilemmas with state health laws and regulations

    Analyze ethical decision-making processes

    To prepare:

    Review literature for moral/ethical issues encountered by a PMHNP.

    Select one of the articles you found that was published within the last 5 years to use as a focus for this assignment Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision.

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    Write a 2-page paper in which you do the following:

    Summarize the moral/ethical issue in the article (no more than 1 paragraph).

    Describe the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the issue. Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision.

    Analyze the ethical issue and compare them to the state health laws and regulations in your state.

    Outline the process of ethical decision making you would use to address this ethical dilemma.

    Analyzing an Ethical Decision

    Summarize the moral/ethical issue in the article (no more than 1 paragraph).

    Harris (2016) discusses the issue of moral distress in psychiatry. In this case, moral distress is defined as being institutionally constrained from pursuing the right course of action. This an issue of importance of nurses, particularly those working in psychiatry, when established ethics becomes impractical and they must contend with the consequence to the patient when making a decision that is considered right but is harmful to the patient. For that matter, the nurse contends with a lack of control and power over the capacity to fulfil nursing obligations to the patient. The issue is exacerbated in psychiatry by the fact that patients could lack the capacity to judge accurately, logically reason and discern reality. Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision. The nurse substitutes his or her judgment for the patient who is mentally ill. Although the nurse substitutes for the patient’s will, the power to make decisions for the patient is accompanied by responsibility to both the society and patient with the nurse mediating between the two thus resulting in conflicting responsibilities (Harris, 2016).

    Describe the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the issue.

    The ethical dilemma surrounding the issue is how the nurse should decide between responsibilities to conflicting parties when faced with a moral distress. It is true that the nurse should mediate between responsibilities to different parties, but which party should take precedence when the two are in conflict or have an antagonistic relationship. On one hand, the nurse should always act in the best interest of the patient, while on the other hand the nurse should act in accordance with the law and in fear of legal reprisal. Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision. In essence, the clear description of psychiatry nurses’ limitations and responsibilities means that they will always carry a burden of inadequacy and guilt in professional practice. The burden, occasioned by moral distress, calls for clear thought in addressing ethics even as the nurse acts for the good of the society and patients, all while retaining and preserving the capacity to professionally function with integrity (Harris, 2016).

    Analyze the ethical issue and compare them to the state health laws and regulations in your state.

    The link between moral distress and the New York State health laws and regulations can be considered as a systemic issue that takes different forms. Firstly, there are general laws that govern how medical personnel interact with patients. Secondly, there are rules and laws that govern nursing practice Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision. Finally, there are adherence and compliance regulations that present professional accreditation criteria and financial management (Gallagher & Hodge, 2012). These three act as the source of distress, particularly when they conflict with what is best for the patient.

    Outline the process of ethical decision making you would use to address this ethical dilemma.

    When faced with moral distress owing to conflict between what is best for the patient and prevailing laws, it would be prudent for the nurse to apply three steps in ameliorating the moral distress. Firstly, the issue should be resolved from the patient level through respectful, honest and open. The communication should make it clear that although everyone can have an opinion about what is right, at the minimum, each person should be allowed to express an opinion that would then be respected. Secondly, the distress should be resolved at the institutional level where past situations of a similar nature are evaluated and used to inform the current case. Finally, a nursing-wide initiative should be undertaken to review the culture, processes and policies that influence care, focusing on the aspects that recognize and proactively address the current case (Ulrich & Grady, 2018). Applying the three steps is anticipated to reduce the impact (if not resolve) the moral distress. Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision.

    References

    Gallagher, A. & Hodge, S. (2012).
    Ethics, Law and Professional Issues: A practice-based approach for health professionals
    . New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Harris, J. (2016). Moral Distress and the Importance of Psychiatric Ethics.
    American Journal of Psychiatry Residents’ Journal
    , 11(05), 2. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2016.110501

    Ulrich, C. & Grady, C. (2018).
    Moral Distress in the Health Professions
    . Cham: Springer International Publication. Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision.

  • Practicum: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio

    Assignment 1: Practicum: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio

    For this Assignment, you create a professional cover letter, resume, and portfolio that you can use as you pursue your next professional role.

    Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    Create professional cover letters, resumes, and portfolios

    To Prepare for the Assignment:

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    Review the Learning Resources concerning developing your professional cover letter, resume, and portfolio.

    Review the Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio Assignment Guide

    Refer to the Walden University Career Center website for resources to develop your cover letter and resume. With the assistance of the Walden University Career Center website, you can make your cover letter, resume, and portfolio accessible online to your faculty and potential employers.

    Your professional cover letter, resume, and portfolio are due by Day 7 of Week 10. It is highly recommended that you begin planning and working on this Assignment as soon as it is viable. The following checklists outline all of the items you should include in your cover letter, resume, and portfolio. Practicum: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio.

    Checklist for Cover Letter (S/U grade)

    Your cover letter should be:

    Presented and formatted in a professional business manner

    Addressed properly

    Clear and concise and include:

    Content Introduction

    Content Body

    Content Conclusion

    Written in a professional style and include:

    Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar

    Clear and accurate sentence structure

    Checklist for Resume (S/U)

    Your Resume should be clear, concise, and well-organized and it should also include your:

    Name, address, business phone number, and e-mail address (top center of resume)

    Profile: 2–3 sentences describing goal and positive attributes/characteristics

    Certifications and licensure Practicum: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio

    Education

    Professional experience

    Honors/awards

    References

    Checklist for Portfolio (S/U)

    Your Portfolio should be clear, concise, and well-organized and it should also include your:

    Personal philosophy statement

    Self-assessment

    Personal goals (short term and long term)

    Achievements

    Cover letter

    Resume

    Diplomas for formal education

    Letters of recommendation

    References (list names, affiliation, and contact information)

    Certifications

    Certificates of attendance for continuing education

    Transcripts

    Publications

    Oral presentations and/or poster presentations

    Practicum: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio

  • Practicum: Decision Tree

    Assignment 1 Practicum Decision Tree

    For this Assignment, as you examine the client case study in this week’s Learning Resources, consider how you might assess and treat pediatric clients presenting symptoms of a mental health disorder.

    Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    Evaluate clients for treatment of mental health disorders

    Analyze decisions made throughout diagnosis and treatment of clients with mental health disorders

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    The Assignment:

    Examine Case 2: You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment for this client. Be sure to consider co-morbid physical as well as mental factors that might impact the client’s diagnosis and treatment. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    At each Decision Point, stop to complete the following:

    Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis

    Which Decision did you select?

    Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #1 and the results of the Decision. Why were they different?

    Decision #2: Treatment Plan for Psychotherapy

    Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #2 and the results of the Decision. Why were they different?

    Decision #3: Treatment Plan for Psychopharmacology

    Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #3 and the results of the decision. Why were they different? Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Also include how ethical considerations might impact your treatment plan and communication with clients and their families.

    BACKGROUND

    Tyrel is an 8-year-old black male who is brought in by his mother for a variety of psychiatric complaints. Shaquana, Tyrel’s mother, reports that Tyrel has been exhibiting a lot of worry and “nervousness” over the past 2 months. She states that she notices that he has been quite “keyed up” and spends a great deal of time worrying about “germs.” She states that he is constantly washing his hands because he feels as though he is going to get sick like he did a few weeks ago, which kept him both out of school and off the playground. He was also not able to see his father for two weekends because of being sick. Shaquana explains that although she and her ex-husband Desmond divorced about 2 years ago, their divorce was amicable and they both endeavor to see that Tyrel is well caredfor.

    Shaquana reports that Tyrel is irritable at times and has also had some sleep disturbances (which she reports as “trouble staying asleep”). She reports that he has been more and more difficult to get to school as he has become nervous around his classmates. He has missed about 8 days over the course of the last 3 weeks. He has also stopped playing with his best friend from across the street.

    His mother reports that she feels “responsible” for his current symptoms. She explains that after he was sick with strep throat a few weeks ago, she encouraged him to be more careful about washing his hands after playing with other children, handling things that did not belong to him, and especially before eating. She continues by saying “maybe if I didn’t make such a big deal about it, he would not be obsessed with germs.” Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Per Shaquana, her pregnancy with Tyrel was uncomplicated, and Tyrel has met all developmental milestones on time. He has had an uneventful medical history and is current on all immunizations.

    OBJECTIVE

    During your assessment of Tyrel, he seems cautious being around you. He warms a bit as you discuss school, his friends at school, and what he likes to do. He admits that he has been feeling “nervous” lately, but when you question him as to why, he simply shrugs his shoulders.

    When you discuss his handwashing with him, he tells you that “handwashing is the best way to keep from getting sick.” When you question him how many times a day he washes his hands, he again shrugs his shoulders. You can see that his bilateral hands are dry. Throughout your assessment, Tyrel reveals that he has been thinking of how dirty his hands are; and no matter how hard he tries to stop thinking about his “dirty” hands, he is unable to do so. He reports that he gets “really nervous” and “scared” that he will get sick, and that the only way to make himself feel better is to wash his hands. He reports that it does work for a while and that he feels “better” after he washes his hands, but then a little while later, he will begin thinking “did I wash my hands well enough? What if I missed an area?” He reports that he can feel himself getting more and more “scared” until he washes his hands again.

    MENTAL STATUS EXAM

    Tyrel is alert and oriented to all spheres. Eye contact varies throughout the clinical interview. He reports his mood as “good,” admits to anxiety. Affect consistent to self-reported mood. He denies visual/auditory hallucinations. No overt delusional or paranoid thought processes were apparent. He denies suicidal ideation.

    Lab studies obtained from Tyrel’s pediatric nurse practitioner were all within normal parameters. An antistreptolysin O antibody titer was obtained for reasons you are unclear of, and this titer was shown to be above normal parameters. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Decision Point One

    BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE SCENARIO ABOVE, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSES WOULD THE PMHNP GIVE TO TYREL?

    In your write-up of this case, be certain to link specific symptoms presented in the case to DSM–5 criteria to support your diagnosis. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Decision Point One

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

    Decision Point Two

    Begin Fluvoxamine immediate release 25 mg orally at bedtime

    RESULTS OF DECISION POINT TWO

    Client returns to clinic in four weeks

    Upon return to the clinic, Tyrel’s mother reported that he has had some decrease in his symptoms. She states that the frequency of the handwashing has decreased, and Tyrel seems a bit more “relaxed” overall.

    She also reports that Tyrel has not fully embraced returning to school, but that his attendance has improved. She reported that over this past weekend, Tyrel went outside to play with his friend from across the street, which he has not done in a while. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Decision Point Three

    Increase Fluvoxamine to 50 mg orally at bedtime

    Guidance to Student

    In terms of an actual diagnosis, the child’s main symptoms are most consistent with obsessive-compulsive disorder. There may also be an element of social phobia developing, but at this point, the PMHNP has not assessed the nature of the school avoidance—that is, why is the child avoiding school. Notice that nothing in the scenario tells us that the PMHNP has assessed this.

    Fluvoxamine immediate release is FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD in children aged 8 years and older. Fluvoxamine’s sigma-1 antagonist properties may cause sedation and as such, it should be dosed in the evening/bedtime.

    At this point, it would be appropriate to consider increasing the bedtime dose, especially since the child is responding to the medication and there are no negative side effects.

    Atypical antipsychotics are typically not used in the treatment of OCD. There is also nothing to tell us that an atypical antipsychotic would be necessary (e.g., no psychotic symptoms). Additionally, the child seems to be responding to the medication, so there is no rationale as to why an atypical antipsychotic would be added to the current regimen.

    Cognitive behavioral therapy is the psychotherapy of choice for treating OCD. The PMHNP should augment medication therapy with CBT. If further assessment determines that Tyrel has social anxiety disorder, CBT is effective in treating this condition as well. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    P(5.u)

     

    Can I Push Back Time? A Realistic Approach to Reducing Ageing Effects

    Can I Push Back Time? A Realistic Approach to Reducing Ageing Effects

    No one likes to grow old, especially when it means that your appearance will change, sometimes drastically. Although ageing is a natural process and we should accept it and grow old gracefully, it is difficult. Some people age quicker than others and some people are blessed with great genes, and then there are those who go to great lengths to slow down the ageing process. This module teaches you what happens to your skin as it ages and what physical signs to expect as you grow older. You will also get a better insight on how you can prevent  through a careful skincare regime. This module includes the following items: Practicum: Decision Tree.

    7.1. What Happens when your Skin ages?

    7.2. How your Skin Changes with Each Birthday

    7.3. Ethnicity and Ageing

    7.4. Ingredients to Look for in Anti-Ageing Products

    7.5. Botox versus Facelift

    7.1. What Happens when your Skin ages?

    As a person gets older, their body produces less collagen and elastin, thus leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you add gravity and sun exposure to that equation, the result will be saggy skin that appears leathery and old.

    As you grow older, your skin continues to change. It becomes thinner, much drier, and even more fragile as the dermis of the skin begins to thin out. The fatty areas in your chin, cheeks, and nose begin to disappear, again making the skin sag more. More facial hair is evident in women as their bodies go through a number of different hormonal changes, sometimes making the skin more prone to acne and blackhead breakouts. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    People, who suffer from oilier skin, will continue to have breakouts; however, there is a positive side to this – the oilier the skin is, the longer it will remain moist and smooth.

    Using a good moisturiser over the years is one way that a person can lessen the impact of wrinkles and premature ageing.

    Also with age, your body’s ability to attack free radicals that damage your cells and collagen slows down.

    Consciously consuming foods with more antioxidants will protect your skin against free radicals and also improve its appearance, which is why vitamins A, C and E are often found in anti-ageing supplements.

    7.2. How your Skin changes with each Birthday

    Your 30s

    Between the ages of 30-35 is the most common time when women give birth to children. Pregnancy is good for a woman’s skin because there is a normal healthy production of the hormonesoestrogen and progesterone. Some women break out in spots due to the overgrowth of blood vessels caused by too much oestrogen. It is also common for the texture of a woman’s skin to become tougher and drier while she is pregnant because the baby takes up so many of its mother’s nutrients. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Some other common features of a woman’s skin in their 30s include:

    Drier and duller in colour due to the slowing down of the production of a person’s skin cells.

    Visible fine lines appear around eyes and mouth.

    Smile lines do not disappear.

    Collagen and elastin start to become weaker.

    Smoking accentuates fine lines.

    May begin to lose part of your skin tone due to the weakening of the lymph glands that are responsible for flushing out all of the body’s toxins.

    Skin’s appearance is less bright.

    Tendency to put on more weight with more visible cellulite due to hormonal changes.

    Stretch marks are more evident through pregnancy or slimming.

    Your 40s

    When a person is in their 40s their lymphatic system begins to steadily slow down resulting in puffiness in and around the eye and cheek areas.  This is a period when a person, especially a woman will notice visible physical differences in their appearance due to their age.

    People in their 40s will notice:

    More susceptible to the environment around them, such as smoky or polluted places due to the skin’s waxy protective coating being weaker. It is weaker due to the body’s lower sebum production.

    Oestrogen production slows down resulting in duller skin.

    Evidence of sagging and wrinkles around the neck and chest areas.

    Increased cellulite and fat deposits around the hip and thigh areas.

    Practicum: Decision Tree

    50 +

    More visible signs of ageing can be seen on other parts of the body other than the face in a person’s 50s. Pigmentation patches on the skin are common as are age spots. Excesses over the years, such as drinking, smoking, and sun worshipping will begin to show in damaged skin like spider veins caused by damaged blood vessels caused by the sun.

    People in their 50s will notice:

    Increased pore size.

    Flakier skin.

    Wrinkles become more apparent due to dehydration of the skin caused by weaker skin cells.

    Eyelids may become hooded and wrinkled.

    Break down of skin’s elasticity.

    Menopause begins in women and the decreased oestrogen levels slow down the production of sebum resulting in drier skin.

    Facial hair in women is not uncommon due to hormone imbalances brought on by menopause.

    Skin is more likely to dry out and crack.

    Loss of muscle tone and definition.

    7.3. Ethnicity and Ageing

    A lot of how you age is related to the colour of your skin and your ethnicity.

    White Skin/Caucasian

    The paler or fairer you are, the more you will have to do to protect it from ageing prematurely externally. Naturally, your melanin levels are lower, which means that the harmful UVA/UVB rays can penetrate much deeper into your skin thus causing photo-ageing and contributing to your skin’s break down of elastin and collagen.

    For white complexions, the most important anti-ageing weapon would be a broad spectrum SPF 30 sun cream which has both UVA and UVB protection. Apply this daily, even when it is cloudy to every bit of your skin that is exposed, especially your face and neck.

    Keep your skin nice and soft with its natural oils intact by using a gentle cleanser. After cleansing, apply your broad-spectrum cream and then your make-up.

    Fairer skin tones have less collagen bundles than darker skin tones, which results in getting fine lines earlier than other ethnicities.

    Use night creams that contain retinoids to boost the skin-cell turnover and thicken your thinning skin to make it feel and appear smoother. Look out for products that contain antioxidants such as soy, vitamins C and E to help nourish the skin and repair it.

    When fairer skin is damaged by the sun, it causes the skin to develop an uneven skin tone. To overcome this, replace your harsher facial and body scrubs with natural enzyme-based scrubs and exfoliants. If you find that retinol creams are toosevere for your face, try peptides instead as they act as a great collagen booster.

    Olive Skin

    Because you have a warmer skin tone, it is likely you will show signs of ageing with fine lines and wrinkles later than people that have fairer skin.

    Your skin haslower melanin content than those people with darker skin, but more than people with lighter skin. Your risk of sun damage compared to the fairer skinned person is significantly lower, but there is still a risk, which is why it is important to still always wear a broad-spectrum sun cream.

    Generally, olive skin tans well, but at the same time it is more susceptible to melasma, which are darker brown patches of skin on the forehead, upper lip, cheeks, and chin areas. It is possible to fade these darker patches using certain creams and lotions that contain hydroquinone, azelaic acid or kojic acid. The combination of antioxidants in the above ingredients will help protect the skin from further damage; it will also help even out the skin tone, and strengthen the skin’s outer layer to help it retain its moisture. Continue wearing a high SPF sun cream that has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

    Olive skin tones are prone to hypigmentation as they grow older. To help combat this, use a gentle foaming cleanser to get rid of the excess oil and then follow up by applying a serum which is rich in vitamin C.

    People with olive skin are also more prone to an under-the-eye hollowness as they get older. To firm up the sagging skin in these areas use a night cream that contains peptides.

    Middle Eastern and Asian Skin

    Middle Eastern and Asian ethnicities do not begin to show signs of ageing until their mid-forties. However, although wrinkles tend to come later, these ethnicities are more prone to getting an uneven skin tone and darker patchy areas due to hormones, irritation and too much sun exposure.

    Because of the excess pigment in the skin, Asians and those from the Middle East are prone to darker circles under the eyes. These bags under the eyes are often accentuated by the loss of volume under this area as a person ages. These ethnicities also suffer from more water retention when their hormones change, which again worsens the appearance under the eyes.

    To try and reduce any signs of ageing underneath the eyes, you need to apply an eye cream that has cucumber extract, caffeine, or vitamin E to make the skin plumper and fresher looking.

    Cleanse your skin gently with a face cloth and lukewarm water. After cleansing, use a serum that contains kokic acid to help fade the darker areas of the skin caused by hyperpigmentation and sun damage.

    The moisturiser you use should be nourishing and rich. It should also contain salicylic acid, which will prevent your pores from getting too clogged.

    Black / Dark Skin

    Due to the high melanin levels in darker skin, they will not see any signs of ageing until their late 40’s or even 50’s. However, over time, darker skin loses its density and could result in sagging. To fight the sagging, opt for creams containing peptides as they help the body produce more collagen.

    Darker skin tones also tend to suffer from uneven skin tones. You cannot scrub this away, so to reduce the severity of this, use a gentle cleanser together with an electric brush and glycolic toner to help stimulate your skin’s collagen and fade the darker patchy areas while regulating the skin’s oil production at the same time.

    Moisturise in the morning with a cream that is rich in vitamin C. This will help brighten your skin and even out the patchier areas.  In the evening, use creams that contain retinol, peptides and ceramides to hydrate the skin and prevent sagging.

    Some people with darker skin benefit from semi-regular microdermabrasion treatments. This treatment is done by licensed professionals and gently buffs the skin, getting rid of all the dead skin cells to help even out and soften the skin with reduced pores.

    7.4. Ingredients to Look for in Anti-Ageing Products

    Retinol

    Retinol comes from vitamin A. Although it may take a few weeks to start seeing results, it is the most effective anti-ageing ingredient bought over the counter. It helps smooth out the face’s wrinkles and unclogs the pores. Additionally, it helps improve the skin’s texture and lightens superficial dark spots. Retinol is quite potent, which results in some people suffering from skin irritation, especially when they come into contact with direct sunlight. Use retinol-based anti-ageing products at nighttime on dry skin and make sure you apply an SPF moisturiser in the morning.

    Niacinamide

    If you suffer from darker uneven spots that have been caused by acne scars, old age, or sun damage, you can use a product that contains niacinamade, which comes from vitamin B3 to lighten them and prevent melanin from rising to the skin’s surface.  As a result your skin’s moisture and collagen production will improve and slowly over time reverse the damage from the sun.

    Hyaluronic Acid

    Hyaluronic acid is a form of humectants, which means that it draws water from both the air and dermis. Lotions with hyaluronic acid have excellent hydrating qualities and sometimes help improve collagen production to firm up sagging skin.

    Alpha Hydroxyl Acid

    Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) work as exfoliators. They help remove dead skin cells and encourage new cell turnover revealing more youthful skin. When you exfoliate your skin, you will also allow serums, moisturisers, and other skin treatments to absorb and penetrate the skin more effectively. Look for a product that has 8% or less AHAs – when there are high concentrations of AHAs, you will help reduce and fade brown marks, spots and fine lines, but it will also make you more vulnerable and sensitive to the sun.

    L-ascorbic Acid

    L-ascorbic acid is another word for vitamin C. It helps build your skin’s collagen, helps to reduce any inflammation, and at the same time it plumps up the skin and promotes elasticity.

    Avobenzone

    This is a common chemical ingredient found in sun creams and sun blocks. Usually, this is found in combination with oxybenzone or benzophenone-3 to help block UVB rays. Use this before applying your regularmoisturiser or serum.

    Antioxidants

    Antioxidants help to prevent more damage happening and they also help repair your body’stissue and cell damage. They neutralise the free radicals and promote cell grown. Popular antioxidants found in anti-ageing products include vitamins C and E, green tea, berry extracts, and pomegranate.

     

    7.5. Botox versus Facelift

    While Botox and facelifts are more extreme measures for looking young, they are not uncommon and it is becoming increasingly common for people, especially in the 40s and 50s, to go under the knife whereas the popularity of Botox is waning slightly.

    When a person’s age begins to show from their many years of excessive sun exposure, pollutants, daily life stress, and smoking, they begin to suffer from wrinkles, some of which are deeper creases than others. It is also common for a person to suffer from sagging skin around the jaw line and neck area, which often makes them appear older than they really are.

    No person really enjoys the idea of having an invasive facelift, otherwise known as rhytidectomysurgergy and the long hard recovery process that follows, but it does not stop people, especially in the US where 13 million people undergo surgery for anti-ageing purposes alone each year.

    Can you explain the difference between Botox and facelifts?

    A facelift is an invasive surgical procedure while Botox are injections and are non-surgical.

    Some people opt for Botox because it is non-surgical; however, it really depends on the specific problems you have to know which anti-ageing beauty procedure is the right one for you. The important thing to remember is that facelifts and Botox are completely different and they are used for completely different purposes – they do complement each other, but it is essential to remember that they do not produce the same results.

    Facelift

    People have facelifts usually to reshape their deep facial structures. Additionally, they are used to try and remove extra skin tissue which results in a more youthful appearance; these saggy skin tissues are usually located in the lower region of the face, neck, and jowls. If a person has a lot of sagging skin, there is nothing that can be done to reduce it significantly. To reduce the skin, it needs to be removed, repositioned, and repaired. Some facelift surgeries might involve eyelid surgery, a neck lift, or a forehead lift to improve the appearance and age of a person.

    Facelift surgery helps correct the following problems:

    Deep under-the-eye creases and wrinkles

    Deep forehead wrinkles and creases

    Droopy eyebrows

    Lowered cheek pads

    Deep creases, folds or wrinkles along the nose

    Saggy jowls

    Double chin

    Botox

    Botox is a form of botulinum toxin. It is directed at a person’s overactive muscles to help alleviate expression lines, wrinkles, and crows’ feet. Usually Botox is used mostly in the upper parts of a person’s face,in the corners of a person’s eyes, forehead creases, and lines and wrinkles that form between the eyebrows. The muscles absorb the Botox and help them relax more. Botox injections do not really have any impact on the skin and Botox is often referred to as a “non-surgical facelift.” However, it cannot really be called a facelift because it does not involve any kind of skin removal or lifting. However, the Botox injections can help the skin’s appearance look smoother, softer, and more youthful.

    Botox helps correct the following problems:

    Fine facial lines and wrinkles

    Expression lines e.g. laughter lines

    Crows’ feet

    Furrows between the eyebrows

    Fine forehead lines and wrinkles

    Neck bands

    Scenario for Week 7 Case: You are a PMHNP

    Scenario for Week 7 Case:

    You are a PMHNP working in a large intercity hospital. You receive a call from the answering service informing you that a “stat” consult has been ordered by one of the hospitalists in the ICU. Upon arriving in the ICU, you learn that your consult is a 14 year old male who overdosed on approximately 50 Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) tablets in an apparent suicide attempt. At the scene, a suicide note was found indicating that he wanted to die because his girlfriend’s parents felt that their daughter was too young to be “dating.” The client stated in the suicide note that he could not “live without her” and decided to take his own life. Although he has been medically stabilized and admitted to the ICU, he has been refusing to talk with the doctors or nurses. The hospital staff was finally able to get in touch with the clients parents (using contact information retrieved from the 14 year old’s cell phone). Unbeknown to the hospital staff, the parents are divorced, and both showed up at the hospital at approximately the same time, each offering their own perspectives on what ought to be done. The client’s father is demanding that the client be hospitalized because of the suicide, but his mother points out that he does not have “physical custody” of the child. The client’s mother demands that the client be discharged to home with her stating that her son’s actions were nothing more than a “stunt” and “an attempt at manipulating the situation that he didn’t like.” The client’s mother then becomes “nasty” and informs you that she works as a member of the clerical staff for the state board of nursing, and if you fail to discharge her child “right now” she will make you “sorry.” How would you proceed?

    The Assignment (2–3 pages):

    Based on the scenario, would you recommend that the client be voluntarily committed? Why or why not?

    Based on the laws in your state, would the client be eligible for involuntary commitment? Explain why or why not.

    Did understanding the state laws confirm or challenge your initial recommendation regarding involuntarily committing the client? Explain.

    If the client were not eligible for involuntary commitment, explain what actions you may be able to take to support the parents for or against voluntary commitment.

    If the client were not eligible for involuntary commitment, explain what initial actions you may be able to take to begin treating the client.

    Scenario for Week 7 Case: You are a PMHNP

    Scenario for Week 7 Case:

    You are a PMHNP working in a large intercity hospital. You receive a call from the answering service informing you that a “stat” consult has been ordered by one of the hospitalists in the ICU. Upon arriving in the ICU, you learn that your consult is a 14 year old male who overdosed on approximately 50 Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) tablets in an apparent suicide attempt. At the scene, a suicide note was found indicating that he wanted to die because his girlfriend’s parents felt that their daughter was too young to be “dating.” The client stated in the suicide note that he could not “live without her” and decided to take his own life. Although he has been medically stabilized and admitted to the ICU, he has been refusing to talk with the doctors or nurses. The hospital staff was finally able to get in touch with the clients parents (using contact information retrieved from the 14 year old’s cell phone). Unbeknown to the hospital staff, the parents are divorced, and both showed up at the hospital at approximately the same time, each offering their own perspectives on what ought to be done. The client’s father is demanding that the client be hospitalized because of the suicide, but his mother points out that he does not have “physical custody” of the child. The client’s mother demands that the client be discharged to home with her stating that her son’s actions were nothing more than a “stunt” and “an attempt at manipulating the situation that he didn’t like.” The client’s mother then becomes “nasty” and informs you that she works as a member of the clerical staff for the state board of nursing, and if you fail to discharge her child “right now” she will make you “sorry.” How would you proceed?

    The Assignment (2–3 pages):

    Based on the scenario, would you recommend that the client be voluntarily committed? Why or why not?

    Based on the laws in your state, would the client be eligible for involuntary commitment? Explain why or why not.

    Did understanding the state laws confirm or challenge your initial recommendation regarding involuntarily committing the client? Explain.

    If the client were not eligible for involuntary commitment, explain what actions you may be able to take to support the parents for or against voluntary commitment.

    If the client were not eligible for involuntary commitment, explain what initial actions you may be able to take to begin treating the client.

    Assignment 1: Practicum: Decision Tree

    For this Assignment, as you examine the client case study in this week’s Learning Resources, consider how you might assess and treat pediatric clients presenting symptoms of a mental health disorder.

    Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    · Evaluate clients for treatment of mental health disorders

    · Analyze decisions made throughout diagnosis and treatment of clients with mental health disorders

    The Assignment:

    Examine Case 2: You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the diagnosis and treatment for this client. Be sure to consider co-morbid physical as well as mental factors that might impact the client’s diagnosis and treatment.

    At each Decision Point, stop to complete the following:

    · Decision #1: Differential Diagnosis

    · Which Decision did you select?

    · Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    · What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    · Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #1 and the results of the Decision. Why were they different?

    · Decision #2: Treatment Plan for Psychotherapy

    · Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    · What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    · Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #2 and the results of the Decision. Why were they different?

    · Decision #3: Treatment Plan for Psychopharmacology

    · Why did you select this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    · What were you hoping to achieve by making this Decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources.

    · Explain any difference between what you expected to achieve with Decision #3 and the results of the decision. Why were they different?

    · Also include how ethical considerations might impact your treatment plan and communication with clients and their families.

    BACKGROUND

    Tyrel is an 8-year-old black male who is brought in by his mother for a variety of psychiatric complaints. Shaquana, Tyrel’s mother, reports that Tyrel has been exhibiting a lot of worry and “nervousness” over the past 2 months. She states that she notices that he has been quite “keyed up” and spends a great deal of time worrying about “germs.” She states that he is constantly washing his hands because he feels as though he is going to get sick like he did a few weeks ago, which kept him both out of school and off the playground. He was also not able to see his father for two weekends because of being sick. Shaquana explains that although she and her ex-husband Desmond divorced about 2 years ago, their divorce was amicable and they both endeavor to see that Tyrel is well cared for.

    Shaquana reports that Tyrel is irritable at times and has also had some sleep disturbances (which she reports as “trouble staying asleep”). She reports that he has been more and more difficult to get to school as he has become nervous around his classmates. He has missed about 8 days over the course of the last 3 weeks. He has also stopped playing with his best friend from across the street.

    His mother reports that she feels “responsible” for his current symptoms. She explains that after he was sick with strep throat a few weeks ago, she encouraged him to be more careful about washing his hands after playing with other children, handling things that did not belong to him, and especially before eating. She continues by saying “maybe if I didn’t make such a big deal about it, he would not be obsessed with germs.”

    Per Shaquana, her pregnancy with Tyrel was uncomplicated, and Tyrel has met all developmental milestones on time. He has had an uneventful medical history and is current on all immunizations.

    OBJECTIVE

    During your assessment of Tyrel, he seems cautious being around you. He warms a bit as you discuss school, his friends at school, and what he likes to do. He admits that he has been feeling “nervous” lately, but when you question him as to why, he simply shrugs his shoulders.

    When you discuss his handwashing with him, he tells you that “handwashing is the best way to keep from getting sick.” When you question him how many times a day he washes his hands, he again shrugs his shoulders. You can see that his bilateral hands are dry. Throughout your assessment, Tyrel reveals that he has been thinking of how dirty his hands are; and no matter how hard he tries to stop thinking about his “dirty” hands, he is unable to do so. He reports that he gets “really nervous” and “scared” that he will get sick, and that the only way to make himself feel better is to wash his hands. He reports that it does work for a while and that he feels “better” after he washes his hands, but then a little while later, he will begin thinking “did I wash my hands well enough? What if I missed an area?” He reports that he can feel himself getting more and more “scared” until he washes his hands again.

    MENTAL STATUS EXAM

    Tyrel is alert and oriented to all spheres. Eye contact varies throughout the clinical interview. He reports his mood as “good,” admits to anxiety. Affect consistent to self-reported mood. He denies visual/auditory hallucinations. No overt delusional or paranoid thought processes were apparent. He denies suicidal ideation.

    Lab studies obtained from Tyrel’s pediatric nurse practitioner were all within normal parameters. An antistreptolysin O antibody titer was obtained for reasons you are unclear of, and this titer was shown to be above normal parameters.

    Decision Point One

    BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE SCENARIO ABOVE, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSES WOULD THE PMHNP GIVE TO TYREL?

    In your write-up of this case, be certain to link specific symptoms presented in the case to DSM–5 criteria to support your diagnosis.

    Decision Point One

    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

    Decision Point Two

    https://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/NURS/6660/05/mm/decision_tree/img/pill-blue.pngBegin Fluvoxamine immediate release 25 mg orally at bedtime

    RESULTS OF DECISION POINT TWO

    · Client returns to clinic in four weeks

    · Upon return to the clinic, Tyrel’s mother reported that he has had some decrease in his symptoms. She states that the frequency of the handwashing has decreased, and Tyrel seems a bit more “relaxed” overall.

    · She also reports that Tyrel has not fully embraced returning to school, but that his attendance has improved. She reported that over this past weekend, Tyrel went outside to play with his friend from across the street, which he has not done in a while.

    Decision Point Three

    https://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/NURS/6660/05/mm/decision_tree/img/pill-red.pngIncrease Fluvoxamine to 50 mg orally at bedtime Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Guidance to Student

    In terms of an actual diagnosis, the child’s main symptoms are most consistent with obsessive-compulsive disorder. There may also be an element of social phobia developing, but at this point, the PMHNP has not assessed the nature of the school avoidance—that is, why is the child avoiding school. Notice that nothing in the scenario tells us that the PMHNP has assessed this. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Fluvoxamine immediate release is FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD in children aged 8 years and older. Fluvoxamine’s sigma-1 antagonist properties may cause sedation and as such, it should be dosed in the evening/bedtime.

    At this point, it would be appropriate to consider increasing the bedtime dose, especially since the child is responding to the medication and there are no negative side effects. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Atypical antipsychotics are typically not used in the treatment of OCD. There is also nothing to tell us that an atypical antipsychotic would be necessary (e.g., no psychotic symptoms). Additionally, the child seems to be responding to the medication, so there is no rationale as to why an atypical antipsychotic would be added to the current regimen.

    Cognitive behavioral therapy is the psychotherapy of choice for treating OCD. The PMHNP should augment medication therapy with CBT. If further assessment determines that Tyrel has social anxiety disorder, CBT is effective in treating this condition as well. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    NURS 660 Week 4: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders in Childhood

    “He was drunk again, so I should have known better. I should have stayed away from the house, but that would have made him madder. He has done this before, but not nearly this bad. He broke my wrist as I was protecting my mom. The neighbor heard the screaming and called the cops. They hauled him away, but I know he will be back. She always lets him come back.”

    Avery, age 14

    In August of 2005, thousands of children lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina. On December 14, 2012, the students at Sandy Hook Elementary School experienced the death of 20 of their classmates and six of their teachers. Every day, children experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect by their parents or caregivers. These types of trauma have a lifelong impact on the children involved and those witnessing the events. As much as we try to prevent unwanted childhood trauma and stressors, the phenomena are present in our culture. Practicum: Decision Tree. Childhood trauma is a significant contributor to both physical and mental health problems in children and adults.

    This week, you examine several cases of child abuse and neglect, and you recommend strategies for assessing for abuse. You analyze influences of media and social media on mental health and evaluate the need for mandatory reporting of abuse. You also submit your Practicum Journal and Assignments. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Photo Credit: StaffordStudios / Getty Images

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2014). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

    · Chapter 31, “Child Psychiatry” (pp. 1216–1226)

    American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    · “Trauma- and Stressor-related Disorders”

    Note: You will access this book from the Walden Library databases.

    Pfefferbaum, B., & Shaw, J. A. (2013). Practice parameter on disaster preparedness. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 52(11), 1224–1238. Retrieved from http://www.jaacap.com/article/S0890-8567(13)00550-9/pdf Practicum: Decision Tree

    American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2017). Childhood and adolescent trauma. Retrieved from http://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=4545

    Stahl, S. M. (2014). Prescriber’s Guide: Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology (5th ed.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Optional Resources

    Thapar, A., Pine, D. S., Leckman, J. F., Scott, S., Snowling, M. J., & Taylor, E. A. (2015). Rutter’s child and adolescent psychiatry (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell.

    · Chapter 50, “Provision of Intensive Treatment: Intensive Outreach, Day Units, and In-Patient Units” (pp. 648–664)

    · Chapter 58, “Disorders of Attachment and Social Engagement Related to Deprivation” (pp. 795–805)

    · Chapter 59, “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” (pp. 806–821)

    · Chapter 64, “Suicidal Behavior and Self-Harm” (pp. 893–912)

    Discussion: Treating Childhood Abuse

    In 2012, statistics in the United States indicated that state CPS agencies received 3.4 million referrals for child abuse and neglect. Of these, nearly 700,000 children were found to be victims of maltreatment: 18% were victims of physical abuse and 78% were victims of neglect (CDC, 2014). Child sexual abuse makes up roughly 10% of child maltreatment cases in the United States (CDC, 2014). The CDC considers sexual abuse at any age a form of violence. Child abuse of any kind can lead to an increased state of inflammatory markers in adulthood, as well as multiple physical illnesses and high-risk behavior such as alcoholism and drug abuse. If a PMHNP identifies child abuse, there may be a need to report the abuse to authorities. Practicum: Decision Tree. Once able to provide treatment, the PMHNP can be instrumental in reducing the long-term effects of child abuse.

    In this Discussion, you recommend strategies for assessing for abuse and analyze influences of media and social media on mental health. You also evaluate the need for mandatory reporting of abuse.

    Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    · Recommend strategies for assessing for abuse

    · Analyze influences of media and social media on mental health

    · Evaluate the need for mandatory reporting of abuse

    To Prepare for this Discussion:

    · Read the Learning Resources concerning treating childhood abuse.

    · Read the Child Abuse Case Study in the Learning Resources. See Child Abuse Case Study

    Assignment Question to be addressed Practicum: Decision Tree

    · What strategies would you employ to assess the patient for abuse? Explain why you selected these strategies.

    · How might exposure to the media and/or social media affect the patient?

    · What type of mandatory reporting (if any) is required in this case? Why?

    Child Abuse Case Study

    NURS 6660: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role I: Child

    and Adolescent

    Child Abuse Case Study

    NURS 6660: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Role I: Child and Adolescent

    Morgan, a 19-year-old male comes to your office to discuss his current mood and symptoms. This is his first visit to a mental health clinic. “I’ve had 26 jobs in the last 2years; I finally have a job that I like and I want to make it work.” As you begin to get to know him, he tells you that his mood is down and that he also has times where he has “more energy and motivation”: “That’s when I am able to get a new job.” Practicum: Decision Tree. He says that he has difficulty interacting with coworkers. “I feel like I can’t talk to them.” If it wasn’t for his supportive girlfriend, he wouldn’t be able to function. “She understands me and accepts me; she knows what I have been through.”

    As the PMHNP listens to the client and explores what he means by some of his statements, you try to put together his story. He mentions that he has been having nightmares and is not sleeping well. He says he startles easily. He becomes withdrawn when he begins to talk about the reason for the nightmares.“This all started a few weeks ago when a cousin of mine got out of jail.” He haltingly tells the story of his parents’ mental illness and how he had to live with various relatives. “One cousin who I stayed with a lot took advantage of me. He molested me.” They found out he also molested other children and he went to jail. “It gives me the creeps that he is out of jail. I have to face what he did to me.” Morgan asks about his diagnosis. The PMHNP tells him that he has some symptoms that sound like depression and anxiety, and that when a child has a traumatic experience, it can reoccur and stay with a person for many years. He acknowledges that he thought about PTSD but wasn’t sure what the symptoms look like.

    As you think about Morgan’s story, consider the following questions: Where did he fall between the cracks? Are there agencies who advocate for children like him? There are thousands of children like Morgan. They were in a vulnerable family situation and the “responsible” adult was not able to care for the child. Sometimes it takes yearsfor clients to remember and disclose the abuse. Practicum: Decision Tree

    Week 4: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders in Childhood

    “He was drunk again, so I should have known better. I should have stayed away from the house, but that would have made him madder. He has done this before, but not nearly this bad. He broke my wrist as I was protecting my mom. The neighbor heard the screaming and called the cops. Practicum: Decision Tree. They hauled him away, but I know he will be back. She always lets him come back.”

    Avery, age 14

    In August of 2005, thousands of children lost their homes in Hurricane Katrina. On December 14, 2012, the students at Sandy Hook Elementary School experienced the death of 20 of their classmates and six of their teachers. Every day, children experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect by their parents or caregivers. These types of trauma have a lifelong impact on the children involved and those witnessing the events. Practicum: Decision Tree. As much as we try to prevent unwanted childhood trauma and stressors, the phenomena are present in our culture. Childhood trauma is a significant contributor to both physical and mental health problems in children and adults.

    This week, you examine several cases of child abuse and neglect, and you recommend strategies for assessing for abuse. You analyze influences of media and social media on mental health and evaluate the need for mandatory reporting of abuse. You also submit your Practicum Journal and Assignments.

    Note:
     To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the 
    Course Materials
    section of your Syllabus. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Required Readings

    Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2014). 
    Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry 
    (11th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

    Chapter 31, “Child Psychiatry” (pp. 1216–1226)

    American Psychiatric Association. (2013). 
    Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
     (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    “Trauma- and Stressor-related Disorders”

    Note:
     You will access this book from the Walden Library databases.

    Pfefferbaum, B., & Shaw, J. A. (2013). Practice parameter on disaster preparedness. 
    Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
    , 
    52
    (11), 1224–1238. Retrieved from http://www.jaacap.com/article/S0890-8567(13)00550-9/pdf Practicum: Decision Tree.

    American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2017). 
    Childhood and adolescent trauma. 
    Retrieved from http://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=4545

    Document: 
    Childhood Abuse Case Study (PDF)

     

    Stahl, S. M. (2014). 
    Prescriber’s Guide: Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology 
    (5th ed.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

    Note:
    All Stahl resources can be accessed through the Walden Library using the link. This link will take you to a login page for the Walden Library. Once you log in to the library, the Stahl website will appear. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    To access information on the following medications, click on The Prescriber’s Guide, 5th Ed. tab on the Stahl Online website and select the appropriate medication.

    Review the following medications:

    Posttraumatic stress disorder

    citalopram

    clonidine

    desvenlafaxine

    escitalopram

    fluoxetine

    fluvoxamine

    mirtazapine

    nefazodone

    paroxetine

    prazosin (nightmares)

    propranolol (prophylactic)

    sertraline

    venlafaxine

    Note:
    Many of these medications are FDA approved for adults only. Some are FDA approved for disorders in children and adolescents. Many are used “off label” for the disorders examined in this week. As you read the Stahl drug monographs, focus your attention on FDA approvals for children/adolescents (including “ages” for which the medication is approved, if applicable) and further note which drugs are “off label.” Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Optional Resources

    Thapar, A., Pine, D. S., Leckman, J. F., Scott, S., Snowling, M. J., & Taylor, E. A. (2015). 
    Rutter’s child and adolescent psychiatry
     (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell.

    Chapter 50, “Provision of Intensive Treatment: Intensive Outreach, Day Units, and In-Patient Units” (pp. 648–664)

    Chapter 58, “Disorders of Attachment and Social Engagement Related to Deprivation” (pp. 795–805)

    Chapter 59, “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” (pp. 806–821)

    Chapter 64, “Suicidal Behavior and Self-Harm” (pp. 893–912)

    Discussion: Treating Childhood Abuse

    In 2012, statistics in the United States indicated that state CPS agencies received 3.4 million referrals for child abuse and neglect. Of these, nearly 700,000 children were found to be victims of maltreatment: 18% were victims of physical abuse and 78% were victims of neglect (CDC, 2014). Child sexual abuse makes up roughly 10% of child maltreatment cases in the United States (CDC, 2014). Practicum: Decision Tree. The CDC considers sexual abuse at any age a form of violence. Child abuse of any kind can lead to an increased state of inflammatory markers in adulthood, as well as multiple physical illnesses and high-risk behavior such as alcoholism and drug abuse. If a PMHNP identifies child abuse, there may be a need to report the abuse to authorities. Once able to provide treatment, the PMHNP can be instrumental in reducing the long-term effects of child abuse.

    In this Discussion, you recommend strategies for assessing for abuse and analyze influences of media and social media on mental health. You also evaluate the need for mandatory reporting of abuse. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    Recommend strategies for assessing for abuse

    Analyze influences of media and social media on mental health

    Evaluate the need for mandatory reporting of abuse

    To Prepare
     
    for this Discussion:

    Read the Learning Resources concerning treating childhood abuse.

    Read the Child Abuse Case Study in the Learning Resources.

    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 submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and cannot post anonymously Practicum: Decision Tree. Please check your post carefully before clicking
    Submit
    !

    By Day 3

    Post:

    What strategies would you employ to assess the patient for abuse? Explain why you selected these strategies.

    How might exposure to the media and/or social media affect the patient?

    What type of mandatory reporting (if any) is required in this case? Why?

    By Day 6

    Respond
     to at least 
    two
     of your colleagues by providing at least two ways that their strategies may be expanded or improved.

    Submission and Grading Information

    Grading Criteria

    To access your rubric:

    Week 4 Discussion Rubric

    Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6

    To participate in this Discussion:

    Week 4 Discussion

    Assignment 1: Practicum: Week 1 Practicum Journal

    By Day 7

    Submit
     your Assignment. Refer to Week 1 for additional guidance.

    Submission and Grading Information NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

    Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK4Assgn1+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name. NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    Click the 
    Week 4 Assignment 1 Rubric 
    to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.

    Click the 
    Week 4 Assignment 1 
    link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.

    Next, from the Attach File area, click on the 
    Browse My Computer
     button. Find the document you saved as “WK4Assgn1+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click 
    Open
    .

    If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for 
    I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database
    . Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Click on the 
    Submit
     button to complete your submission.

    Grading Criteria

    To access your rubric:

    Week 4 Assignment 1 Rubric NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity

    To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:

    Submit your Week 4 Assignment 1 draft and review the originality report.

    Submit Your Assignment by Day 7

    To submit your Assignment:

    Week 4 Assignment 1

    Assignment 2: Practicum: Week 3 Decision Tree

    By Day 7 NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    Submit
     your Assignment. Refer to Week 3 for additional guidance.

    Submission and Grading Information

    To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

    Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK4Assgn2+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.

    Click the 
    Week 4 Assignment 2 Rubric 
    to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.

    Click the 
    Week 4 Assignment 2 
    link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Next, from the Attach File area, click on the 
    Browse My Computer
     button. Find the document you saved as “WK4Assgn2+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click 
    Open
    .

    If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for 
    I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database
    .

    Click on the 
    Submit
     button to complete your submission.

    Grading Criteria

    To access your rubric: NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    Week 4 Assignment 2 Rubric

    Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity

    To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:

    Submit your Week 4 Assignment 2 draft and review the originality report.

    Submit Your Assignment by Day 7

    To submit your Assignment:

    Week 4 Assignment 2 NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    Assignment 3: Board Vitals

    This week you will be responding to twenty Board Vitals questions that cover a broad review of your Nurse Practitioner program courses up to this point.

    These review questions will provide practice that is critical in your preparation for the national certification exam that’s required to certify you to practice as a nurse practitioner. These customized test questions are designed to help you prepare for your Nurse Practitioner certification exam. It is in your best interest to take your time, do your best, and answer each question to the best of your ability. NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    You can access Board Vitals through the link sent to you in email or by following the link below:

    By Day 7 NURS 6660 Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

    Complete the Board Vitals questions.

    Practicum Reminder

    Time Logs

    You are required to keep a log of the time you spend related to your practicum experience 
    and enter every patient you see each day
    . You can access your time log from the Welcome Page in your Meditrek account. You track time individually for each patient you work with. Please make sure to continuously input your hours throughout the term.

    Making Connections

    This week, you examined several cases of child abuse and neglect and recommended strategies for assessing for abuse. You analyzed influences of media and social media on mental health and evaluated the need for mandatory reporting of abuse. You also submitted your Practicum Journal and Assignments. Practicum: Decision Tree.

    Next week, you analyze case studies to determine the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.

    NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    Working from a lifespan approach, this course introduces child and adolescent psychiatry. Emphasis is placed on the psychiatric and/or mental health disorders that begin in childhood and adolescence. Topics include psychiatric assessment; differential diagnosis; and application of diagnostic criteria, appropriate diagnostic testing, and diagnostic formulation. The learner will select a combination of psychotherapeutic modalities coupled with psychopharmacologic approaches to treat common psychiatric mental health conditions of children and adolescents. The focus of the practicum experience is on application of didactic concepts to actual patient care situations. Legal and ethical considerations for working with children and adolescents will be addressed. NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers Practicum: Decision Tree

    BUY NURS 6600 EXAM HERE

    Assignments and Projects

    An Assignment or Project often is a writing assignment submitted to the Instructor for evaluation. Complete Assignment or Project directions are in the 
    Assignments
     or 
    Projects
     areas, including how and where to submit the Assignment or Project and the due date. Please note that you should keep copies of your Assignments and Projects on your computer in case of any technical difficulties. NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    Information on scholarly writing may be found in the APA manual and at the Walden Writing Center website.

    Please refer to the APA Guide or visit the Walden University Online Writing Center at 
    http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/
    .

    Walden University expects you to act with integrity and honesty in your academic courses. Refer to the 
    Guidelines and Policies
     and 
    Academic Integrity
     areas for more details.

    Check the 
    Course Information
     area for any rubrics relating to the Assignments and Projects.

    All assignments must be completed to pass the course. NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers Practicum: Decision Tree

    Practicum Activities

    The practicum experience in this course will assist your transition from the role of learner to that of scholar-practitioner. To achieve this transition, you will engage in a relationship with a clinical instructor and preceptor, focusing on roles and role functions and the achievement of individualized learning objectives. The primary objective of your practicum is to provide you with the basic skills necessary to serve as a mid-level provider of primary care to selected populations and prepare you to take the appropriate national certification exam. NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    The practicum component of the course will be graded as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. In order to pass the course, you must earn a grade of Satisfactory on all required practicum activities including journal entries and time logs.

    At the end of the course, you must also ensure that your practicum preceptor submits an online evaluation of your performance. You will also complete an online evaluation of your practicum experience at the end of the course. These evaluations will not only provide information about the progress of individual students, but also help program leadership to continuously work on the course review and improvements. You will receive an Incomplete (I) as a grade if any of the above evaluations are not received by the posted deadlines. NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers Practicum: Decision Tree

    Time Logs:
     Students are required to keep a log of the time spent related to their practicum experience and enter every patient they see each day. Students can access their time log from the Welcome Page in their Meditrek account. Students will track time individually for each patient they work with. Students are required to continuously input their hours throughout the term. Logs are reviewed by instructors in Weeks 4, 7, and 10. Please print and keep your completed Meditrek Log at the end of your clinical experiences for future use as a component of your portfolio. NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    Week 1

    Comprehensive Integrated Psychiatric Assessment

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Required Media

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Comprehensive Integrated Psychiatric Assessment

    Assignment

    Practicum Journal Entry: Analyzing an Ethical Decision

    Making Connections

    Looking Ahead

    Didactic Assignments

    Practicum Assignments

    Week 2

    Assessment in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Practicum: Decision Tree

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Working With Children and Adolescents Versus Adults

    Assignment 1

    Practicum: Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio

    Assignment 2

    Board Vitals

    Making Connections

    Looking Ahead

    Week 3

    Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, ODD, and ICD

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Required Media

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Parent Guide

    Assignment 1

    Practicum: Decision Tree

    Assignment 2

    Board Vitals

    Making Connections

    Week 4

    Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders in Childhood

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Treating Childhood Abuse

    Assignment 1

    Practicum: Week 1 Practicum Journal

    Assignment 2

    Practicum: Week 3 Decision Tree

    Assignment 3

    Board Vitals

    Practicum Reminder

    Practicum: Decision Tree

    Making Connections

    Week 5

    Anxiety Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Required Media

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Clinical Supervision

    Assignment 1

    Practicum: Decision Tree

    Assignment 2

    Board Vitals

    Making Connections

    Looking Ahead

    Week 6

    Emergency Psychiatric Care in Childhood and Adolescence

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults

    Assignment 1

    Midterm Exam

    Assignment 2

    Board Vitals

    Making Connections

    NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    Looking Ahead

    Week 7

    Learning and Motor Disorders in Childhood

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Parent Guide

    Assignment 1

    Practicum Journal: Voluntary and Involuntary Commitment

    Assignment 2

    Practicum: Week 5 Decision Tree

    Assignment 3

    Board Vitals

    Practicum Reminder

    Time Logs

    Making Connections

    NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    Week 8

    Mood Disorders Practicum: Decision Tree

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Pediatric Bipolar Depression Disorder Debate

    Assignment

    Board Vitals

    Making Connections

    Looking Ahead

    NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    Week 9

    Early-Onset Schizophrenia

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Required Media

    Optional Resources

    Assignment 1

    Early Onset Schizophrenia

    Assignment 2

    Practicum: Decision Tree

    Assignment 3

    Board Vitals

    Making Connections

    Week 10

    Feeding, Eating, and Elimination Disorders in Childhood

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Parent Guide

    Assignment 1

    Practicum: Week 2 Cover Letter, Resume, and Portfolio

    Assignment 2

    Practicum: Week 9 Decision Tree

    Assignment 3

    Board Vitals

    Practicum Reminder

    Time Logs

    Making Connections

    Week 11

    Special Topics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

    Learning Resources

    Required Readings

    Optional Resources

    Discussion

    Special Topics in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

    Assignment 1

    Final Exam

    Assignment 2 NURS 6660 Midterm and Final Exam Study Guide Questions and Answers

    American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    Giles, L. L., & Martini, D. R. (2016). Challenges and promises of pediatric psychopharmacology. Academic Pediatrics, 16(6), 508-518.

    Hargrave, T. M., & Arthur, M. E. (2015). Teaching child psychiatric assessment skills: Using pediatric mental health screening tools. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 50(1), 60-72.

    Kaltiala-Heino, R. (2010). Involuntary commitment and detainment in adolescent psychiatric inpatient care. Social Psychiatry Epidemiology, 45, 785-793. doi: 10.1007/s00127-009-0116-3.

    Lindsey, M. A., Joe, S., Muroff, J., & Ford, B. E. (2010). Social and clinical factors associated with psychiatric emergency service use and civil commitment among African-American youth. General Hospital Psychiatry, 32, 300-309. doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2010.01.007

    McClelland, M., Crombez, M., Crombez, C., Wenz, C., Lisius, M., Mattia, A., & Marku, S. (2015). Implications for advanced practice nurses when pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) is suspected: A qualitative study. Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, 29(5), 442-452. doi:10.1016/j.pedhc.2015.03.005

    McGavey, E. L., Leon-Verdin, M., Wancheck, T. N., & Bonnie, R. J. (2013). Decisions to initiate involuntary commitment: The role of intensive community services and other factors. Psychiatric Services, 64(2), 120-126.

    Practicum: Decision Tree

  • Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example

    Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example

    • Select one of the articles you found that was published within the last 5 years to use as a focus for this assignment.

    • Summarize the moral/ethical issue in the article (no more than 1 paragraph).

    • Describe the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the issue.

    • Analyze the ethical issue and compare them to the state health laws and regulations in your state.

    • Outline the process of ethical decision making you would use to address this ethical dilemma

    ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

    Analyzing an ethical decision

    Introduction and purpose

    Although ethics can be considered as the study of foundational social values as presented in a community, it is linked to critical thinking and how to subjectively interpret a situation. Applying critical thinking ensures that each individual will develop a unique awareness of ethics, determining what is right and wrong based on subconsciously held values and beliefs. This means that an awareness of ethics and morality must first be preceded to collect and analyze information, and interpret in into good and bad or right and wrong (Ruggiero, 2015). Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example. The present analysis evaluates the notion of ethics and morals in nursing, applying critical thinking to argue about the ethics of health decisions.

    Summary of the moral/ethical issue in the article

    Latha (2010) discusses the ethics surrounding the decision that the must make when a patient refuses medication. Although covert medication is extensively applied when the patient’s insight, autonomy and competence in making decisions is questioned, there are both ethical and legal implications. That is because covert medication is not justifiable simply to escape care giving burdens or calm troublesome patients. At the core of nurse’s service delivery is the duty to ensure the patient’s wellbeing even when the competence to offer an informed consent is questionable. From an ethical perspective, covert medication can be viewed as the nurse actively breaching the patient’s trust. Other than contravening existing ethical practice principles, it also raises legal issues since covert medication is only legally permitted if the law expressly offers authority for that to proceed if the patient (includes parent or guardian) is incompetent and incapable of making the decision. Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example. To be more succinct, covert medication for juvenile patients presents an ethical dilemma because it contravenes the principle surrounding respect for autonomy and questions
    parens patriae
    jurisdiction of the courts as the nurse arbitrarily takes over this role.

    Description of the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the issue

    The issue of whether or not a juvenile patient should be subjected to covert medication attracts a lot of ethical debate. That is because on one hand, the nurse has the responsibility of ensuring the patient’s wellbeing while on the other hand the nurse is expected to respect the patient’s autonomy and allow the courts to maintain their
    parens patriae
    jurisdiction. As such, the nurse is forced to make a decision between improving the juvenile patient’s health and respecting individual rights and legal tenets in place.
    These are issues that must be taken into consideration when determining whether or not covert medication should be applied.

    Analyze and compare ethical issue to Maryland State health laws and regulations

    Parens patriae
    is a doctrine that allows the State to take legal and physical responsibility for a juvenile who is recognized as being incapable of making competent decisions. In literal terms, the concept implies that the state becomes the parent of the patient with the responsibility of making decision on behalf of the patient. This means that the court can either make the decision on behalf of the incapacitated patient or appoint an independent party as a guardian to make the decision. It is notable that the doctrine does not deny parties with prior legal rights from exercising their rights. This means that parents retain the right to make decisions about the juvenile’s medication and the court can only override their right on a case-by-case basis (CustodyZen, 2017). Overall, it is clear that covert medication is an issue that should be left for the court to decide if the patient is incompetent and cannot make the decision Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example.

    Outline the process of ethical decision making to apply

    Even as nurses deal with ethical issues within their professional capacity, they must contend with the patients’ rights, particularly their right to autonomy. Additionally, they must contend with the legal principle of
    parens patriae
    and the position that courts hold in making decisions for incompetent patients (Marquis & Huston, 2014). Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example. Let us consider the case of a 15-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with a mental ailment that requires regular doses of a prescription medication. The boy’s parents are against him receiving any form of medication. The fact is that the nurse has a duty to ensure that any patient within his/her care receives the best possible care that ensures good health even as allowances are made for personal choices. In this case, the first issue would entail explaining the concept of medication to the parents, what it entails, application, and importance. If the discussion does not convince the parents that the boy needs to receive medication to manage his medical ailment, then the next step would entail referring the case to family counselors. Under no circumstance can the nurse covertly medicate the patient without receiving express permission from the parents to do that even if it means that the child is placed at risk. Rather, the only course of action would entail approaching the court under legal principle of
    parens patriae
    and getting permission to have the child medicated. Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example.

     

    References

    CustodyZen (2017).
    Parens Patriae
    . Retrieved from http://www.custodyzen.com/divorce-terms/parens-patriae.html

    Latha, K. (2010). The Noncompliant Patient in Psychiatry: The Case For and Against Covert/Surreptitious Medication.
    Mens Sana Monogr.
    , 8(1), 96-121. doi: 10.4103/0973-1229.58822

    Marquis, B. & Huston, C. (2014).
    Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing: Theory and application
    (8
    th
    ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

    Ruggiero, V. (2015).
    Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues
    (9
    th
    ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education. Analyzing an Ethical Decision essay example.

  • Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults

    Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults

    Discussion: Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults

    The diagnosis of psychiatric emergencies can include a wide range of problems—from serious drug reactions to abuse and suicidal ideation/behaviors. Regardless of care setting, the PMHNP must know how to address emergencies, coordinate care with other members of the health care team and law enforcement officials (when indicated), and effectively communicate with family members who are often overwhelmed in emergency situations. Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

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    In this week’s Discussion, you compare treatment of adult psychiatric emergency clients to child or adolescent psychiatric emergency clients.

    Learning Objectives

    Students will:

    Compare treatment of adult psychiatric emergency clients to child or adolescent psychiatric emergency clients

    Analyze legal and ethical issues concerning treatment of child or adolescent psychiatric emergency clients Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

    To Prepare:

    Review the Learning Resources concerning emergency psychiatric medicine.

    Consider a case where your adult client had a psychiatric emergency. (Note: If you have not had an adult client with a psychiatric emergency, ask your preceptor to describe one of their clients with a psychiatric emergency to use as an example for this Discussion.)

    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 submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit! Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

    By Day 3

    Post:

    Briefly describe the case you selected.

    Explain how you would treat the client differently if he or she were a child or adolescent.

    Explain any legal or ethical issues you would have to consider when working with a child or adolescent emergency case.

    By Day 6

    Respond to at least two of your colleagues by recommending at least one additional way you would treat a child or adolescent client differently than you would an adult and at least one additional way you would address the legal and ethical issues involved. Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

     

    Psychiatric Emergencies: Violent Behavior

    Violent behavior is a common manifestation of psychiatric disorders. Specifically, violent behavior is a manifestation maniac phase of bipolar disorder.  Violent patients are harmful to both self and others, including the healthcare workers (Savage, 2014). The following essay will describe a case of violent behavior, management with emphasis on adult versus child patient and finally the related legal issues in such a case. Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

    While working as a nurse in a hospital, a patient was brought to emergency department with allegations of violent behavior. The patient was male and 40 years of age. The allegations included physical assault to relatives, co-workers and other persons with no clear cause for the violent behavior for the previous two days Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

    Thorough history was taken from the relatives, including the patient’s biographic data, history drug use, family history of psychiatric cases and alcohol use. In addition, complete physical examination was performed, paying attention to the dressing mode, the client’s language and general appearance. The patient’s mood, level of concentration and memory were also assessed comprehensively. The patient was treated with lorazepam and haloperidol so as to stabilize the moods. Thereafter, the patient was admitted to mental unit and restrained followed by daily psychotherapy. If the patient was an adolescent, the history taking would be similar although different. For instance, while taking the history, the nurse would emphasize on the history of drug abuse and use since adolescents are a higher risk of drug abuse than the adults. In addition, the appropriateness of the dressing code should be assess paying attention to the patient’s age (Duxbury & Scholes, 2018) Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

    When providing care to vilent patient, prior to admission, the patient’s caretaker should fill in the prerequisite forms for involuntary admission so as to avoid forced detention cases. While restraining the patient, only trained and supervised staff should take the role to avoid harm to the patient (Layde, 2015).

    In conclusion, the treatment for violent behavior is similar although different for adult and adolescent patients. There are several legal issues concerning care for violent patients Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

    References

    Layde, J. B. (2015). The legal framework of medical ethics in the United States. In
    Professionalism and Ethics in Medicine
    (pp. 27-38). Springer, New York, NY.

    Savage, J. (2014). The association between attachment, parental bonds and physically aggressive and violent behavior: A comprehensive review.
    Aggression and violent behavior
    ,
    19
    (2), 164-178.

    Duxbury, J. A., & Scholes, A. (2018).Minimising Violence and Related Harms.
    Essentials of Mental Health Nursing
    , 385. Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies in Children Versus Adults.

  • Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT

    Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT

    Details:

    Use the practice problem and a quantitative, peer-reviewed research article you identified in the Topic 1 assignment to complete this assignment.

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    In a 1000-1,250 word essay, summarize the study, explain the ways in which the findings might be used in nursing practice, and address ethical considerations associated with the conduct of the study. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Refer to the resource ”Research Critique Guidelines” for suggested headings and content for your paper.

    Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

    This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

    You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    PICOT Question and Literature Search

    Nursing practice problem

    Although nicotine replacement therapy is acknowledged as a strategy for smoking cessation, its efficacy is not well established. As such, there is a need to provide tangible evidence that compares nicotine replacement therapy with other strategies applied for the same purpose. The intention is to establish whether nicotine replacement therapy is worth receiving special attention from nursing practitioners. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    PICOT Statement

    Population:
    in cigarette smokers older than 17 years

    Intervention:
    does nicotine replacement therapy

    Control:
    versus using other smoking cessation therapies

    Outcome:
    affect smoking cessation outcomes

    Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT

    Time:
    over a period of three months?

    Literature Search (References List and Abstract)

    Silla, K., Beard, E. & Shahab, L. (2014). Nicotine replacement therapy use among smokers and ex-smokers: associated attitudes and beliefs: a qualitative study.
    BMC Public Health
    , 14, 1311. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1311

    Abstract

    Background: Smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit smoking may benefit from using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for harm reduction. This may include the partial or complete substitution of cigarettes with NRT. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. A taxonomy of the characteristics of those using NRT for harm reduction would be helpful in tailoring advice and treatment. Although attempts to categorize those using NRT for harm reduction have been made, these have largely been based on quantitative data. In order to provide further in-depth exploration of views, beliefs and experiences, the current study probed issues surrounding NRT and harm reduction qualitatively to better understand barriers and facilitators to this approach. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Methods: Three groups of participants (n = 15) were recruited from a student sample: current smokers with a history of NRT use, smokers without a history of NRT use, and ex-smokers with a history of NRT use. Participants were asked about their demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, intention and perceived ability to quit smoking, awareness and use of NRT, beliefs about the health consequences of using NRT, and the safety and efficacy of NRT, using semi-structured telephone interviews. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Results: Twenty-four themes were identified; these themes were clustered into three main issues of cross-cutting themes: attitudes towards smoking and motivation to quit; smoking reduction and quit attempts; and beliefs, use and concerns about NRT. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Those with a history of NRT use were more motivated and engaged with the quitting process than non-users. However, irrespective of smoking status and past NRT use, all participants showed misperceptions about NRT, such as the health consequences associated with NRT use.

    Conclusions: NRT users are more motivated to quit smoking than non-users and are more likely to employ techniques to assist their cessation attempts. The majority of smokers have misperceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of NRT which may act as a barrier to its usage.

    Barbeau, A., Burda, J. & Siegel, M. (2013). Perceived efficacy of e-cigarettes versus nicotine replacement therapy among successful e-cigarette users: a qualitative approach.
    Addict Sci Clin Pract.
    , 8, 5. doi: 10.1186/1940-0640-8-5 Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Abstract

    Background: Nicotine is widely recognized as an addictive psychoactive drug. Since most smokers are bio-behaviorally addicted, quitting can be very difficult and is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. Research indicates that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can double quit rates. However, the success rate for quitting remains low. E-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) are battery-powered nicotine delivery devices used to inhale doses of vaporized nicotine from a handheld device similar in shape to a cigarette without the harmful chemicals present in tobacco products. Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that e-cigarettes may be effective in helping smokers quit and preventing relapse, but there have been few published qualitative studies, especially among successful e-cigarette users, to support this evidence Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Methods: Qualitative design using focus groups (N = 11); 9 men and 2 women. Focus groups were conducted by posing open-ended questions relating to the use of e-cigarettes, comparison of effectiveness between NRTs and e-cigarettes, barriers to quitting, and reasons for choosing e-cigarettes over other methods. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Results: Five themes emerged that describe users’ perceptions of why e-cigarettes are efficacious in quitting smoking: 1) bio-behavioral feedback, 2) social benefits, 3) hobby elements, 4) personal identity, and 5) distinction between smoking cessation and nicotine cessation. Additionally, subjects reported their experiences with NRTs compared with e-cigarettes, citing negative side effects of NRTs and their ineffectiveness at preventing relapse Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Conclusion: These findings suggest tobacco control practitioners must pay increased attention to the importance of the behavioral and social components of smoking addiction. By addressing these components in addition to nicotine dependence, e-cigarettes appear to help some tobacco smokers transition to a less harmful replacement tool, thereby maintaining cigarette abstinence.

    Buller, D., Halperin, A., Severson, H., Borland, R., Slater, M., Bettinghaus, E., Tinkelman, D., Cutter, G. & Woodall, G. (2014). Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Quitting by Young Adults in a Trial Comparing Cessation Services.
    J Public Health Manag Pract.
    , 20(2), E7-E15. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0b013e3182a0b8c7

    Abstract

    Context: Young adult smokers have the highest smoking prevalence among all US age groups but are least likely to use evidence-based cessation counseling or medication to quit.

    Objective: Use and effectiveness of nicotine patch were explored in a randomized trial evaluating smoking cessation interventions with this population. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Participants: Smokers aged 18 to 30 (n = 3094) were recruited through online and off-line methods and from telephone quit lines and analyzed.

    Design: Smokers were enrolled in a pretest-posttest trial, and randomized to 1 of 3 cessation services.

    Setting: Trial delivering counseling services by self-help booklet, telephone quit lines, or online expert system in the 48 continental United States.

    Intervention: Smokers could request a free 2-week course of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches from the project.

    Main Outcome Measure: Follow-up surveys at 12 and 26 weeks assessed smoking abstinence, use of NRT, counseling, and other cessation medications, and smoking-related variables. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

    Results: Overall, 69.0% of smokers reported using NRT (M = 3.2 weeks) at 12 weeks and 74.8% (M = 3.3 weeks) at 26 weeks. More smokers who were sent the free nicotine patches (n = 1695; 54.8%) reported using NRT than those who did not receive them (12 weeks: 84.3% vs 41.9%, P < .001; 26 weeks: 87.6% vs 51.1%, P < .001). The use of NRT was associated with greater smoking abstinence at 12 weeks (P < .001) and 26 weeks (P < .05), especially if used for more than 2 weeks (P < .001). Smokers assigned to a self-help booklet or cessation Web site and heavier smokers were most likely to use NRT (P < .05), whereas those reporting marijuana use and binge drinking used NRT less (P < .05). Conclusions: Many young adults were willing to try NRT, and it appeared to help them quit in the context of community-based cessation services. Strategies should be developed to make NRT available to this age group and support them in using it to prevent lifelong smoking. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Rath, J., Villanti, A., Abrams, D. & Vallone, D. (2012). Patterns of Tobacco Use and Dual Use in US Young Adults: The Missing Link between Youth Prevention and Adult Cessation. Journal of Environmental and Public Health , Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 679134. doi: 10.1155/2012/679134 Abstract Few studies address the developmental transition from youth tobacco use uptake to regular adulthood use, especially for noncigarette tobacco products. The current study uses online panel data from the Legacy Young Adult Cohort Study to describe the prevalence of cigarette, other tobacco product, and dual use in a nationally representative sample of young adults aged 18-34 (N = 4,201). Of the 23% of young adults who were current tobacco users, 30% reported dual use. Ever use, first product used, and current use were highest for cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, and hookah. Thirty-two percent of ever tobacco users reported tobacco product initiation after the age of 18 and 39% of regular users reported progressing to regular use during young adulthood. This study highlights the need for improved monitoring of polytobacco use across the life course and developing tailored efforts for young adults to prevent progression and further reduce overall population prevalence. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Thurgood, S., McNeill, A., Clark-Carter, D. & Brose, L. (2015). A Systematic Review of Smoking Cessation Interventions for Adults in Substance Abuse Treatment or Recovery. Nicotine & Tobacco Research , 18(5), 993-1001. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntv127 Abstract Introduction: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for patients with substance use disorders. The secondary aim was to evaluate the impact on substance use treatment outcomes. Methods: Randomized controlled trials involving adult smokers, recently or currently receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment for substance use disorders were reviewed. Databases, grey literature, reference lists, and journals were searched for relevant studies between 1990 and August 2014. Two authors extracted data and assessed quality. The primary outcome was biochemically verified continuous abstinence from smoking at 6 or 12 months, secondary outcomes were biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (PPA) at 6 or 12 months and substance use outcomes. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Heterogeneity between studies precluded pooled analyses of the data. Results: Seventeen of 847 publications were included. Five studies reported significant effects on smoking cessation: (1) nicotine patches improved continuous abstinence at 6 months; (2) nicotine gum improved continuous abstinence at 12 months; (3) counseling, contingency management and relapse prevention improved continuous abstinence at 6 and 12 months; (4) cognitive behavioral therapy, plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), improved PPA at 6 months; and (5) a combination of bupropion, NRT, counseling and contingency management improved PPA at 6 months. Two studies showed some evidence of improved substance use outcomes with the remaining eight studies measuring substance use outcomes showing no difference. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Conclusions: NRT, behavioral support, and combination approaches appear to increase smoking abstinence in those treated for substance use disorders. Higher quality studies are required to strengthen the evidence base. Garcia-Rodriguez, O., Secades-Villa, R., Florez-Salamanca, L., Okuda, M., Liu, S. & Blanco, C. (2014). Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Quitting by Young Adults in a Trial Comparing Cessation Services. Drug Alcohol Depend. , 132(3), 479-485. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.03.008 Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Abstract Context: Young adult smokers have the highest smoking prevalence among all US age groups but are least likely to use evidence-based cessation counseling or medication to quit. Objective: Use and effectiveness of nicotine patch were explored in a randomized trial evaluating smoking cessation interventions with this population. Participants: Smokers aged 18 to 30 (n = 3094) were recruited through online and off-line methods and from telephone quit lines and analyzed. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Design: Smokers were enrolled in a pretest-posttest trial, and randomized to 1 of 3 cessation services. Setting: Trial delivering counseling services by self-help booklet, telephone quit lines, or online expert system in the 48 continental United States. Intervention: Smokers could request a free 2-week course of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches from the project Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Main Outcome Measure: Follow-up surveys at 12 and 26 weeks assessed smoking abstinence, use of NRT, counseling, and other cessation medications, and smoking-related variables. Results: Overall, 69.0% of smokers reported using NRT (M = 3.2 weeks) at 12 weeks and 74.8% (M = 3.3 weeks) at 26 weeks. More smokers who were sent the free nicotine patches (n = 1695; 54.8%) reported using NRT than those who did not receive them (12 weeks: 84.3% vs 41.9%, P < .001; 26 weeks: 87.6% vs 51.1%, P < .001). The use of NRT was associated with greater smoking abstinence at 12 weeks (P < .001) and 26 weeks (P < .05), especially if used for more than 2 weeks (P < .001). Smokers assigned to a self-help booklet or cessation Web site and heavier smokers were most likely to use NRT (P < .05), whereas those reporting marijuana use and binge drinking used NRT less (P < .05). Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Conclusions: Many young adults were willing to try NRT, and it appeared to help them quit in the context of community-based cessation services. Strategies should be developed to make NRT available to this age group and support them in using it to prevent lifelong smoking. Research Critique Guidelines Qualitative Study Background of Study: Identify the clinical problem and research problem that led to the study. What was not known about the clinical problem that, if understood, could be used to improve health care delivery or patient outcomes? This gap in knowledge is the research problem. How did the author establish the significance of the study? In other words, why should the reader care about this study? Look for statements about human suffering, costs of treatment, or the number of people affected by the clinical problem. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Identify the purpose of the study. An author may clearly state the purpose of the study or may describe the purpose as the study goals, objectives, or aims. List research questions that the study was designed to answer. If the author does not explicitly provide the questions, attempt to infer the questions from the answers. Were the purpose and research questions related to the problem? Method of Study: Were qualitative methods appropriate to answer the research questions? Did the author identify a specific perspective from which the study was developed? If so, what was it? Did the author cite quantitative and qualitative studies relevant to the focus of the study? What other types of literature did the author include? Are the references current? For qualitative studies, the author may have included studies older than the 5-year limit typically used for quantitative studies. Findings of older qualitative studies may be relevant to a qualitative study. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Did the author evaluate or indicate the weaknesses of the available studies? Did the literature review include adequate information to build a logical argument? When a researcher uses the grounded theory method of qualitative inquiry, the researcher may develop a framework or diagram as part of the findings of the study. Was a framework developed from the study findings?   Results of Study What were the study findings? What are the implications to nursing? Explain how the findings contribute to nursing knowledge/science. Would this impact practice, education, administration, or all areas of nursing? Ethical Considerations Was the study approved by an Institutional Review Board? Was patient privacy protected? Were there ethical considerations regarding the treatment or lack of? Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Conclusion Emphasize the importance and congruity of the thesis statement. Provide a logical wrap-up to bring the appraisal to completion and to leave a lasting impression and take-away points useful in nursing practice. Incorporate a critical appraisal and a brief analysis of the utility and applicability of the findings to nursing practice. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Integrate a summary of the knowledge learned.   Quantitative Study Background of Study: Identify the clinical problem and research problem that led to the study. What was not known about the clinical problem that, if understood, could be used to improve health care delivery or patient outcomes? This gap in knowledge is the research problem. How did the author establish the significance of the study? Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. In other words, why should the reader care about this study? Look for statements about human suffering, costs of treatment, or the number of people affected by the clinical problem. Identify the purpose of the study. An author may clearly state the purpose of the study or may describe the purpose as the study goals, objectives, or aims. List research questions that the study was designed to answer. If the author does not explicitly provide the questions, attempt to infer the questions from the answers. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Were the purpose and research questions related to the problem?  Methods of Study Identify the benefits and risks of participation addressed by the authors. Were there benefits or risks the authors do not identify? Was informed consent obtained from the subjects or participants? Did it seem that the subjects participated voluntarily in the study? Was institutional review board approval obtained from the agency in which the study was conducted? Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Are the major variables (independent and dependent variables) identified and defined? What were these variables? How were data collected in this study? What rationale did the author provide for using this data collection method? Identify the time period for data collection of the study. Describe the sequence of data collection events for a participant. Describe the data management and analysis methods used in the study. Did the author discuss how the rigor of the process was assured? For example, does the author describe maintaining a paper trail of critical decisions that were made during the analysis of the data? Was statistical software used to ensure accuracy of the analysis? What measures were used to minimize the effects of researcher bias (their experiences and perspectives)? For example, did two researchers independently analyze the data and compare their analyses? Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Results of Study What is the researcher’s interpretation of findings? Are the findings valid or an accurate reflection of reality? Do you have confidence in the findings? What limitations of the study were identified by researchers? Was there a coherent logic to the presentation of findings? What implications do the findings have for nursing practice? For example, can the findings of the study be applied to general nursing practice, to a specific population, or to a specific area of nursing? What suggestions are made for further studies? Ethical Considerations Was the study approved by an Institutional Review Board? Was patient privacy protected? Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Were there ethical considerations regarding the treatment or lack of? Conclusion Emphasize the importance and congruity of the thesis statement. Provide a logical wrap-up to bring the appraisal to completion and to leave a lasting impression and take-away points useful in nursing practice. Incorporate a critical appraisal and a brief analysis of the utility and applicability of the findings to nursing practice. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Integrate a summary of the knowledge learned. Reference Burns, N., & Grove, S. (2011). Understanding nursing research (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.   Quantitative Research Critique Background of Study The article presented the outcome of a research where the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy use among young adults was determined. It presented the understanding that the therapy is a tool that facilitates smoking cessation, allowing smokers to quit with minimal risk of reversion or experiencing other undesirable side effects such as withdrawal symptoms. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. In line with this awareness, the study objective was to review the effectiveness of nicotine patch as a nicotine replacement therapy for use when quitting smoking. The underlying intention was to address smoking cessation needs among young adults in the US since they represent the single largest age group with results to smoking prevalence. In this respect, the article explores the likelihood of positioning nicotine patches as useful for young adult smokers who seek to cease smoking. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Methods of Study The research applied a quantitative methodology that used a post-test and pre-test trial design. In this case, 3,094 young adult (between 18 and 30 years) smoking participants were recruited using online and offline methods. Other than age and identity as current smokers, the participants also had to exhibit an intention to quit smoking before inclusion in the study. Once all the participants had been recruited, they were enrolled into the trial before being randomized into three groups that include a nicotine patch group representing nicotine replacement therapy, counselling, and medication to facilitate cessation. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Once the trial began and the participants were subjected to the interventions in the three groups, they were then subjected to two evaluation surveys at the 12-week and 26-week points of the trial. The data collected from the evaluations was then subjected to statistical analysis that compared the cessation figures for the three groups. The data focus was on smoking abstinence with the comparison showing how the three programs performed in terms of effectiveness. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. The research methodology can be considered appropriate since it allowed for a large sample to be recruited for the research, the right data to be collected, and interpretation carried out on the data. It presented a true comparison between nicotine patches, counselling and medication so that the results were reliable. Also, the detailed presentation of the research methodology facilitates the research replication. In addition, researcher bias was minimized by using pre-structured tools to collect primary data directly from the participants. Perhaps, the only shortcoming in the methodology is that there is no mention of whether the data analysis was verified by a third party to confirm its accuracy. Another shortcoming is that the specific software that was used for data analysis has not been mentioned thereby making it difficult to ascertain the truthfulness of the analysis. These shortcomings create an opportunity for researcher bias since a third party cannot verify the truthfulness of the results analysis. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Results of Study The data analysis determined that nicotine patches produce comparably favorable results when used by young adult smokers. That is because they increased the possibility of enrolling for and adhering to the process set by nicotine replacement therapy. At the 12 th week evaluation, 84.3% of the participants using nicotine patches enrolled for nicotine replacement therapy when compared to 41.9% who used other programs ( p <0.001). At the 26 th week evaluation, 87.6% of the participants using nicotine patches enrolled for nicotine replacement therapy when compared to 51.1% who used other programs ( p <0.001). Following this results that showed greater willingness for the persons who use patches to pursue other smoking cessation programs concurrently, the research made the recommendation that nicotine patches should be offered as part of the smoking cessation standard package program for young adult smokers who have enrolled in a cessation program Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. These results are valuable to nursing practitioners since it presents evidence to supports advice they may offer young adult smokers to use nicotine patches to improve enrollment in smoking cessation programs. Although the research does not make suggestions for future studies, it is cautious when advocating for nicotine patches use. This implies that there is need for additional research to ascertain the exact value of nicotine patches. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Ethical Considerations There is evidence to show that the research was carried out following ethical considerations. Firstly, the research mentions that approval was sought and received from the Western Institutional Review Board before the research could proceed. The approval shows that the board was convinced that the research would not harm the participants (whether the harm was intentional or unintentional) and sufficient measures had been put in place for their protection. Secondly, although there is no mention of a consent form and whether the participants signed one to show that they were cognizant of the study objectives and voluntarily agree to participate, the fact that they were not coerced and were politely asked to participate in the study and allowed to withdraw without a penalty is sufficient to show that their participation was voluntary. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Thirdly, the participants were not offered any remuneration for their participation in the study thereby showing that they were motivated to advance the research (and would be truthful by extension) and eliminated the possibility that they would haphazardly participate in the research (not being truthful) just to get paid. Finally, the treatments (nicotine replacement therapy, counseling and medication) applied in the three groups did not pose any harm to the participants since they are approved therapies for smoking cessation programs. The four measures show that the research was conducted in an ethical manner Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Conclusion The research evaluates the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy as a smoking cessation tool for use among young adult smokers. This is based on the understanding that the therapy is a tool that facilitates smoking cessation, allowing smokers to quit with minimal risk of reversion or experiencing other undesirable side effects such as withdrawal symptoms. Applying a quantitative methodology that recruited 3,094 young adult smokers between 18 and 30 years of age, the research randomized the participants’ group assignment into nicotine patch (nicotine replacement therapy), counseling and medication groups. Ethical consideration were undertaken to ensure that the participants were protected to include receiving approval from a review board, voluntary participation, no remuneration was offered, and treatment did not pose any harm. The three randomized groups were then evaluated for program effectiveness at the 12-week and 26-week milestones. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. The results showed that using the nicotine patch improved enrollment in nicotine replacement therapy from 84.3% at the 12th week to 87.6% at the 26th week, almost doubling the figures reported by the other programs. Following this results that showed greater willingness for the persons who use patches to pursue other smoking cessation programs concurrently, the research made the recommendation that nicotine patches should be offered as part of the smoking cessation standard package program for young adult smokers who have enrolled in a cessation program. As such, nicotine patches should be included in cessation services for young adult smokers. Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT. Reference Buller, D., Halperin, A., Severson, H., Borland, R., Slater, M., Bettinghaus, E., Tinkelman, D., Cutter, G. & Woodall, G. (2014). Effect of Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Quitting by Young Adults in a Trial Comparing Cessation Services. J Public Health Manag Pract. , 20(2), E7-E15. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0b013e3182a0b8c7 Quantitative Research Critique and Ethical Considerations PICOT.

  • Changes in Sites of Care essay

    Changes in Sites of Care essay

    Post a description of a case from your personal or clinical experiences in the last five years that involves an elderly patient who had been in at least two different sites of care. Explain whether thepatient had advanced directive in place at the time ofthe time of the change in sites of care, if do, whether any difficult treatment decisions had a result. Finally, explain the I.pact of financial issues on site placement and treatment decisions. impact of differences in the settings themselves, inherent culture of the settings, and ethical practices of thses sites on the patient Changes in Sites of Care essay.

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    Transitional care encompasses an array of services and environments that facilitate timely and safe passage of patients from one care giver to the other. High quality transitional care is most appropriate for older patients who suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Changes in Sites of Care essay. It is normal to witness older people receiving care from more than one institution, due to regular movements. It is therefore important to ensure better transitions during the handover of patients by considering financial, ethical and environmental aspects (Anderson et al., 2014). This way, patients and their relatives are guaranteed of better outcomes.

    Description of Case

    Recently, I witnessed an old woman suffering from cancer and chronic lung bronchitis being moved for our institution to another health care facility. The patient was under rehabilitative care for the elders, where the nurses literally dressed, fed and bathed her. Since she was suffering from cancer, our radiotherapist administered chemotherapy as a way to control further defects on the normal body cells. She was prescribed painkillers, which reduced the pain she experienced after chemotherapy sessions. However, the family decided to move her to a normal palliative care institution since they could not afford services offered at our institution anymore Changes in Sites of Care essay.

    Advanced instructions and its health and financial effects

    The patient had prior instructions from her relatives about the transfer to another care. She knew that the destined facility did not offer chemotherapy and therefore, was convinced of the availability of another option at the institution. However, the facility was a step-down due to lack of chemotherapy machines, leading to deterioration of her condition (Starmer et al., 2014) Changes in Sites of Care essay. The treatment decision proved erroneous, leading to stress and discomfort on her relatives. Specifically, the patient was prescribed of expensive drugs, which bore a psychological effect on the relatives.

    Impact of setting due to its organizational culture

    Transitions of patients suffering from chronic ailments more often lead to serious errors during medication. Besides, institutions charge different fees in accordance to the type of care offered (Friedberg et al., 2015). Besides, different institutions offer different care services depending on their specialization and capability. However, cite placement may save the relative medical fees depending on the care services required at a particular time. Contrariwise, it may cost a lot of money due to errors during medication that may require corrective medicine.

    References

    Anderson, D. J., Podgorny, K., Berríos-Torres, S. I., Bratzler, D. W., Dellinger, E. P., Greene, L., … Kaye, K. S. (2014). Strategies to prevent surgical site infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 update.
    Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology
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    (S2), S66-S88. Changes in Sites of Care essay.

    https://doi.org/10.1086/591064

    Friedberg, M. W., Schneider, E. C., Rosenthal, M. B., Volpp, K. G., & Werner, R. M. (2014). Association between participation in a multipayer medical home intervention and changes in quality, utilization, and costs of care.
    Jama
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    311
    (8), 815-825.

    doi:10.1001/jama.2014.353

    Starmer, A. J., Spector, N. D., Srivastava, R., West, D. C., Rosenbluth, G., Allen, A. D., … Lipsitz, S. R. (2014). Changes in medical errors after implementation of a handoff program.
    New England Journal of Medicine
    ,
    371
    (19), 1803-1812. Changes in Sites of Care essay doi: 10.1056/nejmsa1405556