NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient

NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last few years and review each one for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, to save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested in reading through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence collected from the research, and ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient Instructions

For this Assignment, as you examine this week’s i-Human patient case study, consider how you might evaluate and treat this patient. Have a look at NRNP 6550 Week 3 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient.

To prepare:

  • Review the Learning Resources for this week in preparation to complete this week’s i-Human case study. Based on the provided patient information, think about the health history you would need to collect from the patient.
  • Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. Reflect on how the results would be used to make a diagnosis.
  • Identify three to five possible conditions to consider in a differential diagnosis for the patient.
  • Consider the patient’s diagnosis. Think about clinical guidelines that might support this diagnosis.
  • Develop a systems-based treatment plan for the patient that includes health promotion and patient education strategies.
  • Consider the potential impact a patient’s psychosocial health may have on treatment plans, including health promotion and patient education strategies.

To complete:

i-Human Patient Cases. (2014). 

As you interact with this week’s i-Human patient, complete the assigned case study. For guidance on using i-Human, refer to the i-Human Graduate Programs Help link within the i-Human platform.

NRNP 6550 Week 2 Assignment – Assessing Diagnosing and Treating the iHuman Patient Example

Systems-Based Plan Template

Reason for Encounter: left ear pain

History of Present illness (HPI): A 21-year-old male professional surfer with a PMH of chronically dry skin and environmental allergies presents in the outpatient clinic for evaluation of a two-day history of left ear pain and muffled hearing. He also reports associated symptoms of intense left ear itching, yellow discharge, and a recent URI. The left ear pain started two days ago, it is felt both on the outside and inside of his left ear, is constant, and feels like “pressure” with a severity of 4 out of 10. Muffled hearing began at the same time as the ear pain and itching. It is unilateral (left ear) and associated with a yellow discharge. Two weeks ago, the patient had a URI with a scratchy throat and a cough that has since resolved. He got back from a surfing championship in Hawaii a month ago, after which he has been practicing his surfing skills every day in the open ocean.  He denies fevers, chills, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, shortness of breath (SOB), headache, or dizziness.

Subjective Data

Review of Systems (ROS)

General: denies fevers, chills, night sweats, or changes in appetite.

HEENT/Neck: patient reports a two-day history of muffled hearing and left ear pain, intense left ear pruritus, and yellow discharge.

Cardiovascular: denies chest pain, chest tightness,palpitations, or shortness of breath (SOB).

Respiratory: The patient had a URI two weeks ago with a cough and sore throat that has since resolved. Denies chest tightness, shortness of breath (SOB), wheezing, sore throat, productive/unproductive cough.

Gastrointestinal: denies nausea and vomiting.

Genitourinary: noncontributory

Musculoskeletal: noncontributory

Neurologic: denies dizziness, headache, fainting, syncope, or loss of consciousness.

Integumentary/Breast: The patient has chronically dry skin.

Psychiatric: noncontributory

Endocrine: noncontributory

Hematologic/Lymphatic: noncontributory

Allergic/Immunologic: acknowledges environmental allergies (pollen, specific trees and grass), denies known/unknown food or medication allergies.

Past Medical History: chronically dry skin & environmental allergies

Hospitalizations/Surgeries: denies hospitalization for acute or chronic illnesses, sprained his right wrist 2 years ago.

Preventive Health: up-to-date

Medications: loratadine for allergies

Allergies: acknowledges environmental allergies (pollen, specific trees and grass), denies known/unknown food or medication allergies.

Social History: He is a professional surfer, he takes 2-3 beers less than once a month, denies tobacco smoking or use of tobacco products, denies illicit or recreational drug use.

Family History: mother with a PMH of asthma, brother with a PMH of eczema.

PHYSICAL EXAM

General: AOX4 person, place, time & situation, well groomed, good nutritional status, vital signs within normal limits.

HEENT/Neck: Head: no bruising, masses, or lesions, normocephalic. Eyes: PERRLA, no subconjunctival hemorrhage, conjunctival pallor, enopthalmos, or exophthalmos. Retina is intact bilaterally. Ears: No rash, erythema, or swelling bilaterally on auricles or postauricular regions. Right ear: tragus and pinna are non-tender to palpation, the canal is non-edematous and non-erythematous with no debris or otorrhea, the TM is non-bulging, intact and without erythema. Left ear: tender pinna and tragus with manipulation, the canal is mildly edematous and erythematous with yellow debris. TM is bulging, dull and non-erythematous. There is decreased gross hearing on the left. The Rinne test demonstrates bone conduction > air conduction in the left ear and air conduction > bone conduction in the right ear. Weber: sound heard louder in the left ear.

Cardiovascular: no murmurs, rubs, or gallops, heart rate of78bpm regular, normal heart sounds S1, S2. No facial or peripheral edema, +2 pulses in brachial, radial, femoral, and pedal pulses.

Chest/Respiratory: symmetrical chest wall, RR of 18 at rest, regular & unlabored, no clubbing of nails, no use of accessory muscles, normal rhythmic breathing. Lung sounds bilaterally clear in all lobes, no crackles, wheezing, rhonchi, or rales.

Abdomen: deferred

Genitourinary/Rectal: deferred

Musculoskeletal: deferred

Neurologic: deferred

Skin: warm & dry skin, skin is generally dry, no scaling, erythema, plaques, petechiae, or ecchymosis.

Lymphatic: no pathologically enlarged lymph nodes

Psychiatric: deferred

Management Plan

Primary Diagnosis: Otitis externa, bacterial

System:  Neuro

  • Diagnosis (Problem): acute left ear pain related to inflammation and edema of the left ear canal  as evidenced by reported ear pain, mild edema and erythema on physical exam
  • Pending diagnostics: none
  • Pharmacological interventions:
    • For left ear pain and inflammation relief, initiate OTC ibuprofen 400mg PO 6-8 hourly with a maximum daily dose of 1200mg/day (Khatri et al., 2021).
    • Alternative OTC acetaminophen 650mg PO 6 hourly as needed for left ear pain. Do not exceed 3000mg/day (Khatri et al., 2021).
  • Supportive care:
    • Discourage the insertion of foreign objects such as fingers, cotton swabs into the ear canal.
    • Patient to observe strict water precautions; no submerging the ear or swimming until full recovery (Khatri et al., 2021).

HEENT

  • Diagnosis (Problem): Impaired sensory perception related to obstruction and edema of the ear canal.  
  • Pending diagnostics: none
  • Pharmacological interventions:
    • Initiate ciprofloxacin 0.2%-hydrocortisone 1% otic drops to apply 4 drops in the left ear 12 hourly for 7 days (Khatri et al., 2021).
  • Supportive care:
    • Post-instillation, encourage the patient to lie on the right side for 3-5 minutes. Discourage the insertion of foreign objects such as fingers, cotton swabs into the ear canal. Patient to observe strict water precautions; no submerging the ear or swimming until full recovery (Khatri et al., 2021).Patient to consult with ENT for otic wick placement if canal edema persists and prevents penetration. Educate on the significance of adherence  to the prescribed antibiotic ear drops. Educate about the most common side effects  of ciprofloxacin 0.2%-hydrocortisone 1% otic drops
      • HEENT: mild itching, temporary dizziness, and ear discomfort. Immunologic: anaphylaxis (facial swelling & shortness of breath, palpitations, throat swelling)– seek emergency medical care if this happens
      • Neurologic: headache, dizziness, lightheadedness.
      • Integumentary: Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting & abdominal cramping.
      Patient should start feeling better within 48-72 hours of treatment, but will return to water activities after 10 days (Khatri et al., 2021).
    • Advise patient to return to clinic if new onset facial cellulitis, osteomyelitis of temporal bone, myringitis, or perichondritis occurs (Goguen, 2023).

System:  Cardiovascular

     Diagnosis (Problem): no acute concerns

  • Pending diagnostics: N/A
  • Pharmacological interventions: none
  • Supportive care: return immediately to the ER or clinic with new onset lightheadedness or palpitations (Goguen, 2023).

System:  Pulmonary 

     Diagnosis (Problem): no acute concerns

  • Pending diagnostics: N/A
  • Pharmacological interventions: none
  • Supportive care: Educate the patient that the recent URI two weeks ago predisposed him to transient eustachian tube dysfunction (Khatri et al., 2021).

System: Gastrointestinal 

     Diagnosis (Problem): no acute concerns

  • Pending diagnostics: none
  • Pharmacological interventions: none
  • Supportive care: encourage patient to take oral pain medications with food to avoid gastric upset

System: Genitourinary

     Diagnosis (Problem): no acute concerns

  • Pending diagnostics: none
  • Pharmacological interventions: none
  • Supportive care: N/A

System:  Hematology

     Diagnosis (Problem): no acute concerns

  • Pending diagnostics: none
  • Pharmacological interventions: N/A
  • Supportive care: N/A

System: Endocrine

      Diagnosis (Problem): no acute concerns

  • Pending diagnostics: none
  • Pharmacological interventions: N/A
  • Supportive care: N/A

System:  Infectious Disease 

     Diagnosis (Problem): N/A

  • Pending diagnostics: N/A
  • Pharmacological interventions:
  • Supportive care: Educate about Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the most common causes of bacterial otitis externa but respond well to the prescribed treatment (Khatri et al., 2021).
  • Reinforce the significance  of completing the full course of treatment 
  • Reinforce the significance of observing proper ear hygiene and drying techniques to promote recovery (Khatri et al., 2021).
  • No need for systemic antibiotics unless symptoms and signs demonstrating spread beyond the ear canal develop.

System:  Integumentary 

     Diagnosis (Problem):

  • Pending diagnostics: N/A
  • Pharmacological interventions: N/A
  • Supportive care: Educate regarding chronically dry skin that may have contributed to impaired external ear barrier function (Khatri et al., 2021).
  • Encourage use of hypoallergenic emollient to apply to the external ear after symptoms resolve completely.
  • Discourage use of alcohol-based cleaning solutions
  • Encourage the patient to closely watch for skin breakdown, rash, or allergic reaction to ear drops and return immediately (Goguen, 2023).

Disposition: patient is stable for home discharge. Return to the emergency department or clinic with fever, foul-smelling ear discharge, worsening hearing loss, facial asymmetry, vertigo, or trismus (Jackson & Geer, 2023). If symptoms fail to resolve within 7-10 days, return to the clinic.

References

Goguen, L. A. (2023). External otitis: Pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis. Available from Uptodate.com.

Jackson, E. A., & Geer, K. (2023). Acute otitis externa: Rapid evidence review. American Family Physician107(2), 145-151. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2023/0200/acute-otitis-externa.pdf

Khatri, H., Huang, J., Guazzo, E., & Bond, C. (2021). Topical antibiotic treatments for acute otitis externa: Emergency care guidelines from an ear, nose and throat perspective. Emergency Medicine Australasia33(6), 961-965. https://doi.org/10.1111/1742-6723.13874