To conduct an assessment of health promotion while applying the nursing process and evidence based research to disseminate findings to course colleagues.
Case:
Jessica is a 32 y/old math teacher who presents to the ER with a friend for evaluation of sudden decrease of vision in the left eye. She denies any trauma or injury. It started this morning when she woke up and has progressively worsened over the past few hours. She had some blurring of her vision 1 month ago and thinks that may have been related to getting overheated, since it improved when she was able to get in a cool, air-conditioned environment. She has some pain if she tries to move her eye, but none when she just rests. She is also unable to determine colors. She denies tearing or redness or exposure to any chemicals. Nothing has made it better or worse.
She denies fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, headache, changes in hearing, sore throat, nasal or sinus congestion, neck pain or stiffness, chest pain or palpitations, shortness of breath or cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dysuria, vaginal discharge, swelling in the legs, polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia.
Patient is alert; she appears anxious. BP 135/85 mm Hg; HR 64bpm and regular, RR 16 per minute, T: 98.5F. Visual acuity 20/200 in the left eye and 20/30 in the right eye. Sclera white, conjunctivae clear. Unable to assess visual fields in the left side; visual fields on the right eye are intact. Pupil response to light is diminished in the left eye and brisk in the right eye. The optic disc is swollen. Full range of motions; no swelling or deformity. Mental status: Oriented x 3. Cranial nerves: I-XII intact; horizontal nystagmus is present. Muscles with normal bulk and tone; Normal finger to nose, negative Romberg. Intact to temperature, vibration, and two-point discrimination in upper and lower extremities. Reflexes: 2+ and symmetric in biceps, triceps, brachioradialis, patellar, and Achiles tendons; no Babinski.
• Complete a comprehensive history and Physical Examination.
• What physical findings are you looking for to help determine a presumptive nursing diagnosis?
• Support your findings with peer reviewed articles.
• Presentation is original work and logically organized in current APA style. Incorporate a minimum of 4 current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work.
• Power point presentation with 8 -10 slides, excluding the tile slide and the reference slide.
The presentation is clear and concise and students will lose points for improper grammar, punctuation, APA and misspelling.
• Speaker notes expanded upon and clarified content on the slides.
Full Answer Section
Nursing Process
The nursing process is a systematic approach to providing care that encompasses five key steps: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. In the context of health promotion, the assessment phase is particularly critical, as it provides the foundation for developing effective interventions.
Assessment of Health Promotion Needs
A comprehensive health promotion assessment should consider a variety of factors, including:
- Individual factors: Age, gender, ethnicity, lifestyle habits, personal history, family history, genetic predispositions, and current health status.
- Environmental factors: Access to healthcare, social support, housing, education, and employment opportunities.
- Behavioral factors: Diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use.
- Psychosocial factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms.
- Cultural factors: Beliefs, values, and practices that influence health behaviors.
Gathering Data
Nurses can gather data for health promotion assessments through various methods, including:
- Health history interviews: Collecting information about past and present health conditions, medications, allergies, and family history.
- Physical examinations: Assessing vital signs, body mass index, and overall health status.
- Lifestyle assessments: Identifying dietary habits, exercise patterns, smoking status, and alcohol consumption.
- Psychosocial assessments: Screening for mental health concerns and assessing coping mechanisms.
- Cultural assessments: Understanding cultural beliefs and practices that influence health behaviors.
Physical Findings
In the case of Jessica, the 32-year-old math teacher presenting with sudden vision loss, the physical findings that would be relevant to her health promotion assessment include:
- Diminished pupillary response to light in the left eye: This suggests that there is damage to the optic nerve, which could be caused by a variety of factors, including infection, inflammation, or vascular disease.
- Optic disc swelling: This is a sign of papilledema, which is increased pressure within the optic nerve. Papilledema can be caused by a variety of factors, including intracranial hypertension, tumors, and meningitis.
- Horizontal nystagmus: This is an involuntary eye movement that can be caused by a variety of neurological conditions, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebellar disorders.
Presumptive Nursing Diagnosis
Based on the physical findings, a presumptive nursing diagnosis for Jessica could be:
- Acute visual loss related to optic nerve injury.
Evidence-Based Research
Evidence-based research is crucial for informing nursing interventions in health promotion. Nurses should access and critically evaluate research studies to determine the most effective strategies for promoting health and preventing illness. In the case of Jessica, nurses could review research on the causes of optic nerve injury and the most effective treatments for her condition.
Disseminating Findings
Nurses play a vital role in disseminating evidence-based research findings to their colleagues and other healthcare providers. This can be done through a variety of methods, including:
- Presenting at conferences or workshops.
- Publishing articles in nursing journals.
- Developing educational materials for patients and families.
- Participating in online forums and discussions.
- Sharing information with colleagues through informal conversations.
Conclusion
Health promotion is an essential aspect of nursing practice, and nurses play a critical role in assessing health needs, developing interventions, and disseminating evidence-based research findings. By applying the nursing process and utilizing evidence-based research, nurses can effectively promote health and improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Sample Answer
Introduction
Health promotion is a crucial aspect of nursing practice, as it encompasses a wide range of interventions aimed at preventing illness, promoting well-being, and improving quality of life. Nurses play a pivotal role in health promotion by providing education, counseling, and support to individuals, families, and communities. In order to effectively promote health, nurses must conduct comprehensive assessments that identify individuals' or groups' needs, strengths, and risk factors. This assessment process allows nurses to tailor interventions to specific populations and achieve optimal outcomes.