NR 222 Week 8 Final Exam

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

Question 1:

Nurses play a variety of roles throughout their profession. When a nurse is focused on protecting the human and legal rights of their clients and helping them assert these rights when necessary, they are functioning as a client advocate. In this role, the nurse ensures that the client’s voice is heard, and their rights are safeguarded, even in challenging situations where the client may not fully understand or be able to defend their own rights.

Question 2:

When preparing a school-aged client for a diagnostic procedure, the nurse should take into consideration the child’s cognitive and emotional development. At this stage, children are typically curious and want to understand what will happen to them. The nurse should communicate using age-appropriate language, explain the procedure in simple terms, and allow the child to ask questions. It’s also beneficial to provide reassurance and involve the child in the process, as this can reduce anxiety and build trust.

Question 3:

In community health nursing, primary prevention focuses on activities that prevent disease or injury before it occurs. This includes interventions such as immunizations, health education programs, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. These actions help reduce the prevalence of diseases by addressing risk factors and promoting wellness in the community. For example, vaccinations against diseases like measles or providing educational seminars on healthy eating habits are both forms of primary prevention.

Question 4:

Holistic practice in nursing is an approach that treats the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a disease. This practice considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the client. Holistic nurses work to support overall well-being by recognizing the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive approach helps nurses provide more personalized and compassionate care.

Question 5:

When seeking the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions, several considerations are important. These include the client’s overall health condition, potential interactions with conventional treatments, and the evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of the chosen CAM therapy. Nurses should also assess the client’s cultural beliefs and preferences, as these often influence the acceptance and use of CAM therapies.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

NR 222 Week 8 Final Exam

Healthy People 2020. (2020). Leading health indicators. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov

NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

Health Promotion Strategies

According to the Healthy People 2020 website, the 2020 Leading Health Indicator (LHI) for social determinants focuses on measuring the national health indicator based on the percentage of “students who graduate with a regular diploma within four years after starting 9th grade” (para. 11). Based on this data, the United States has shown both improvement and areas of concern. In 2010, 79% of students achieved this milestone, and by the 2016-2017 academic year, this percentage had increased to 85%, just shy of the 87% target set by Healthy People 2020. Although this progress is promising, it raises questions about the completeness of the data, as it was collected from only three states: Idaho, Kentucky, and Oklahoma. This limited sample may impact the generalizability of the findings and the validity of the conclusions drawn from them.

This issue is crucial to the health of the nation, as high school dropout rates are linked to numerous long-term health consequences. As reported by Healthy People 2020, dropping out of high school can lead to “limited employment prospects, low wages, and poverty,” which are all determinants of an individual’s overall health. Without a high school diploma, individuals may struggle to secure jobs that offer health benefits, resulting in reduced access to preventive care and other health services. This contributes to long-term negative health outcomes, highlighting the need for improved educational attainment as part of broader health promotion efforts.

Table: Health Promotion Strategies and Outcomes

Importance of High School Graduation to Public Health

High school graduation is an essential social determinant of health. Research has shown that individuals who fail to graduate are more likely to experience poor health outcomes due to several interconnected factors. These include limited access to stable employment, lower income, and reduced access to employer-provided health benefits. This situation decreases their ability to engage in preventive healthcare practices, leading to a greater risk of chronic illnesses and other health issues over their lifetimes. Thus, improving high school graduation rates can lead to better public health outcomes by addressing these underlying social determinants.

References

High School Graduation. (n.d.). Healthy People 2020. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-health/interventions-resources/high-school-graduation

NR 222 Week 7 Health Promotion Strategies

Students graduating from high school within 4 years of starting 9th grade (percent). (2020). Healthy People 2020. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/data/Chart/3949?category=1

NR 222 Week 6 Discussion – Life Span Nursing Considerations

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

Key Tips for Person-Centered Communication

References

NR 222 Week 6 Discussion – Life Span Nursing Considerations

Bouchard, J. (2014, October 13). Person and Family Centered Care: A Conversation with Joanne Disch. Chamberlain Blog. https://www.chamberlain.edu/blog/person-family-centered-care-conversation-joanne-disch.

NR 222 Week 5 Barriers to Communication

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

NR 222 Week 5 Barriers to Communication

We are officially halfway through this session! I hope the RUA is going well for everyone, as it is due this week. In this discussion, we are focusing on Chamberlain Care and its emphasis on person-centered communication. While exploring this topic, I came across an interesting article from a Chamberlain blog that discusses the importance of this approach in nursing. One line that particularly resonated with me was, “The fundamental core of nursing is to work with the patient, not for the patient” (Bouchard, 2014). This statement highlights the importance of actively involving patients in their own care, making it a collaborative process rather than a one-sided effort.

Person-centered communication ensures that care is tailored to the individual, rather than just following standard protocols. By personalizing treatment, nurses can demonstrate to the patient that their needs and identity are valued. This approach emphasizes looking at the patient’s life as a whole, identifying areas where resources or education may be lacking. The article offers four key tips to enhance patient-centered care and communication: continue learning, maintain balance, understand assessment tools, and avoid discouragement. These guidelines help nurses work effectively with their patients, ensuring the best care possible.

An example that comes to mind is from my experience with Chamberlain’s contact tracing training. During this process, I encountered people who were understandably upset or fearful about potential exposure to COVID-19. As nurses, it is essential to acknowledge and respond to these valid emotions. By using person-centered communication, we can empathize with the patient and ask appropriate questions to ensure they receive the information and resources necessary to address their concerns.

NR 222 Week 4 Reflection

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

Reflection on Health Education and Cultural Competence

1. What did I learn that can be applied to interrelated concepts?

   Through my studies, I learned that culturally sensitive teaching is crucial in nursing practice. When educating patients, factors such as culture, age, family dynamics, financial status, and language barriers must all be considered. Gathering information about a patient’s background before creating a teaching plan is essential to effectively communicate and ensure they understand the health information being provided. This personalized approach helps foster better patient outcomes and compliance with treatment recommendations.

2. Why is this information relevant or useful?

   Knowing how to teach and communicate with patients is an integral part of nursing. It enables healthcare providers to understand the patient’s situation, including cultural and financial barriers that may impact their health decisions. Additionally, when patients are unable to fully comprehend discharge instructions, involving caregivers and ensuring proper documentation is key. This ensures that both the patient and their support system are well-informed, leading to better overall care and fewer complications.

3. What information challenged my thinking the most that I can use in the future?

   The concept that stood out to me during lectures is the profound influence nurses can have on their patients. Nurses not only provide care but also serve as educators, offering valuable knowledge that can significantly impact a patient’s health and quality of life. Understanding the power of health education has inspired me to take a more active role in guiding patients toward healthier lifestyles. This realization has reinforced my commitment to applying what I have learned in future interactions with patients, particularly in the realm of cultural competence.

References

McLaughlin, & Braun. (1998). How culture influences health beliefs. https://www.euromedinfo.eu/howculture-influences-health-beliefs.html/.

Mulkey. (2004). Native American – Advocate Health Care. Guidelines for health care providers interacting with American Indian (Native American; First Nation) patients and their families. https://www.advocatehealth.com/assets/documents/faith/cg-native_american.pdf.

NR 222 Week 4 Reflection

Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P., & Hall, A. (2017). Fundamentals of nursing (9th ed.). Mosby.

Cultural Behaviors and Health Promotion: Table Format

NR 222 Week 3 Cultural and Societal Influences on Health

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

Cultural and Societal Influences on Health

For a cultural group different from your own, there are certain culturally based behaviors that may not promote optimal health. These behaviors can be deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, making it essential to approach health education with respect and cultural sensitivity. For example, within Native American communities, health is often viewed as closely linked to nature and spirituality rather than physiological or medical concerns. According to McLaughlin and Braun (1998), Native Americans may choose to seek guidance from a shaman or medicine man rather than a Western medicine doctor, as they often believe that illnesses are spiritual in nature rather than physical. This approach can potentially delay medical intervention that could be beneficial to their health.

When promoting health education to Native Americans, it is important to respect their cultural perspectives while gently introducing the benefits of modern medical practices. One strategy would be to explain their medical conditions in a way that aligns with their cultural beliefs while highlighting how certain treatments may complement their spiritual practices. Moreover, asking about their traditions and beliefs before initiating treatment can foster mutual respect and trust. For example, Mulkey (2004) emphasizes that menstruating women are considered to be in a sacred time and may limit their willingness to undergo certain medical treatments during this period. Understanding and acknowledging these cultural nuances is crucial in ensuring that health promotion efforts are culturally appropriate and respectful.

NR 222 Week 3 Cultural and Societal Influences on Health

Additionally, Native Americans are known to value privacy, and modesty is of significant importance in healthcare settings. Ensuring that a patient’s privacy is respected, such as having healthcare staff of the same gender when possible, can greatly improve patient comfort and trust in the medical system. While it may not always be feasible, efforts to accommodate these preferences whenever possible can enhance the effectiveness of health promotion interventions.

NR 222 Week 2 Key Ethical Principles of Nursing

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

Key Ethical Principles of Nursing

Nursing ethics encompasses the moral judgments and standards that guide professional conduct in healthcare. Various ethical principles must be adhered to by nurses in all situations to ensure patients’ safety and well-being. These principles are vital in promoting effective healthcare delivery and ensuring that the rights of the patients are respected. Below are some of the key ethical principles of nursing, along with examples to illustrate their application.

Non-Maleficence

The principle of non-maleficence refers to the obligation to avoid causing harm. Nurses are expected to act competently in their field and prevent any potential injury or harm to the patient. Additionally, any suspected abuse or incompetent care must be reported immediately to protect the patient.
Example: If a nurse observes that a healthcare provider is chemically impaired or incompetent in their duties, the nurse must report the situation to safeguard the patient.

Beneficence

Beneficence requires nurses to advocate for the well-being of their patients. This principle emphasizes the importance of acting in the patient’s best interests, even when the patient may not fully understand the situation.
Example: If a patient is unsure or confused about a medical procedure but feels uncomfortable asking questions, the nurse should step in to ensure the patient’s concerns are addressed and that they understand the information being provided.

Autonomy

The principle of autonomy emphasizes the right of patients to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare. Nurses must respect the patient’s independence and self-direction, ensuring that their choices are honored.
Example: The Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 requires healthcare providers to respect advance directives, such as living wills and durable powers of attorney, that outline the patient’s preferences for medical care.

Justice

Justice in healthcare refers to the fair and equal treatment of all patients. Nurses must provide unbiased care and avoid favoritism or discrimination, especially when resources are limited.
Example: If a healthcare provider has the ability to offer free cleft palate surgeries to five children in a low-income area, the challenge lies in determining how to choose which children will receive the surgery.

Fidelity

Fidelity requires nurses to be loyal, honest, and fair to their patients. Nurses should maintain confidentiality and trust while providing truthful information when appropriate.
Example: If a patient receives a serious diagnosis but wishes to keep it private from their partner, the nurse must respect the patient’s request and maintain confidentiality.

Paternalism

Paternalism occurs when healthcare providers make decisions on behalf of the patient, believing it to be in their best interest. Nurses must balance this principle carefully, ensuring that they act with the patient’s well-being in mind while also respecting their autonomy.
Example: A patient undergoing chemotherapy may question whether the treatment’s benefits outweigh the severe side effects. In such cases, healthcare providers might guide the patient in making the best decision for their health without undermining their autonomy.

Principles of Totality and Integrity

This principle refers to the need to consider the entire person, including their physical, emotional, and social needs, when developing a plan of care. Nurses must ensure that they provide holistic care that addresses all aspects of the patient’s well-being.
Example: Before establishing a care plan, nurses assess not only the medical needs of the patient but also their psychological, social, and emotional conditions to ensure comprehensive care.

Reference

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/

NR 222 Week 2 Key Ethical Principles of Nursing

Table of Ethical Principles in Nursing

NR 222 Week 1 Content Questions

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-222 Health & Wellness

Prof. Name

Date

Content Questions

Directions

This document outlines the requirements for the NR 222 content questions. The student is required to submit a detailed response to the graded content questions given by the course instructor by 23:59 PM Mountain Time (MT) on the due date. Collaboration with designated group members is necessary to compose answers, which must then be submitted in the specified dropbox on Canvas. The assignment must adhere to APA 7th edition formatting, including a cover page and reference page.

Students must include a minimum of two scholarly, peer-reviewed resources published within the last five years to support their responses. The majority of the content should reflect the student’s own insights, with no more than 10% consisting of direct quotations. Proper citations are mandatory for any information derived from external sources, as penalties for plagiarism will be enforced. Additionally, the similarity report generated by Turnitin should not exceed 24%. For further instructions and guidance, students should refer to the assignment requirements and rubric.

Content Questions

1. Provide a brief overview of historical and contemporary influences in nurses promoting health.

   a. How does nursing during the Civil War compare to today’s nursing practices and priorities?

   During the Civil War, nurses addressed the immediate needs of injured soldiers in combat zones, hospitals, and even abroad. In situations of natural disasters, nurses played vital roles in serving their communities and promoting health. In contrast, contemporary nursing practices are characterized by their complexity and rapid pace, requiring nurses to identify optimal practices for injury prevention, wound care management, pain control, and nutritional support.

   b. What advantages do nurses today have?

   Modern nurses benefit from research advancements, ensuring that they possess the most current and accurate information to inform their care practices. Nurse researchers are accountable for disseminating knowledge within the nursing field.

    

   c. What differing demands do they face now?

   Today’s nurses encounter evolving challenges due to the changing societal needs reflected in both their practice and academic curricula. Additionally, technological and informatics advancements present ongoing challenges, requiring nurses to adapt continuously as their tools and resources improve.

2. What is the difference between managing health and managing illness? How does this shift in philosophy affect nursing?

   Managing health involves maintaining an individual’s physical, social, and mental well-being while actively preventing illness and disease. Conversely, managing illness refers to the process of restoring a person’s health after they have become unwell. Illnesses can be classified as chronic (long-lasting) or acute (short-lived). This philosophical shift influences nursing practice significantly; nurses traditionally focus on managing illness through direct patient care. Once the illness is managed, it becomes essential for nurses to educate patients on maintaining their health, emphasizing their role as educators in promoting ongoing physical and mental well-being.

3. Identify the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and identify which level of prevention interests your group the most and why.

   Primary prevention encompasses actions taken to avoid becoming ill, including health education programs, immunizations, exercise, and healthy eating. Secondary prevention occurs when an individual is already ill, aiming to prevent further deterioration of health through early detection methods such as mammograms and diabetes screening. Tertiary prevention is employed when permanent damage has occurred, focusing on minimizing disabilities through rehabilitation and care. Our group is particularly interested in primary prevention, as it aligns with our role as educators. Teaching individuals how to maintain their health and wellness is a critical aspect of nursing, allowing us to promote long-term health benefits.

4. Discuss the role of ethics in the nursing profession, including how the Code of Ethics for Nurses is integrated into the Nursing Practice Act.

   Ethics play a crucial role in guiding nurses in distinguishing right from wrong in patient care. This ethical framework helps protect patients from maltreatment while ensuring that nurses deliver quality care. The Nursing Practice Act comprises state laws that nurses must adhere to when providing care. Each state has specific civil laws and standards outlined in its Nurse Practice Act. Both the Code of Ethics and the Nursing Practice Act serve to guide nurses in their ethical obligations and professional responsibilities.

5. Summarize the steps of the nursing process and relate nursing assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to health and wellness.

   The nursing process is a structured approach used by nurses to deliver high-quality patient care. It comprises five steps: assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, and evaluating. Initially, the nurse assesses the patient by gathering pertinent information about their condition. Following this, a diagnosis is made, and a plan with specific goals for care is developed. The nurse then implements the care plan, after which the patient is evaluated to determine if the established goals and desired outcomes were met. Adhering to this process facilitates effective patient treatment and helps prevent potential health issues by identifying early signs of disease.

6. Discuss the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice related to health promotion activities and identify ways that the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses supports the role of nursing in health promotion.

   The ANA Scope and Standards of Practice provide guidance for health promotion activities by establishing a framework for equitable treatment of all patients based on respect and dignity. The ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses reinforces the nursing role in health promotion by offering decision-making tools that uphold nurses’ ethical obligations and responsibilities within their practice.

7. Discuss how a healthcare provider might tailor healthcare for cultural diversity.

   Healthcare providers must prioritize cultural competence, which entails the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes understanding patients’ heritages, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Providers should follow a cultural competence model comprising cultural awareness, knowledge, skill, encounter, and desire to foster positive relationships with patients. Failing to establish such relationships can lead to significant challenges in care delivery.

8. Pick a possible disparity that can create barriers in caring and communication with patients.

   One significant healthcare disparity that can hinder care and communication is the lack of access to healthcare services. Factors such as insufficient health insurance coverage or the absence of adequate healthcare facilities disproportionately affect minority groups, limiting their access to necessary care. This lack of access contributes to higher mortality rates among these populations, particularly as low-income areas experience a decline in the availability of hospitals and healthcare resources.

9. Discuss communication barriers and techniques to overcome barriers.

   Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is vital for delivering quality care. According to Norouzinia et al. (2015), nurses encounter barriers such as workload, language differences, and family interference, while patients may experience barriers stemming from gender differences, nonverbal cues, and physical discomfort. Techniques to enhance communication include:

   • Conducting periodic workshops to improve communication skills.
   • Upgrading medical clinics and facilities to facilitate better interactions.
   • Promoting a holistic approach to care among nursing managers and administrators, fostering a supportive environment for nurse-patient communication.
     The goal of these strategies is to mitigate barriers and enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

10. Discuss/review family forms in the 1950s and compare to the family forms today.

    Understanding family dynamics is essential for grasping individuals’ perspectives on wellness and health promotion. In the 1950s, American family structures typically featured a male breadwinner and female caretakers of children. Today’s family forms exhibit significant changes in gender roles and marriage structures, with women increasingly participating in the workforce and education. Dual-income households are now prevalent, reflecting evolving societal norms.

    a. Discuss individual family dynamics and possible biases that would impede patient-centered care.

    Family dynamics significantly influence individuals’ interactions with the world and shape cultural and behavioral practices. Biases that impede patient-centered care often arise from stereotypes, affecting clinical judgments and actions. To combat this, nurses must cultivate awareness of their unconscious biases, recognizing when these perspectives emerge to enhance their ability to provide equitable care.

NR 222 Week 1 Content Questions

References

Norouzinia, R., Aghabarari, M., Shiri, M., Karimi, M., & Samami, E. (2015). Communication barriers perceived by nurses and patients. Global Journal of Health Science, 8(6), 65-74. doi:10.5539/gjhs.v8n6p65