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
- Sexual health screenings and counseling: APNs can screen young adults for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and provide counseling on safe sex practices.
- Preventive screenings for chronic diseases: APNs can screen young adults for chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, and provide education and counseling on how to prevent or manage these conditions.
- Immunizations: APNs can administer immunizations to young adults to protect them from preventable diseases.
- Health education and counseling: APNs can provide young adults with education and counseling on a variety of health topics, such as nutrition, physical activity, and sleep.
In addition to these specific services, APNs can also play a general role in providing primary care to young adults. This includes providing comprehensive health assessments, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and managing chronic conditions. APNs can also provide referrals to other specialists when necessary.
Here are some specific examples of how APNs can improve the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention:
- An APN can screen a young adult for anxiety and depression and, if necessary, provide counseling and therapy to help the young adult manage their symptoms. This can help to prevent suicide, which is a leading cause of death among young adults.
- An APN can screen a young adult for substance abuse and, if necessary, provide interventions, such as counseling and medication-assisted treatment, to help the young adult overcome addiction. This can help to prevent a number of negative health consequences, such as overdose, accidents, and infectious diseases.
- An APN can screen a young adult for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and, if necessary, provide treatment. This can help to prevent the spread of STIs, which can have serious health consequences, such as infertility and chronic pain.
- An APN can screen a young adult for chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, and provide education and counseling on how to prevent or manage these conditions. This can help to improve the young adult's overall health and reduce their risk of developing serious health problems later in life.
- An APN can provide a young adult with education and counseling on a variety of health topics, such as nutrition, physical activity, and sleep. This can help to prevent a number of health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
APNs play a vital role in the health of young adults. By providing preventive screening and intervention, APNs can help young adults to stay healthy and avoid a number of serious health problems.
Sample Answer
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are registered nurses who have obtained a master's or doctoral degree and additional training in a specific area of nursing practice. APNs can provide a wide range of preventive and interventional care to young adults, including:
- Mental health screenings and counseling: APNs can screen young adults for mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, and provide counseling and therapy to help them manage their symptoms.
- Substance abuse screenings and interventions: APNs can screen young adults for substance abuse and provide interventions, such as counseling and medication-assisted treatment, to help them overcome addiction.