Post Douglas 19263659

Respond on two different days who selected different alterations and factors than you, in one or more of the following ways:

Share insights on how the factor you selected impacts the cardiovascular alteration your colleague selected.

Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.

                                                       Main Post

The purpose of this paper is to explore coronary artery disease (CAD), the roles of hypertension and dyslipidemia affect CAD, and exploring if genetics is a factor in CAD. The progression of CAD can lead to myocardial ischemia, infarction, and even death if left untreated. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States, and understanding these factors plays a continued role in developing strategies, both preventive and treatment efforts.

                                                Coronary Artery Disease 

CAD is normally the result of atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque due to damaged endothelium that allows fat to accumulate and decrease the diameter of the vessel. The decrease in vessel size allows for blockage and decreased blood flow to the coronary vessel; this leads to ischemia, where the cells are deprived of blood and begin the process of dying if left untreated. Persistent ischemia or the complete occlusion of a coronary artery causes the acute coronary syndromes, including infarction, or irreversible myocardial damage (Huether & McCance, 2017). Also, known as a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI). Fortunately, the incidence and mortality statistics for CAD have been decreasing over the past 15 years because of more aggressive recognition, prevention, and treatment (Huether & McCance, 2017). 

                         Hypertension’s Role in Coronary Artery Disease 

Hypertension is a consistent elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure (Huether & McCance, 2017).  Fortunately, hypertension a key factor in CAD is modifiable and can be monitored closely to prevent further disease progression. Hypertension is common; it ranks as the number one primary diagnosis in America. Pathophysiological mechanisms of blood pressure as a risk factor for CAD are complex and include the influence of blood pressure as a physical force on the development of the atherosclerotic plaque, and the relationship between pulsatile hemodynamics/arterial stiffness and coronary perfusion (Weber et al., 2016). The presence of hypertension further increases the risk of CAD and may explain why some individuals are more predisposed than others to developing coronary events (Rosendorff et al., 2015). Pathophysiological mechanisms of blood pressure as a risk factor for CAD are complex and include the influence of blood pressure as a physical force on the development of the atherosclerotic plaque, and the relationship between pulsatile hemodynamics/arterial stiffness and coronary perfusion (Weber et al., 2016). Hypertension, when diagnosed early, can be treated accordingly, decreasing the opportunity for the role of exacerbation of CAD.

                       Dyslipidemia’s Role in Coronary Artery Disease

 Huether & McCance (2017) define dyslipidemia as an abnormal concentration of serum lipoproteins, the result of genetic and dietary factors. The hardening aspect of this disease is the result of cholesterol deposits in the vessel, which decrease elasticity and make the vessel wall stiff  (Marsh & Rizzo, 2019). The elevation of lipoproteins creates a narrowing of the vessel diameter, which in turn decreases blood flow to arteries. When dyslipidemia occurs in the coronary arteries, the decreased blood flow can lead to ischemia or infarct, depending on the size of the blockage. Controlling the progression of the disease is important, modifying lifestyle habits; diet and physical activity can help to prevent further complications. Medications are also available to keep lipid levels balanced. 

Genetics Affects of Risk Factors in Coronary Artery Disease

Dyslipidemia is known as a heritable risk factor for CAD; patients with a family history should inform their practitioner to manage the disease process in the early state. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins are heritable risk factors for CAD, with heritability estimates ranging from 40% to 60% (Tada, Kawashiri, & Yamagishi, 2017). The best treatment is prevention, knowing a patient’s family history is paramount in controlling the lipid levels and keeping them at rates that will prevent CAD. Monitoring labs and dietary modifications assist those with family history and can avoid the progression of CAD. 

Conclusion

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of premature death world-wide with factors like abdominal obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia being central risk factors in the etiology (Lidin, Hellénius, Rydell-Karlsson, & Ekblom-Bak, 2018). Hypertension and dyslipidemia both can accelerate the development of CAD. Fortunately, both factors are modifiable and are manageable by lifestyle modifications. Genetics plays a role in both hypertension and dyslipidemia; obtaining an accurate family history allows for early monitoring and controlling the modifiable factors, diet, and physical activity can keep both hypertension and dyslipidemia well controlled. 

 

                                                                                                                                                  References

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Lidin, M., Hellénius, M.-L., Rydell-Karlsson, M., & Ekblom-Bak, E. (2018). Long-term effects on cardiovascular risk of a structured multidisciplinary lifestyle program in clinical practice. BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, 18(1), 59. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1186/s12872-018-0792-6

Marsh, C. C. . P. D., & Rizzo, C., MD. (2019). Hypertension. Magill’s Medical Guide (Online Edition). Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=89093446&site=eds-live&scope=site

Rosendorff, C., Lackland, D. T., Allison, M., Aronow, W. S., Black, H. R., Blumenthal, R. S., … White, W. B. (2015). Treatment of hypertension in patients with coronary artery disease: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and American Society of Hypertension. Journal of the American Society of Hypertension, 9(6), 453–498. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.jash.2015.03.002

Tada, H., Kawashiri, M., & Yamagishi, M. (2017). Clinical Perspectives of Genetic Analyses on Dyslipidemia and Coronary Artery Disease. Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis, 24(5), 452-461. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.5551/jat.RV17002

Weber, T., Lang, I., Zweiker, R., Horn, S., Wenzel, R. R., Watschinger, B., . . . Metzler, B. (2016). Hypertension and coronary artery disease: Epidemiology, physiology, effects of treatment, and recommendations. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, 128(13-14), 467-479. doi:10.1007/s00508-016-0998-5

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Douglas 19256625

Respond  on two different days who selected different factors than you, in the following ways:

Share insights on how your colleague’s factors impact the pathophysiology of pain.

Suggest alternative diagnoses and treatment options for acute, chronic, and referred pain.

                                                               Main Post

Pain is both an easy and complex symptom to diagnose and treat due to its subjective nature. As future practitioners, we are diagnosing pain in the era of the opioid crisis will only add to the complexity of analyzing all of the signs and symptoms while trying to provide comfort to our patients. Pain confronts us with basic questions such as the tension between an objective and a subjective approach, the concept of brain disease, human consciousness, and the relationship between body and mind (Dekkers, 2017).

Pain

According to the National Library of Medicine (2018), pain is a signal activated within the nervous system signaling to an individual that something may be wrong; it is an unpleasant feeling that can be described as burning, stinging, aching, tingling, etc. It ranges from dull to severe, can be treated in a variety of ways, or can dissipate on its own. Every individual reacts differently to pain; pain can present differently in genders despite being the same disease process.  

Acute Pain

Acute pain is brief and can last several seconds or up to three months; acute pain occurs in an attempt to protect the body from harm by causing withdrawal from painful stimuli and encourages individuals to avoid painful stimuli in the future (Huether & McCance, 2017). The damage to the tissue is usually easily seen, with the naked eye or imaging that can reveal the source. Acute pain also involves biological functions that protect against further injury. For example, pain produces protective reflexes, including an unconscious withdrawal from the noxious stimulus, muscle spasms, and other autonomic reactions such as flight (Rodriguez, 2015). Noxious stimulation in the periphery leads to activation of nociceptors and the transmission of signals to the central nervous system, which will lead to the perception of acute pain (Berger & Zelman, 2016). 

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain persists for at least three months or greater, despite intervention to relieve the injury, surgical, holistic, or medicinal, when the treatment does not control the original issue. Chronic pain is disruptive to sleep patterns and activities of daily living, and as a pain syndrome, it serves no protective or adaptive function (Rodriguez, 2015). Anwar (2016) acknowledges that there are three ascending pathways: the first-order neuron; start from the periphery (skin, bone, ligaments, muscles, and other viscera) travels through the peripheral nerve reaches the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, second-order neuron: start at the dorsal horn cross over to the contralateral side and then ascend in the spinal cord to the thalamus, and other brain areas like dorsolateral pons and third order neuron: starts at the thalamus and then terminates in the cerebral cortex. The descending pathway begins in multiple areas of the brain, sending signals across nerve fibers. 

Referred Pain

Referred pain is felt in an area removed or distant from its point of origin-the area of referred pain is supplied by the same spinal segment as the actual site of pain (Huether & McCance, 2017). Making the diagnosis difficult for practitioners, referred pain also presents differently in men and women. It is fairly common in some conditions, such as heart attacks and osteoarthritis (Ungvarsky, 2019). Impulses from many cutaneous and visceral neurons converge on the same ascending neuron, and the brain cannot distinguish between the different sources of pain (Huether & McCance, 2017). 

Impact of Gender and Age on Pain

Focusing on the factors of age and gender and the effects on the experience of pain showed the importance of understanding different factors relating to pain. Persistent pain affects the elderly disproportionally, occurring in 50 % of elderly community-dwelling patients and 80 % of aged care residents (Veal & Peterson, 2015). In the United States, the fastest growing population is the baby boomers generation, and in ten years they will represent one out of five citizens. Pain is also increasingly difficult to manage in the elderly patient population as drug interactions, absorption rates and drug clearances begin varying as a result of the aging process. With the opportunity of placing a high fall risk population in even more danger, dosing for the elderly population can become difficult for a  practitioner. Petrini, Matthiesen, and Arendt-Nielsen (2015) acknowledged that the experience of pain in the elderly may differ from the experience in younger populations on multiple dimensions (sensory, affective, and cognitive). As the body physically wears down, so does the nervous system. In many patients seeking pain relief, the number of neurotransmitter cell receptors decreases with age-associated cortical and subcortical atrophy of brain tissue (Kaye et al., 2014). The practitioner must take into account all of the aging population’s comorbidities plus, fully assess the patient to determine if they are accurately representing their pain description. 

Females have always been associated with a higher threshold for pain, and I can attest to this as I would gladly take an open heart female patient over a male patient but, this is not fair to assume those female patients have a higher tolerance for pain. Practitioners must still assess their patients, monitor their vital signs, and ask questions that can reveal answers that patient may not know themselves until the question is asked. Women do have more difficulty when attempting to have their pain managed. The tendency to underdiagnose and undertreat the pain of certain groups of patients, especially women, is greater when patients present with symptoms that are less objective and more grounded in complaints of pain (coronary artery disease, collagen vascular disease, nonspecific abdominal or pelvic pain) (Becker & Mcgregor, 2017). While pain does not differentiate between genders, male masculinity has taught generations of men to accept pain as normal while at the same time, women who complain of pain are frequently underdiagnosed. 

Conclusion

Pain can be acute or chronic, and it can be referred or direct, practitioners must take into account all the factors that can mask or enhance the pain experience of their patients. Understanding the role the pain experience has can vary due to age or gender and pain is whatever the individual states it is or in some cases, fail to state. High-quality physical assessments and asking the appropriate questions can help practitioners manage their pain, taking into account the aging process and comorbidities that present throughout life. 

 

                                                                                                                               References

Anwar, K. (2016). Pathophysiology of pain. Disease-a-Month, 62(9), 324–329. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.disamonth.2016.05.015

Becker, B., & Mcgregor, A. J. (2017). Article Commentary: Men, Women, and Pain. Gender and the Genome, 1(1), 46-50. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1089/gg.2017.0002

Dekkers, W. (2017). Pain as a Subjective and Objective Phenomenon. Handbook of the Philosophy of Medicine, 1-15. doi:10.1007/978-94-017-8706-2_8-1

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Kaye, A. D., Baluch, A. R., Kaye, R. J., Niaz, R. S., Kaye, A. J., Liu, H., & Fox, C. J. (2014). Geriatric pain management, pharmacological and nonpharmacological considerations. Psychology & Neuroscience, 7(1), 15–26. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3922/j.psns.2014.1.04

National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. (2018). Retrieved June 7, 2019, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/

Petrini, L., Matthiesen, S. T., & Arendt-Nielsen, L. (2015). The Effect of Age and Gender on Pressure Pain Thresholds and Suprathreshold Stimuli. Perception, 44(5), 587–596. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1068/p7847

Rodriguez, L. (2015). Pathophysiology of Pain: Implications for Perioperative Nursing. AORN Journal, 101(3), 338–344. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2014.12.008

Ungvarsky, J. (2019). Referred pain (reflective pain). Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=133861288&site=eds-live&scope=site

Veal, F., & Peterson, G. (2015). Pain in the Frail or Elderly Patient: Does Tapentadol Have a Role? Drugs & Aging, 32(6), 419–426. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1007/s40266-015-0268-7

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post David

 

Respond on to  two different days who selected different immune disorders and/or factors than you, in the following ways:

Share insights on how the factor you selected impacts the pathophysiology of the immune disorder your colleague selected.

Expand on your colleague’s posting by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

 

                                                    Main Post

 

                            Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

Irritable bowel syndrome is a problem of a bowel function of the gastrointestinal tract.  IBS is one of the most common reasons for gastroenterologist consultation (Hammer & McPhee, 2019).  Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms are persistent abdominal pain, gas, bloating and with bowel disturbance; there are four subtypes of IBS: constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), mixed (IBS-M), or unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U) (Kosako et al., 2018).  The incidence of IBS is higher in women; it is 1.5 to 3 times higher than men; with greater incidence in youth and middle age (Huether & McCance, 2017).

There is no known pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome and no specific biomarker for the disease (Huether & McCance, 2017).  Increasing evidence showed due to the different types of symptoms presentation of IBS that there are possibilities of correlation to altered gut microflora, gut immune responses, neuroendocrine cell function, the brain-gut axis, genetic predisposition and epigenetic factor (Huether & McCance, 2017). Despite the global frequency and disease burden of IBS, its underlying pathophysiology remains unclear (Ng QX et al., 2018).  Inflammation may provide a pathogenic role in IBS; research has shown the occurrence of mucosal irritation at the microscopic and molecular degree in IBS (Ng QX et al., 2018).  It also been reported that considerable overlaps between IBS and inflammatory bowel disease (Ng QX, et al., 2018). 

Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is one of the common issues of chronic skin inflammation. The prevalence of psoriasis affects both sexes and in most ethnic groups (Huether & McCance, 2017).  Most common occurrences are in people in their 30s, but it can also happen soon after birth (Hammer & McPhee, 2019).  Familial history of psoriasis is common, and the genetic process is complicated (Huether & McCance, 2017). 

The inflammatory dynamic of psoriasis involves the multifaceted interaction between macrophages, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, T helper cells, and regulatory T cells. The influence of these immune cells can signal the secretion of multiple inflammatory mediators such as interferon, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and various cytokines including interleukin 12, 23 and 17 (Huether & McCance, 2017).  

Maladaptive consequences of IBS and psoriasis:

Skin diseases, including psoriasis, appeared to impact a substantial adverse effect on patients’ health-related quality of life (Jung et al., 2018).  Individuals with psoriasis report that the illness has various physical and mental implications, such as social isolation and stress, depression, shame, and anxiety (Jung et al., 2018).

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been found to have a significant reduction in quality of life (Arluwaili, et al., 2018). People with IBS report that the disease broth substantial psychosocial consequences such as social lifestyle and activities, emotional, food, and diet interest (Arluwaili, et al., 2018).

Refences

Alruwaili, A. M. M., Albalawi, K. S. A., Alfuhigi, F. R. D., Alruwaili, A. F., Altaleb, B. A. A., & Aljarid, J. S. (2018). Effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) on the health-related quality of Life among Saudi Males at Al-Jouf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine73(4), 6581–6585. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=132302964&site=eds-live&scope=site

Hammer, G. D., & McPhee, S. J. (2019). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical medicine (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Jung, S., Lee, S.-M., Suh, D., Shin, H. T., & Suh, D.-C. (2018). The association of socioeconomic and clinical characteristics with health-related quality of life in patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study. Health And Quality Of Life Outcomes16(1), 180. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1186/s12955-018-1007-7

Kosako, M., Akiho, H., Miwa, H., Kanazawa, M., & Fukudo, S. (2018). Impact of symptoms by gender and age in Japanese subjects with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): A large population-based internet survey. BioPsychoSocial Medicine12. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1186/s13030-018-0131-2

Ng QX, Soh AYS, Loke W, Lim DY, & Yeo WS. (2018). The role of inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Journal of Inflammation Research, 345. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsdoj&AN=edsdoj.4b6f79137ef348099ec9533069da7bbb&site=eds-live&scope=site

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Instr 19464697

 When should patients be treated indefinitely with antidepressant maintenance? 

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Holly 19388609

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days who were assigned different case studies than you. Analyze the possible conditions from your colleagues’ differential diagnoses. Determine which of the conditions you would reject and why. Identify the most likely condition, and justify your reasoning.

                                           Main Post

Purpose: 

This purpose of this assignment is to review case study #3 knee pain, and use the information to evaluate, form possible diagnoses, and practice documenting in soap format. Documenting in SOAP note format allows a practitioner to assess and document that the patient was treated with a holistic approach (Ball, Dains, Flynn, Solomon, & Stewart, 2019). 

Case 3: Knee PainA 15-year-old male reports dull pain in both knees. Sometimes one or both knees click, and the patient describes a catching sensation under the patella. In determining the causes of the knee pain, what additional history do you need? What categories can you use to differentiate knee pain? What are your specific differential diagnoses for knee pain? What physical examination will you perform? What anatomic structures are you assessing as part of the physical examination? What special maneuvers will you perform? 

Patient Information:ANW              15                     1/19/04                       M                     Caucasian                                               

(CC): “My knees hurt, sometimes I hear a clicking sound, and they get stuck.” 

History of Present Illness (HPI): Alexander (Alex) is a 15 year old Caucasian male who has come to the clinic complaining of pain in his knees. He states “sometimes it is just one knee that clicks and sometime it is both,” Alex states that his “knees get stuck or catch under the knee cap”. He rates the pain as 3/10 most days but after games the pain can be 6/10. He describes the pain as “dull and achy,” like I have done too much stuff. He states the pain started “a few weeks ago” and it was once in a while but now they hurt almost every day. He said his coach wants him to get his knees checked out before the next game.

Medications: Motrin 200mg po Nightly.

Allergies: KNA 

Past Medical History (PMH): None 

Past Surgical History (PSH): None Sexual/Reproductive History: Heterosexual. Identifies as male. Denies sexually active. 

Personal/Social:  Alexander is a sophomore He plays on the basketball, baseball, soccer, football, track and wrestling team. He also loves to swim but states they do not have a team at the school. Alex states although he loves sports he wants to become a “sports doctor” and be a sports coach in his part time. Alex is proud of his 4.2 GPA and plans to graduate 1 year early and start college. He lives with his mother, adoptive father, maternal grandmother, and older sister.  Alex says he has a half-brother that is 5 that leaves in Tennessee with his biological father. He states his biological father had a baby boy that died at birth a few years ago.  He reports seeing his biological father a few times in the last few years. He states he has a girlfriend is named Heather, is also a sophomore and that she is a cheerleader and also plays soccer. He reports that he and Heather are not sexual active but if they become active they will use condoms. Alex is excited to get his license soon. He reports he wears his sit belt in the car and wears all protective sport gear. Denies tobacco use, drinking, illicit drug use. Reports he tried Marijuana x1 and a beer in 2018 at a party.

Immunization History: All immunization up to date per mother. Received flu vaccine 10/2018. Verified through Florida Immunization Registry. 

Family History:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Mother: Hx Breast Cancer. Seasonal Allergies. Anxiety.                                                                                                                                                           Maternal Grandmother: Asthma                                                                                                                                                                                               Paternal Grandfather: Died in 2009 liver Cirrhosis from etoh abuse.Father: MI age 30 from cocaine abuse. Bipolar disorder.                                                                                                                                                        Maternal Grandmother: None                                                                                                                                                                                      Paternal Grandfather: Substance AbuseSister: 19 Asperger’s, Anxiety, Depression.                                                                                                                                                                                    Half-Brother- 5 Cerebral Palsy                                                                                                                                                                                              Half Brother-Deceased Still Born

ROS:General:  Denies fatigue, weakness, fever, chills, sweat, loss of appetite, and weight loss.                                                                                                                    HEENT: Denies any wounds, lumps, or pain. Denies vision issues. Denies hearing issues. Reports a nose bleed once last year after being hit during a soccer game. Reports no issues eating, swallowing, or pain in throat. Reports he saw the dentist last week.Neurological: Denies headaches, pain, and dizziness or head injuries. Denies changes in memory. Denies numbness and tingling.Skin: Denies any wounds, rashes or moles. Reports, “I have a birth mark on my right butt check”.Cardiovascular: Denies chest pain, palpitations, and racing. No hx noted.Peripheral Vascular: No hx noted.Respiratory: Denies SOB, cough, and pain.Gastrointestinal: Denies abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. Reports not troubles eating. Reports he eats “lots of pasta for energy”.Genitourinary: Denies issues including nocturia, dribbling, incontinence, discharge, or pain upon urination. Musculoskeletal: Reports knee pain bilaterally dull and achy 3/10 presently. Denies issues, running, jumping, kicking, or bending. Reports clicking sounds at times when knee is flexed and extended. Hematologic: Denies bleeding or bruising. Reports nose bled last year after being hit in a soccer game. No other hx notedLymphatics: Denies swelling and tenderness. No Hx noted.Endocrine: Denies heat or cold intolerance, excessive thirst or urination, or tremors. No hx noted.Psychiatric: Denies depression, thought of self- harm. Reports anxiety when taking Chemistry tests.Allergies: Denies.Physical Exam: BP 120/70 adult cuff/right arm/sitting, P 72 regular, RR 18 unlabored. O2 98%, T 98.6 temporal. Weight 185. Height 5 feet 11 inches. BMI 25General: Aox4, looks stated age, pleasant, well groomed, and cooperative. Makes eye contact when speaking and answering questions. No s/s of distress.HEENT: Head symmetrical No visual deformities noted. PER/EOMI. Responds to questions with no requests to repeat. Breaths through nares no s/s of congestion, or allergies. Teeth are intact, bright white, straight, and no odor from mouth present.Neurological: AOX4, No s/s of neurological deficits. Adequate recall.Neck: No visual lesions, no enlargement, no JVD. Skin/Lymph: Intact. No wounds, lesions, scars or moles noted. Tan in complex. No signs of edema or cyanosis. No nodes observed upon palpation. Chest/Pulmonary: Chest is symmetrical. CTA AP&L. Respiration even and unlabored noted at 19. No noted SOB, RR noted at 18, SPO2 98%. No use of accessory muscles noted. Heart/Vascular: S1 and S2 noted. RRR. No murmurs, rubs, or gallops noted. Less than 3 capillary refill. All Pulses 3+. HR slightly elevated along with BP indicative of pain.Abdomen: Deferred No issues noted. Genital/Rectal: Deferred no issues noted.Musculoskeletal: Ambulates on own, full weight bearing. Mild swelling, tenderness, warmth noted in bilateral knees. Pain with palpation over the tibial tuberosity. Flinches upon flexion and extension of both knee.Diagnostic Results/Manipulation Test:                                                                                                                                                                                        Negative Lachman test.                                                                                                                                                                                                            Negative Homan’s sign. Negative McMurray test.        Differential Diagnoses                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome                                                                                                                                                                                                     2. Meniscus tear                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Osgood Schlatter Disease                                                                                                                                                                                                             4. Osteogenic Sarcoma                                                                                                                                                                                                           5.Stress fracture

DIAGNOSIS/CLIENT PROBLEM       

The most probable diagnosis for Alex is Petellofamoral pain syndrome. This syndrome is pain that is caused by overuse of the knee caps (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2015). It is prevalent in those who play sports, especially those that involve jumping and running (Mayo Clinic, 2018). This syndrome causes pain around the knee cap, stiffness, and may also cause the popping and clicking sound that Alex describes and that is present upon evaluation (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2015). This condition is sometimes called runner or jumper’s knee (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2015). Alex plays multiple sports that have high impact on the knees. It is common in women and in adolescents (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2015). Alex has the signs and symptoms of this condition, including pain upon examination. This condition would explain the pain that Alex’s is reporting in both versus an injury that would be more likely to shoe in just one knee. Another possible diagnosis for Alex is bilateral torn meniscuses. A meniscus tear is when there a tear takes place to the cartilage that is located behind the knee cap (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2014). It is one of the most common knee injuries, especially in those that play sports (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2014). The signs and symptoms of this condition are swelling, stiffness, clicking or popping sound, not being able to extend the knee fully, and a feeling that your knee is going to “give out” (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2014). Alex is very active in many different sports and shows all signs and symptoms of this condition except for negative McMurray sign. McMurray test is a manipulative test is that performed to detect a tear in the meniscus (Ball et al, 2019). A palpable or audible click with this maneuver means that there is tear present in either the lateral or medial meniscus (Ball et al, 2019). It is very unlikely that Alex would have a torn meniscus in both knees at the same time  Osgood Schlatter Diease is yet another possible diagnosis for Alex. This condition is a swelling and irritation of the growth plate in the legs near the shine bone (Kids Health Nemours, 2019).This condition usually takes place in children who are still growing and that have active lifestyles (Kids Health Nemours, 2019). This condition is common in those who play sports that involving running and jumping (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 2015). Alex is the correct age for the condition and is very active in the sports that cause this condition. This condition would explain the pain Alex is experiencing but not necessarily the clicking or popping sound. Although Osteogenic Sarcoma is a less likely diagnosis for Alex it may still be a possible diagnosis. Osteogenic Sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms at the ends of bones as they grow (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d). It affects those younger in age still growing (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d). Alex does fit the age range, with the most common age being 15 (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d). This condition would explain the pain being reported, however this condition is a very rare (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d). An Xray , MRI and CT will be able to establish if a tumor is present (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d).  It would be very unlikely that this condition will present in both knees at the same time. Additionally this condition would not explain the clicking and pooping sounds present in the knees. A stress fracture or tiny break in a one is another possible diagnosis for Alex due to his increased sports activity (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 2007). Stress fractures are a very common injury in those that play sports (Dains, Baumann, & Scheibel, 2019). Although the stress fracture would cause the pain is experiencing it would not explain the clicking in the knees. Additionally it is unlikely unless Alex has a previous condition such as osteoporosis that both knees would experience a fracture at the same time. An Xray of the knees will be able to establish if a fracture exists.  Treatment Plan: Diagnostics                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Bilateral patella XRAY                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Bilateral MRI of patella                                                                                                                                                                                                                    CT Scan

MedicationTreatment                                                                                                                                                                                                                  RICE treatment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Mobic 7.5mg po daily.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Knee stretching exercise.

Education                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Patient and parent on diagnosis.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               RICE therapy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Medications usage and side effects.                                                                                                                                                                                                 Educate on stretching.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Provide stretching pamphlet.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Referral and follow-up. 

Referral/Consultation                                                                                                                                                                                                           Pediatric orthopedist                                                                                                                                                                                                              Physical therapyFollow Up Planning                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1 month

References

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.(2014). Meniscus Tears. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/meniscus-tears/American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2015). Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Knee Pain). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osgood-schlatter-disease-knee-pain/American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2015). Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2007). Stress Fractures. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/stress-fractures/Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2019). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d). Osteogenic Sarcoma. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/centers/pediatric_oncology/becoming_our_patient/cancer_types/osteogenic_sarcoma.htmlKids Health Nemours. (2019). Osgood Schlatter Disease. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/osgood.htmlMayo Clinic. (2018). Patellofemoral pain syndrome. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350792

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Jessica Evidence Based Practice

 

 

Respond to the Main post bellow, in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, and evidence.

Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.

Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from  the classroom or from your own review of the literature in the Walden  Library.

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional sources.

Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.

Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

 

                                  INITIAL POST 

An Intervention Program to Promote Health-Related Physical Fitness in Nurses

             This quantitative, quasi-experimental study conducted by Yaun et al.  (2009) aimed to determine the effects of an exercise intervention on  nurses’ health-related physical fitness. The researchers also expressed  an explicit interest in the relationship between physical fitness and  the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. Taiwanese nurses from five  different units volunteered to be part of the study. The participants  were divided into two groups with 45 nurses in the experimental group  and 45 nurses in the control group. There was no randomization, but all  the participants gave written informed consent (Yaun et al., 2009). 

Internal Validity 

             According to Polit and Beck (2017), internal validity pertains to the  empirical relationship between the independent variable and the final  results. Researchers must establish that the intended cause created the  effect, and that it was not influenced by other variables (Polit &  Beck, 2017). After all, correlation does not equal causation, and an  astute researcher will adeptly identify and control convoluting  variables. Further, Andrade (2018) asserts that internal validity  assesses whether the design of the study, the conduct of the  researchers, and the analysis of the results answer the research  question without bias (Andrade, 2018). 

Consequently,  the research conducted by Yaun et al. did have some issues that  negatively impacted the internal validity of their research. Firstly,  convoluting variables were not adequately controlled. The exclusion  criteria consisted of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension,  renal disease, pulmonary disease, severe musculoskeletal aches, and  pregnancy. However, other significant variables such as age, gender,  marital status, educational level, or other medical issues. It is worth  noting that the diet and exercise habits of the participants were not  limited by the researchers.

Moreover,  the nurses in the experimental group worked a fixed schedule whereas  nurses in the control group worked alternating shifts. Secondly, the  lack of randomization coupled with the fact that the participants worked  for the same organization could have contaminated the results. Thirdly,  while the results of the research showed the exercise intervention  improved the physical fitness of the participants in the experimental  group, participants were not evaluated for musculoskeletal  improvements.   

Recommendations to Strengthen Internal Validity

A  different research design would have strengthened internal validity.  Randomization is the most effective way to control individual  characteristics of participants. Randomization also eliminates for the  Hawthorne Effect, which occurs when participants behave differently  because they know they are being studied. Moreover, a cross-over design  is highly effective when groups are being compared to one another.  Although, this design is subject to carryover bias, in which an effect  carries over from one experimental condition to another (Polit &  Beck, 2017). 

I  contend that a randomized control trial with a cross over design would  have increased the strength of the internal validity in this study. In a  cross-over design participants serve as their own control group, which  would negate the convoluting variables that influenced the results of  this study, and would more accurately gauge changes resulting from the  exercise intervention. I would also add a metric to assess the  musculoskeletal status of the participants. To limit the effects of  carryover bias, the health metrics of the participants would be obtained  before the exercise intervention to establish a baseline, then after  the exercise intervention, and finally, after a wash-out period, the  metrics should be re-recorded.

The Impact of Changes on Other types of Validity 

In  contrast to internal validity, statistical validity is not concerned  with the causal relationship between variables, but rather measures the  mathematical correlation of all relationships that occur between the  variables (Polit & Beck, 2017). The randomized control, crossover  design would improve statistical validity because the participants would  serve as their own control group making statistical analysis more  powerful. Construct validity determines if the outcome measured  corresponds to the theoretical construct of the study (Polit & Beck,  2017). In this research, the theoretical construct was Pender’s health  promotion model. Construct validity also would have been improved by  changing the design of the study. The same health promotion strategy  yields different outcomes for different participants based on individual  differences. The modification of the study’s design would have negated  these individual differences. External validity indicates if the results  of the research will remain the same when applied to other people or  settings (Polit & Beck, 2017). Again, a change in the design of this  research would optimize external validity which would increase the  likelihood of the results influencing evidence-based practice.

Failure to Consider Validity in Research

Failing  to properly account for and control variables threatens the validity of  the results yielded from the research. The rigor of the research design  may be the most important factor in strengthening or weakening  validity, as evidenced by the hierarchy of research studies in the  evidentiary pyramid. Other elements such as biased statistical analysis,  unreliable implementation of an intervention, carryover bias, and the  Hawthorne Effect are just a few variables that can threaten the validity  of a research study (Polit & Beck, 2017). Since research guides  evidence-based practice, failure to ensure the validity of results  directly affects patient outcomes; unfortunately, the effects of poorly  executed research impacts all research. People are inherently inclined  to remember negative consequences over positive outcomes. Improper  research regarding vaccines has created an anti-vaccination movement  that is highly problematic. Big tobacco companies produced improper  research that may have resulted in people continuing to smoke longer  than they otherwise would have. The failure to appropriately consider  validity in research is a grave mistake that should be avoided at all  costs. 

References 

Andrade, C. (2018). Internal, external, and ecological validity in research design, conduct, and evaluation. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine,40(5), 498. doi:10.4103/ijpsym.ijpsym_334_18

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

Yuan,  S., Chou, M., Hwu, L., Chang, Y., Hsu, W., & Kuo, H. (2009). An  intervention program to promote health-related physical fitness in  nurses. Journal of Clinical Nursing,18(10), 1404-1411. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02699.x

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Graduation Plan

  

  

Post-Graduation Plan

In this Discussion, you complete the Post-Graduation Plan you began to develop in Weeks 6 and 7. Your Post-Graduation Plan is an opportunity to explore how you may continue to develop your professional and leadership skills, promote change in your department and organization, and stimulate progress in the nursing profession.  

Your Post-Graduation Plan (geared toward the next 2–3 years) should feature two to five career and/or personal goals; goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. In your plan, outline necessary steps for achieving these goals. Also, consider how you can reflect these goals in your curriculum vitae (CV).

To prepare:

  • Consider      the following:
    • As       a graduate of Walden University’s DNP program, how will you contribute to       or influence factors/developments related to ethics, standards, politics,       economics, technology, etc.?
    • What       opportunities will you pursue to develop scholarship, engage in community       service, and/or teach?
    • In       which professional organizations or associations would you like to become       an active member?
    • What       opportunities do you foresee for attending conferences, delivering       presentations and posters, writing papers, lobbying, etc.?
    • How       will you engage in ongoing review of research/stay current on the       literature?
    • What       strategies do you plan to employ for cultivating professional       relationships?
    • Would       you plan to run for political office or join a committee?
    • Explain       how you will continue to develop skills as a nurse leader, particularly       in your area of specialization (e.g., certifications).
    • How       you may accommodate for the dynamic health care environment (i.e., how       you will build in a renewal cycle/alternate steps to achieve goals)
    • How       you may account for unexpected personal or professional events in the       planning and attainment of professional goals

By Tomorrow Tuesday 8/6/19 before 10pm, in APA format and a minimum of 3 references, create a short summary PowerPoint with a minimum of 10 slides that features five goals and describes steps for achieving these goals.

Required Readings

Resources for the Post-Graduation Plan (also shared during Weeks 6 and 7):

Dickerson, P. S. (2010). Continuing nursing education: Enhancing professional development. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 41(3), 100–101. 

This article examines current frames of reference for continuing nursing education and the work that is guiding the future.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2012). Career resource center. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/students/career-resource-center

This website provides a battery of resources for nursing graduates seeking employment.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2010). Career tools and advice. Retrieved from http://www.newcareersinnursing.org/scholars/career-central/tools

This website supplies a variety of guides on applying for jobs.

American Nurses Association. (2012). Career & credentialing. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/CertificationandAccreditation

This website provides links to guides on careers and credentialing. The website also highlights special membership benefits for ANA members.

Optional Resources

Bolles, R. N. (2012). What color is your parachute? 2012: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. New York, NY: Ten Speed Press.

Isaacs, K. (2010). Surviving and thriving in the workplace: Resume tips for nurses. Ohio Nurses Review, 85(6), 5.

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Jessica Ebp

 

Respond  using one or more of the following approaches:

Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional sources.

Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings, or after synthesizing multiple postings.

 

                                                  INITIAL POST 

             Using evidence-based practice (EBP) is an essential tenant of nursing  practice. Therefore it is imperative to develop the skills necessary to  gather, interpret, and evaluate scientifically based data. To begin my  research for this week’s assignment, I first did a Google search of  nursing research topics to help myself generate ideas and narrow down a  problem that interested me. After considering several topics, I decided  to write about delirium in acutely ill patients.  Acute Delirium is  something that I have a lot of experience with, both personally and  professionally. The aim of my research will be to find out how  non-pharmacological interventions compare to pharmacological treatment  of acute delirium.

Search Results Analysis

             Once my topic was selected, I went to the Walden library to search for  evidence-based literature on delirium management. According to Walden  University (2018), the levels of evidence pyramid determines the quality  and amount of evidence available. The top three sections of the pyramid  are referred to as filtered results. Filtered results are comprised of  systematic reviews at the pinnacle of the pyramid, followed by  critically appraised topics, and critically appraised individual  articles. The next three sections of the pyramid are referred to as  unfiltered results and include randomized controlled trials, cohort  studies, and case-controlled studies. Background information and expert  opinions make up the base of the pyramid (Walden University, 2018). 

           I began searching for resources from the top of the evidentiary  pyramid, systematic reviews. I used the Joanna Briggs Institute EBP  Database, and then limited my search results to systematic reviews, and  set a date range of 2014 to current. I used the keywords “delirium” and  “interventions” this search yielded four systematic reviews. When I  search the term “acute confusion” I found three results. I also utilized  the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and found two systematic  reviews by searching for “delirium” in the first text box, and “nursing  interventions” in the second text box, again searches were limited to  full text with a date range of 2014 to current. I also used the Joanna  Briggs Institute EBP Database to search for critically appraised topics.  My search for “delirium interventions” yielded just one result.  However, when I searched for “delirium” I found ten results. I also  searched those same terms on Guideline Central and found four critically  appraised topics results. Finally, I searched for critically appraised  individual articles using the Evidence Alerts database, and the terms  “delirium and acute confusion” this search yielded 23 critically  appraised individual articles.

Next,  I searched for nonfiltered resources utilizing the CINAHL Plus  database. I first looked for randomized controlled trials by searching  for the terms “delirium” and “nursing interventions” in the first and  second text boxes respectively; this search query yielded four  randomized controlled trials. To find cohort studies, I typed “delirium”  in the first text box, “interventions” in the second text box, and  “cohort studies” in the third text box, this search resulted in 27  articles. I searched for case studies using the same search terms in the  first and second text boxes and limited the publications to case  studies, this search yielded 56 results.  However, when I adjusted the  filters to include case studies published within the past five years,  the number of results reduced to 14 case studies.  

Comparative Value

             I found congruency between the evidentiary pyramid and my  search results; the further down the pyramid, the more resources I  found; but, the quality of the information decreased concurrently. While  the systematic reviews were not as numerous, they are superior in terms  of scientific rigor and evidentiary support. Moreover, the information I  found within the systematic reviews were very consistent with my chosen  topic compared to information further down the period like cohort and  case studies. When search terms were altered, for example, searching for  “delirium” versus “acute confusion,” the results remained more  consistent when searching for the higher level filtered results whereas  alteration of search terms would create a wide variation in results  further down the pyramid, in the unfiltered resources. 

Polit  and Beck (2017), contend that systematic reviews are the best resources  for EBP because they contained synthesized information about a topic  from numerous evidenced-based studies. However, it is important to  recognize that the quality of evidence can vary significantly regardless  of its position within the evidentiary hierarchy (Pilot & Beck,  2017). Overall, I found greater quality and consistency of information  within the systematic reviews and critically appraised topics and  articles. Nonetheless, I found several high quality randomized  controlled trials and cohort studies that provide high-quality  information for making a comparison between pharmacological and  non-pharmacological interventions for managing delirium. 

Helpful Tips for Literature Reviews

             I found the course guide for this discussion post extremely helpful. I  followed the guide to conduct my searches, find my articles, and  evaluate the information. I also like to use Google Scholar because the  search algorithm pulls a lot of information, it does have some  drawbacks, the main one being that the articles are not always available  in full text. But, it is very user-friendly, and because it casts a  wide net, I can easily find pertinent information. If I see an article  that peaks my interest that is not available in full text, I copy the  title or other vital information and then plug that information into the  Walden University Library. I have always been able to find the article I  want using this method. I also find it helpful to organize my search  results within folders, and to tag my articles with the types of  studies. I also find that the National Center for Biotechnology  Information (2019) is a great resource for locating free, full text,  peer-reviewed, scholarly articles (National Center for Biotechnology  Information, 2019). If I find a study I know that I definitely want to  use in my work, I will create a citation and save it in a word document.  When I begin writing, I can use my reference list that I started during  my literature review as a guide. I have found that this method of  source organization is both helpful and time-saving. 

References 

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Retrieved March 4, 2019, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

Walden  University. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice Research: Levels of  Evidence Pyramid. Retrieved from  https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/healthevidence/evidencepyramid#s-lg-box-8700027

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Graduation Plan 19311207

  

  

Post-Graduation Plan

In this Discussion, you complete the Post-Graduation Plan you began to develop in Weeks 6 and 7. Your Post-Graduation Plan is an opportunity to explore how you may continue to develop your professional and leadership skills, promote change in your department and organization, and stimulate progress in the nursing profession.  

Your Post-Graduation Plan (geared toward the next 2–3 years) should feature two to five career and/or personal goals; goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. In your plan, outline necessary steps for achieving these goals. Also, consider how you can reflect these goals in your curriculum vitae (CV).

To prepare:

  • Consider      the following:
    • As       a graduate of Walden University’s DNP program, how will you contribute to       or influence factors/developments related to ethics, standards, politics,       economics, technology, etc.?
    • What       opportunities will you pursue to develop scholarship, engage in community       service, and/or teach?
    • In       which professional organizations or associations would you like to become       an active member?
    • What       opportunities do you foresee for attending conferences, delivering       presentations and posters, writing papers, lobbying, etc.?
    • How       will you engage in ongoing review of research/stay current on the       literature?
    • What       strategies do you plan to employ for cultivating professional       relationships?
    • Would       you plan to run for political office or join a committee?
    • Explain       how you will continue to develop skills as a nurse leader, particularly       in your area of specialization (e.g., certifications).
    • How       you may accommodate for the dynamic health care environment (i.e., how       you will build in a renewal cycle/alternate steps to achieve goals)
    • How       you may account for unexpected personal or professional events in the       planning and attainment of professional goals

By Tomorrow Tuesday 8/6/19 before 10pm, in APA format and a minimum of 3 references, create a short summary PowerPoint with a minimum of 10 slides that features five goals and describes steps for achieving these goals.

Required Readings

Resources for the Post-Graduation Plan (also shared during Weeks 6 and 7):

Dickerson, P. S. (2010). Continuing nursing education: Enhancing professional development. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 41(3), 100–101. 

This article examines current frames of reference for continuing nursing education and the work that is guiding the future.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2012). Career resource center. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/students/career-resource-center

This website provides a battery of resources for nursing graduates seeking employment.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2010). Career tools and advice. Retrieved from http://www.newcareersinnursing.org/scholars/career-central/tools

This website supplies a variety of guides on applying for jobs.

American Nurses Association. (2012). Career & credentialing. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/CertificationandAccreditation

This website provides links to guides on careers and credentialing. The website also highlights special membership benefits for ANA members.

Optional Resources

Bolles, R. N. (2012). What color is your parachute? 2012: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. New York, NY: Ten Speed Press.

Isaacs, K. (2010). Surviving and thriving in the workplace: Resume tips for nurses. Ohio Nurses Review, 85(6), 5.

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW

Post Jessica Ebp 19180343

 

Respond to the post bellow in one or more of the following ways:

Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, and evidence.

Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.

Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from  the classroom or from your own review of the literature in the Walden  Library.

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional sources.

Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.

Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

                                             Main Post

 An Intervention Program to Promote Health-Related Physical Fitness in Nurses

             This quantitative, quasi-experimental study conducted by Yaun et al.  (2009) aimed to determine the effects of an exercise intervention on  nurses’ health-related physical fitness. The researchers also expressed  an explicit interest in the relationship between physical fitness and  the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders. Taiwanese nurses from five  different units volunteered to be part of the study. The participants  were divided into two groups with 45 nurses in the experimental group  and 45 nurses in the control group. There was no randomization, but all  the participants gave written informed consent (Yaun et al., 2009). 

Internal Validity 

             According to Polit and Beck (2017), internal validity pertains to the  empirical relationship between the independent variable and the final  results. Researchers must establish that the intended cause created the  effect, and that it was not influenced by other variables (Polit &  Beck, 2017). After all, correlation does not equal causation, and an  astute researcher will adeptly identify and control convoluting  variables. Further, Andrade (2018) asserts that internal validity  assesses whether the design of the study, the conduct of the  researchers, and the analysis of the results answer the research  question without bias (Andrade, 2018). 

Consequently,  the research conducted by Yaun et al. did have some issues that  negatively impacted the internal validity of their research. Firstly,  convoluting variables were not adequately controlled. The exclusion  criteria consisted of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension,  renal disease, pulmonary disease, severe musculoskeletal aches, and  pregnancy. However, other significant variables such as age, gender,  marital status, educational level, or other medical issues. It is worth  noting that the diet and exercise habits of the participants were not  limited by the researchers.

Moreover,  the nurses in the experimental group worked a fixed schedule whereas  nurses in the control group worked alternating shifts. Secondly, the  lack of randomization coupled with the fact that the participants worked  for the same organization could have contaminated the results. Thirdly,  while the results of the research showed the exercise intervention  improved the physical fitness of the participants in the experimental  group, participants were not evaluated for musculoskeletal  improvements.   

Recommendations to Strengthen Internal Validity

A  different research design would have strengthened internal validity.  Randomization is the most effective way to control individual  characteristics of participants. Randomization also eliminates for the  Hawthorne Effect, which occurs when participants behave differently  because they know they are being studied. Moreover, a cross-over design  is highly effective when groups are being compared to one another.  Although, this design is subject to carryover bias, in which an effect  carries over from one experimental condition to another (Polit &  Beck, 2017). 

I  contend that a randomized control trial with a cross over design would  have increased the strength of the internal validity in this study. In a  cross-over design participants serve as their own control group, which  would negate the convoluting variables that influenced the results of  this study, and would more accurately gauge changes resulting from the  exercise intervention. I would also add a metric to assess the  musculoskeletal status of the participants. To limit the effects of  carryover bias, the health metrics of the participants would be obtained  before the exercise intervention to establish a baseline, then after  the exercise intervention, and finally, after a wash-out period, the  metrics should be re-recorded.

The Impact of Changes on Other types of Validity 

In  contrast to internal validity, statistical validity is not concerned  with the causal relationship between variables, but rather measures the  mathematical correlation of all relationships that occur between the  variables (Polit & Beck, 2017). The randomized control, crossover  design would improve statistical validity because the participants would  serve as their own control group making statistical analysis more  powerful. Construct validity determines if the outcome measured  corresponds to the theoretical construct of the study (Polit & Beck,  2017). In this research, the theoretical construct was Pender’s health  promotion model. Construct validity also would have been improved by  changing the design of the study. The same health promotion strategy  yields different outcomes for different participants based on individual  differences. The modification of the study’s design would have negated  these individual differences. External validity indicates if the results  of the research will remain the same when applied to other people or  settings (Polit & Beck, 2017). Again, a change in the design of this  research would optimize external validity which would increase the  likelihood of the results influencing evidence-based practice.

Failure to Consider Validity in Research

Failing  to properly account for and control variables threatens the validity of  the results yielded from the research. The rigor of the research design  may be the most important factor in strengthening or weakening  validity, as evidenced by the hierarchy of research studies in the  evidentiary pyramid. Other elements such as biased statistical analysis,  unreliable implementation of an intervention, carryover bias, and the  Hawthorne Effect are just a few variables that can threaten the validity  of a research study (Polit & Beck, 2017). Since research guides  evidence-based practice, failure to ensure the validity of results  directly affects patient outcomes; unfortunately, the effects of poorly  executed research impacts all research. People are inherently inclined  to remember negative consequences over positive outcomes. Improper  research regarding vaccines has created an anti-vaccination movement  that is highly problematic. Big tobacco companies produced improper  research that may have resulted in people continuing to smoke longer  than they otherwise would have. The failure to appropriately consider  validity in research is a grave mistake that should be avoided at all  costs. 

References 

Andrade, C. (2018). Internal, external, and ecological validity in research design, conduct, and evaluation. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine,40(5), 498. doi:10.4103/ijpsym.ijpsym_334_18

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

Yuan,  S., Chou, M., Hwu, L., Chang, Y., Hsu, W., & Kuo, H. (2009). An  intervention program to promote health-related physical fitness in  nurses. Journal of Clinical Nursing,18(10), 1404-1411. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2008.02699.x

 
"Looking for a Similar Assignment? Get Expert Help at an Amazing Discount!"
ORDER NOW