Despite increased abilities across developmental realms, including the maturation of pain systems involving self-regulation and the coordination of affect and cognition, the transition to young adulthood is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, greater engagement in health-damaging behaviors, and an increase in chronic conditions. Rates of motor vehicle fatality and homicide peak during young adulthood, as do mental health problems, substance abuse, unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.
Describe how the advanced practice nurse can play a role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention.
Full Answer Section
- Unintended pregnancy: Unintended pregnancy is also a major problem among young adults. APNs can provide comprehensive reproductive health services, including counseling on contraception and pregnancy prevention.
In addition to providing preventive screening, APNs can also provide intervention services to young people who are already experiencing health problems. For example, APNs can provide counseling and support to young people who are struggling with mental health problems or substance abuse. They can also provide education and support to young people who are trying to prevent unintended pregnancy or STIs.
APNs can also play a role in advocating for the health of young adults. They can work with policymakers and community organizations to promote policies and programs that support the health of young people. They can also raise awareness of the health needs of young adults and advocate for increased funding for programs that serve young people.
The health of young adults is an important public health issue. APNs can play a critical role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention. By providing comprehensive health care services to young people, APNs can help to prevent health problems, promote healthy behaviors, and improve the overall health of young adults.
Here are some specific examples of how APNs can improve the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention:
- Screening for mental health problems: APNs can screen young adults for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. If a young person is found to have one of these problems, the APN can provide treatment, such as therapy or medication.
- Screening for STIs: APNs can screen young adults for STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. If a young person is found to have an STI, the APN can provide treatment, such as antibiotics or antiretroviral therapy.
- Providing counseling and support: APNs can provide counseling and support to young people who are struggling with mental health problems, substance abuse, or unintended pregnancy. They can also provide education and support to young people who are trying to prevent STIs.
- Advocating for the health of young adults: APNs can advocate for the health of young adults by working with policymakers and community organizations to promote policies and programs that support the health of young people. They can also raise awareness of the health needs of young adults and advocate for increased funding for programs that serve young people.
APNs are uniquely qualified to improve the health of young adults. They have the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive health care services to young people, and they are committed to improving the health of their patients. By providing preventive screening and intervention, APNs can help to prevent health problems, promote healthy behaviors, and improve the overall health of young adults.
Sample Answer
The transition to young adulthood is a time of great change and opportunity. However, it is also a time when young people are at risk for a number of health problems. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) can play a critical role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention.
APNs can provide preventive screening for a number of health problems that are common in young adults, such as:
- Mental health problems: Depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are all common in young adults. APNs can screen for these problems and provide treatment, if needed.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs are also common in young adults. APNs can screen for STIs and provide treatment, if needed.