NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

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NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness, 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 NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

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 words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can 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 NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

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 to read 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 NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

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 conducted from the research, 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 each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

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 NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

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 NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

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.

NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

BUILDING A HEALTH HISTORY: COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY TO GATHER APPROPRIATE HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION

NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness

Effective communication is vital to constructing an accurate and detailed patient history. A patient’s health or illness is influenced by many factors, including age, gender, ethnicity, and environmental setting. Have a look at NURS 6512 Week 2 Assignment 2 I-Human Patients Practice Case Marvin Webster Jr.

There may also be significant cultural factors. In May 2012, Alice Randall wrote an article for The New York Times on the cultural factors that encouraged Black women to maintain a weight above what is considered healthy. Randall explained from her observations and her personal experience, as a Black woman, that many African American communities and cultures consider women who are overweight to be more beautiful and desirable than women at a healthier weight. As she put it, “Many black women are fat because we want to be” (Randall, 2012). 

Randall’s statements sparked a great deal of controversy and debate at the time; however, they emphasize an underlying reality in the healthcare field: Different populations, cultures, and groups have diverse beliefs and practices that impact their health. APRNs and other healthcare professionals should be aware of this reality and adapt their health assessment techniques and recommendations to accommodate diversity.

As an advanced practice nurse, you must build a patient health history that takes into account all of the factors that make a patient unique and tailor your communication techniques accordingly. Doing so will not only help you establish rapport with each patient, but it will also enable you to more effectively gather the information needed to assess a patient’s health risks. 

For this first Assignment, you will take on the role of an APRN who is building a health history for a particular patient assigned by your Instructor. You will consider how social determinants of health and specific cultural considerations will influence your interview and communication techniques as you work in partnership with the patient to gather data for an accurate health history.  

Note: You are expected to draw on the resources for both Week 1 and Week 2 when completing your Assignment. 

To prepare:

  • Reflect on your experience as an advanced practice nurse and on the information provided in the Week 1 Learning Resources on building a health history and the Week 2 Learning Resources on diversity issues in health assessments. 
  • By Day 1 of this week, your Instructor will assign a case study for this Assignment. Note: Please see the Course Announcements section of the classroom for your Case Study Assignment. 
  • Reflect on the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors related to the health of your assigned patient. 
  • Consider how you would build a health history for the patient. What questions would you ask? How might you target your questions based on the patient’s social determinants of health? How would you frame the questions to be sensitive to the patient’s background, lifestyle, and culture? 
  • Identify any potential health-related risks, based on the patient’s age, gender, ethnicity, or environmental setting, which should be taken into consideration. 
  • What risk assessment instruments would be appropriate to use with this patient? 
  • What questions would you ask to assess the patient’s health risks?  
  • Select one (1) risk assessment instrument discussed in the Learning Resources, or another tool with which you are familiar, related to your selected patient. 
  • Develop five (5) targeted questions you would ask the patient to build their health history and to assess their health risks. 
  • Think about the challenges associated with communicating with patients from a variety of specific populations. What communication techniques would be most appropriate to use with this patient? What strategies can you as an APRN employ to be sensitive to different cultural factors while gathering the pertinent information?

Week 2 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness  

Include the following: 

  • Explain the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient you were assigned. Be specific. 
  • Explain the issues that you would need to be sensitive to when interacting with the patient, and why.  
  • Describe the communication techniques you would use with this patient. Include strategies to demonstrate sensitivity with this patient. Be specific and explain why you would use these techniques. 
  • Summarize the health history interview you would conduct with this patient. Provide at least five (5) targeted questions you would ask the patient to build their health history and to assess their health risks. Explain your reasoning for each question and how you frame each for this specific patient. 
  • Identify the risk assessment instrument you selected, and then justify why it would be applicable to your assigned patient. Be specific. 

NURS 6512 Assignment: Building a Health History With Cultural and Diversity Awareness Example

Healthcare Challenges for a Homeless African American

The patient, a 46-year-old African American male residing in a homeless shelter, presents with a complex background that profoundly impacts his health management. Socioeconomically, his homelessness highlights a severe lack of stability, greatly complicating his access to consistent healthcare and necessary medications, such as Norvasc for hypertension. The instability and stress associated with his living situation may hinder regular follow-up care, thereby exacerbating his chronic conditions (Bensken et al., 2021). This socioeconomic backdrop is crucial in understanding the barriers he faces toward achieving optimal health outcomes, necessitating targeted interventions that address these specific challenges.

Furthermore, the patient’s decision to quit drinking could reflect a significant spiritual or personal shift, possibly driven by cultural or religious beliefs that emphasize transformation and redemption as components of recovery. However, he continues to smoke cigarettes, a lifestyle choice that likely serves as a coping mechanism to manage stress. This behavior could also be influenced by cultural norms surrounding masculinity and stress management prevalent in his community (Bensken et al., 2021). As an African American, he faces additional challenges like healthcare disparities and potential stigmatization in medical settings, which can influence his healthcare engagement and treatment adherence. Recognizing these intertwined cultural, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors is essential for providing culturally competent care that effectively addresses his comprehensive health needs.

Addressing Healthcare Barriers in Marginalized Populations

When interacting with a 46-year-old African American male patient currently residing in a homeless shelter, it is imperative to be cognizant of several sensitive issues that directly impact his health and well-being. Firstly, his homelessness introduces significant challenges, including erratic access to healthcare services, medication, and stable living conditions. This precarious living situation can lead to heightened stress and exacerbate health conditions like hypertension, which he is currently facing.

Understanding and acknowledging the logistical and emotional hurdles he encounters daily is crucial in providing realistic and empathetic medical guidance (Bantham et al., 2021). Considering these socioeconomic barriers allows healthcare providers to tailor their recommendations to the patient’s specific circumstances, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment plan and adherence to it.

Additionally, the patient’s history of alcohol dependency and recent cessation is a critical aspect of his health profile. This background requires a compassionate approach that supports his current efforts to abstain from alcohol without passing judgment. Also, being sensitive to his continued use of cigarettes to manage stress involves recognizing this as a coping mechanism rather than merely a harmful habit.

Engaging in open conversations about his smoking and exploring alternative stress-relief techniques could foster a more trusting patient-provider relationship (Bantham et al., 2021). Furthermore, as an African American, he may have experienced biases in healthcare settings, which could affect his engagement and trust in medical advice. Addressing these potential experiences respectfully and ensuring that communication is clear, respectful, and culturally competent are fundamental to providing care that not only treats but also empowers the patient.

Effective Communication Strategies for Sensitive Patient Care

Effective communication with a patient facing multiple health and social challenges requires tailored techniques to ensure sensitivity and improve treatment outcomes. Employing patient-centered communication is paramount. This approach involves active listening, asking open-ended questions to encourage the patient to share his experiences and feelings, and responding in a way that validates these expressions (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). Such interactions are crucial for building trust and rapport, especially given his current unstable living conditions and previous healthcare experiences. Focusing on the patient’s perspectives and needs enhances their sense of respect and understanding, which in turn increases their engagement and compliance with medical recommendations.

Additionally, motivational interviewing is a critical technique in this context. This method focuses on empathetic engagement, highlighting discrepancies between the patient’s health goals and behaviors and reinforcing his autonomy in making health-related decisions. This approach is particularly effective for discussing sensitive issues such as smoking and its cessation, as it encourages the patient to consider the benefits of change without feeling judged.

Furthermore, simplifying medical information by avoiding jargon and ensuring that explanations are clear and relatable is essential for his understanding and active participation in his health care plan (Kwame & Petrucka, 2021). Acknowledging and incorporating cultural sensitivities into all interactions, understanding his background, and respecting his coping mechanisms, like smoking, can lead to more personalized and effective healthcare strategies. These communication strategies facilitate a better healthcare experience and empower the patient to take more significant control over his health, reflecting a respectful acknowledgment of his circumstances and cultural identity.

Targeted Health History Interview for Comprehensive Risk Assessment
  1. Can you describe your current daily diet and fluid intake?

This question aims to understand his nutritional status, which is crucial for managing hypertension and overall health. Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can significantly impact chronic health conditions.

  • Have you experienced any symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or unusual fatigue recently?

These symptoms are relevant to his known hypertension and potential cardiac issues. Clarifying these symptoms can help evaluate his condition’s severity and any immediate risks.

  • What medications are you currently taking, and how often do you take them?

Given his previous prescription for Norvasc and his current lack of access, this question checks for medication adherence and understanding, which are critical for the effective management of hypertension.

  • Can you tell me about your smoking habits, including how much and how often you smoke?

Smoking is a significant risk factor for many health issues, including cardiovascular disease. Understanding his smoking habits will help in discussing potential interventions and support for cessation.

  • What kinds of support do you have from friends, family, or community services?

This question assesses his social support network, which can influence his ability to manage health conditions and access healthcare services. Social support is essential for overall well-being and can impact his recovery and health management.

Framingham Score for Cardiovascular Assessment

For the 46-year-old African American male patient currently residing in a homeless shelter and dealing with hypertension and a history of alcohol dependence, the appropriate risk assessment instrument would be the Framingham Heart Study Risk Score. This tool estimates the 10-year cardiovascular risk based on factors such as age, gender, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking status.

Given his known history of hypertension and smoking, these are critical factors that contribute significantly to cardiovascular risk. The Framingham Risk Score would provide a quantitative measure of his risk of developing cardiovascular diseases over the next decade, which is crucial for early intervention and management (Iadecola & Parikh, 2020). Utilizing this tool would allow healthcare providers to prioritize interventions that could significantly impact his cardiovascular health, such as smoking cessation, blood pressure management, and lifestyle modifications.

Additionally, considering his socioeconomic challenges and lifestyle factors, integrating the Framingham Risk Score with a comprehensive assessment of his social determinants of health is essential. This dual approach ensures that interventions are medically appropriate and contextually relevant to his living conditions and available resources (Iadecola & Parikh, 2020). For instance, the patient’s ability to adhere to a prescribed medication regimen or to make lifestyle changes is likely influenced by his living situation in a homeless shelter. Therefore, using the Framingham Risk Score provides a foundation for understanding his medical risks, while a broader assessment of his social circumstances helps in tailoring the interventions to be realistic and effective (Iadecola & Parikh, 2020). This approach maximizes the potential for positive health outcomes by addressing his immediate medical needs and the underlying social factors impacting his health.

References

Bantham, A., Ross, S. E. T., Sebastião, E., & Hall, G. (2021). Overcoming barriers to physical activity in underserved populations. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 64, 64-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2020.11.002

Bensken, W. P., Krieger, N. I., Berg, K. A., Einstadter, D., Dalton, J. E., & Perzynski, A. T. (2021). Health status and chronic disease burden of the homeless population: an analysis of two decades of multi-institutional electronic medical records. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 32(3), 1619. https://doi.org/10.1353%2Fhpu.2021.0153

Iadecola, C., & Parikh, N. S. (2020). Framingham general cardiovascular risk score and cognitive impairment: the power of foresight. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 75(20), 2535-2537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.03.061

Kwame, A., & Petrucka, P. M. (2021). A literature-based study of patient-centered care and communication in nurse-patient interactions: barriers, facilitators, and the way forward. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 158.  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00684-2