Health Promotion: Prevention Of Disease

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.

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Sample Answer

 

The transition to young adulthood is a time of great change and opportunity. Young adults are developing their independence, making important life decisions, and setting the course for their future health. However, this period is also marked by increased risk for health problems.

APNs can play a critical role in improving the health of young adults by providing preventive screening and intervention services. This includes:

  • Screening for health problems: APNs can screen young adults for a variety of health problems, including:
    • Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety
    • Substance abuse
    • Unintentional pregnancies
    • Sexually transmitted infections

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    • Chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease
  • Providing education and counseling: APNs can provide young adults with education and counseling about health promotion and disease prevention. This includes information about:
    • Healthy eating
    • Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Stress management
    • Safe sex
    • Substance abuse prevention
  • Referral to other services: APNs can refer young adults to other services, such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, or family planning services.

APNs can also play a role in advocating for young adults’ health. This includes:

  • Working with schools and communities: APNs can work with schools and communities to promote healthy lifestyles for young adults. This includes providing education and support for healthy eating, exercise, and stress management.
  • Advocating for policies that support young adults’ health: APNs can advocate for policies that support young adults’ health, such as increasing access to affordable healthcare and expanding access to preventive services.

By providing preventive screening and intervention services, APNs can help young adults achieve their full health potential. They can also help to reduce the burden of chronic disease and disability in this population.


In addition to the above, APNs can also play a role in improving the health of young adults by:

  • Promoting healthy relationships: APNs can help young adults develop healthy relationships with their partners, families, and friends. This can help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
  • Encouraging civic engagement: APNs can encourage young adults to get involved in their communities. This can help to promote a sense of purpose and belonging, and it can also lead to healthier lifestyles.
  • Empowering young adults: APNs can empower young adults to make healthy choices for themselves. This includes providing them with information and resources, and it also includes helping them to develop coping skills.

By taking these steps, APNs can help to improve the health and well-being of young adults. This is an important population to reach, as they are at a critical stage in their development. By intervening early, APNs can help to prevent chronic disease and disability later in life.

 

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