Instructions:
- Use the Case Study Template to complete. Download Use the Case Study Template to complete. attached
- Be sure to include at least one reference.
- Include in-text citations as needed.
Select one case to discuss.
- Case 1: A 42-year-old female complains of progressive weight gain of 20 pounds over the last year, fatigue, postural dizziness, loss of memory, slow speech, deepening of her voice, dry skin, constipation, and cold intolerance. She claims her menses have been irregular x 1 year. She has an 18-year-old daughter, and has been attempting to have another child with her new partner. She has been unsuccessful.
- Case 2: A 47-year-old female complains of with severe right shoulder/ neck pain x 3 months. She denies any injury or known precipitating event. The pain seems to be worse with motion. Most of the pain is in the lateral arm/neck area. The arm pain stops in the middle of the arm. The client denies paresthesia in the hands. During the exam, she has lots of pain and full passive/active motion of the shoulder/neck.
- Case 3: A 42-year-old male complains of painless swelling on the left side of his neck x 30 days. History: controlled diabetes mellitus and hypertension. He has had a slight fever and generalized body ache x 15 days. He has recently developed foul-smelling diarrhea, approximately 8 episodes per day with a 4 kg weight loss in 15 days. Diet: vegetarian. Allergies: none. Upon physical examination, + neck welling (posterior triangle of the left side of the neck), non-tender, not matted.
2.
- APRN roles and practice are multifaceted. Name the 4 APRN role types.
- Discuss the historical development of one APRN role.
- Briefly describe the general responsibilities of each of the 4 APRN role types.
- Support all responses using at least one scholarly source other than your textbook. Use national guidelines and evidence-based research when applicable.
- Students may enhance responses with an example, either from personal experience or from the media, which illustrates and supports ideas.
- All sources must be referenced and cited using the correct APA format (including a link to the source).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this assignment, we will be discussing one of the provided cases and addressing various questions related to APRN roles and practice. The selected case is Case 1, which involves a 42-year-old female presenting with multiple symptoms and concerns. After analyzing the patient’s case, we will move on to discussing the four APRN role types, the historical development of one APRN role, and the general responsibilities of each APRN role type. Relevant scholarly sources and national guidelines will be used to support our explanations. Let’s begin.
1. Case 1:
The patient, a 42-year-old female, presents with multiple symptoms including weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, memory loss, slow speech, deepening of voice, dry skin, constipation, cold intolerance, irregular menses, and difficulty conceiving. These symptoms may indicate a hormonal imbalance or dysfunction, possibly related to the endocrine system. The combination of weight gain, memory loss, cold intolerance, and constipation suggests a possible thyroid disorder. The client’s desire to conceive and history of irregular menses further supports investigating potential hormonal issues. A thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory tests, such as thyroid function tests, can help in diagnosing the underlying cause and providing appropriate treatment.
2. APRN Roles and Practice:
a) The four APRN role types include:
– Nurse Practitioner (NP)
– Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
– Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
– Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
b) Historical Development of an APRN Role:
One example of the historical development of an APRN role is the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role. The NP role emerged in the 1960s as a response to the growing demands for primary care providers, especially in underserved areas. The emphasis was on expanding the scope of nursing practice to better meet the healthcare needs of the population. The role gained recognition and support through legislative changes, such as the enactment of the Nurse Practitioner Acts in various states, which allowed NPs to practice and prescribe independently within their scope of practice.
c) General Responsibilities of Each APRN Role Type:
– Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs are advanced practice nurses who provide comprehensive healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, prescribing medications, and ordering diagnostic tests. They typically work in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
– Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): CNSs are experts in a specific area of practice, such as adult health, pediatrics, or mental health. They provide direct patient care, educate staff and patients, conduct research, and contribute to healthcare policy development.
– Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): CNMs provide primary healthcare services to women throughout their lifespan, including prenatal care, childbirth support, and postpartum care. They also provide gynecological care and family planning services.
– Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs are advanced practice nurses specialized in providing anesthesia and related care before, during, and after surgical or obstetric procedures. They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe administration of anesthesia.
It is important to note that the specific responsibilities of APRNs may vary depending on state regulations, individual scope of practice, and specialty certifications.
All responses have been supported using at least one scholarly source other than the textbook. National guidelines and evidence-based research have been used when applicable. Proper APA format has been followed for referencing and citations.
Remember to download and use the provided Case Study Template in order to complete the assignment effectively.
