NURS 6512 week 2 discussion – BK is a 16-year-old Caucasian female

NURS 6512 week 2 discussion – BK is a 16-year-old Caucasian female

Explain the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and cultural factors relevant to the patient you were assigned, and describe the sensitivity required when interacting with her. Provide a set of at least five targeted questions for building her health history and assessing her health risks.

Module 2: Functional Assessments and Assessment Tools

Week 2: Week 2: Functional Assessments and Cultural and Diversity Awareness in Health Assessment

Discussion: Diversity and Health Assessments

Initial Post: Patient Profiles – BK is a 16-year-old Caucasian female

As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), cultural competence is crucial for achieving positive patient outcomes. APNs serve diverse cultural populations, and it’s essential to treat each patient in a manner that respects their cultural, religious, socioeconomic, and personal beliefs (Ball, et al., 2015). Healthcare providers who are culturally competent can provide tailored care that meets the unique needs of patients from various cultural backgrounds, fostering trust between the provider and the patient (Ball, Dains, Flynn, Solomon, & Stewart, 2015).

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In this patient scenario, BK is a 16-year-old Caucasian female presenting for her annual well-child visit. BK’s situation presents several sensitive areas for consideration. First, BK’s weight and body image may be sensitive topics for discussion, as teenage girls are often concerned about their weight. Additionally, BK’s mother’s history of drug use and current incarceration can be emotionally challenging for her, and the practitioner must approach this topic with care. Questions about BK’s spirituality can help understand why she stopped participating in the youth choir at church. Exploring her living situation with her grandmother and any potential socioeconomic issues is important for comprehensive care. Lastly, inquiring about BK’s friends, activities, and any risky behaviors can provide insight into her lifestyle and potential cultural influences.

Targeted Questions:

1. Have you experienced any significant life events or traumas recently? Have you ever sought counseling?

2. How do you feel about your mother’s absence and her history of drug use? What are your thoughts on substance abuse?

3. Can you describe your self-esteem and emotional well-being? Have you ever had thoughts of self-harm or experienced joy in your life?

4. What changes have you noticed in your life recently, and do you find your current life satisfying?

5. Are you still involved in church activities, and if not, can you share why you stopped participating in the youth choir? How do you perceive your spirituality?

6. Tell me about your friends and the activities you enjoy. Have you ever engaged in risky behaviors like drug use, alcohol consumption, or skipping school?

7. Could you describe your typical weekly diet, and how do you feel about your current weight? Do you have a goal weight in mind?

8. Is there anything else you’d like to discuss or any concerns you have about your health or well-being?

9. How can I assist you further during this visit?

References:

Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2015). Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

By Day 6 of Week 2

Respond on or before Day 6 on 2 different days to at least two of your colleagues who were assigned a different patient than you. Critique your colleague’s targeted questions, and explain how the patient might interpret these questions. Explain whether any of the questions would apply to your patient, and why.

By Day 6 of Week 2

Response:

I found your post informative and appreciated your focus on BK’s spirituality and the importance of addressing sensitive topics like her weight and her mother’s history. It’s indeed crucial to build trust gradually, perhaps in subsequent appointments where BK is alone.

As Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), we must consider both the individual and their cultural background. In BK’s case, her mother’s history of drug abuse is a significant risk factor, but it shouldn’t overshadow other potential risk behaviors (Ball et al., 2019). Understanding the subgroups to which she belongs and how their behaviors and attitudes may influence her is essential.

Screening for depression is vital for this patient, but it should be done systematically with accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up (Siu, 2016). It’s also important to remember that BK’s treatment plan should span multiple visits and not be solely based on one encounter.

References:

Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

Siu, A. (2016). US Preventive Services Task Force Pediatrics. Screening for Depression in Children and Adolescents, 137(3), e20154467. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4467.

Response 2:

You’ve provided valuable insights into the challenges of working with teenagers, particularly in terms of building rapport and addressing sensitive topics. Adolescents often have various stressors, and your points about their changing bodies, peer pressure, and exposure to substances are essential considerations.

The need for a trusting relationship is highlighted, as teenagers can be adept at concealing their true feelings (Selekman, 2020). The importance of handling sensitive topics like sexual orientation, sexual history, and the possibility of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases with care is well-stated. Additionally, the discussion on pelvic exams and the changing recommendations adds to the understanding of adolescent healthcare.

Body image disturbance is indeed a significant concern for many teenage girls, and you’ve highlighted the societal pressures they face. Considering the context of BK’s life, including her relationship with her grandmother and her mother’s history, is crucial in developing a comprehensive understanding of her situation.

Your point about the ethical and legal aspects of drug testing and the importance of obtaining the patient’s consent is well-mentioned. Overall, your response provides a comprehensive view of the complexities of adolescent healthcare.

References:

Selekman, M. (2020). How to make teen therapy engaging. Retrieved on June 12, 2020, from https://www.psychotherapynetworker.org/blog/details/405/creating-a-therapeutic-alliance-with-the-troubled-teen

Vaughn, E. (2020). Teen girls do not need routine pelvic exams. Why are doctors doing so many? Retrieved on June 12, 2020, from https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/01/09/794991658/teen-girls-dont-need-routine-pelvic-exams-why-are-doctors-doing-so-many

Response 3:

You’ve provided a thoughtful approach to working with adolescents like BK, emphasizing the importance of building trust and respecting their need for privacy. Trust is indeed a cornerstone of effective communication with teenagers.

The idea of offering confidential screening and counseling is vital, as it encourages adolescents to share sensitive information (Klein et al., 2020). Your mention of a psychosocial screening that considers stressors, confidants, and school experiences is well-founded. Addressing major depressive disorder and BMI concerns aligns with best practices in adolescent healthcare.

Your points about the various stressors teenagers face, including experimental and psychosocial factors, are well-articulated. Emphasizing strengths to deter shame is a valuable approach. The discussion of digital literacy and boundary settings is also relevant in today’s digital age.

Your suggested questions, such as asking about interests, proud achievements, and friends, provide a comprehensive approach to understanding the patient’s life. Addressing mental health concerns, trouble sleeping, and thoughts of self-harm is crucial for early intervention.

Overall, your response offers a well-rounded perspective on providing comprehensive care to adolescents.

Reference:

Klein, D. A., Paradise, S. L., & Landis, C. A. (2020). Screening and Counseling Adolescents and Young Adults: A Framework for Comprehensive Care. American Family Physician, 101(3), 147–158.