All posts by : chebby

assignment attach below.

SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES.

Please ensure that the reply includes more than 200 words of scholarly articles and that the plagiarism level remains below 20%.

Based on the multi-dimensional nature of patient symptoms, the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TOUS) offers a comprehensive framework of strategies to evaluate patient symptoms. This is the interplay between symptoms, their effects on performance, and other consequences of failing due to those symptoms. In selecting patient symptoms for assessment based on TOUS, it is important to prioritize several key items to obtain an accurate and comprehensive evaluation of patients.

One of the most important things about TOUS is that symptoms are not one-dimensional but multi-dimensional, referring to intensity, duration, frequency, and distress. Any good assessment tool should be something other than just a tool to ascertain or quantify the presence and/or severity of a symptom. Instead, it should assess how such symptoms change over time and what impact they have on the total welfare of the patient. For instance, in patients suffering from chronic illnesses, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, emotional distress, and pain, an effective tool should capture not just pain levels but also all the occurring co-morbid symptoms (Srivastava & RM, 2021).

TOUS states that the symptoms are determined by physiological and psychological factors, as well as situational ones and considered factors that affect the severity and perceived symptoms. Physiological factors include the disease pathology, the medication side effects, or a genetic predisposing factor. Elements of a psychological nature, such as anxiety or depression, can accentuate the intensity of symptoms, which is even more distressing for the patient. Additionally, environmental and situational factors—such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and social support—play a crucial role in symptom management (Moore, 2022). The assessment tool would be a complete picture of the patient’s condition only if questions incorporate these influencing factors.

An ideal assessment tool must assess, in addition to the symptoms, how the symptoms affect daily life. TOUS stresses that the symptoms have an impact on the physical, cognitive, and social functions. For instance, in an effort to assess cancer-related fatigue, tiredness should be quantified but also looked at in terms of its impact on mobility, work performance, and social interactions. Healthcare providers can tailor interventions to improve quality of life rather than just treating the symptoms of the individual by assessing how he is functioning as a whole (Moore, 2022).

The assessment tool should also be validated for reliability and sensitivity in many patient populations. If a timely clinical intervention can be made based on subtle changes over time in symptoms, then this tool should be useful. When the tool is evidence-based, point-scored, and rigorously tested, it provides a good application to practice.

Finally, an ideal assessment approach, under the heading of TOUS, should be comprehensive enough to assess symptom dimensions, influence factors, and functional outcomes, and it has to be reliable. Treatment strategies and outcomes are better when the effects of symptoms are approached holistically.

References

Moore, A. K. (2022). The holistic theory of unpleasant symptoms. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(2), 193-202. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08980101211031706

Srivastava, S. P., & RM, N. T. (2021). Insight into the theory of unpleasant symptoms. International Organization of Scientific Research Journal of Nursing and Health Science, 10(3), 23-26. https://www.researchgate.net/nsight_into_the_theory_of_unpleasant_symptoms/links/60a0a25192851cfdf3381647/Insight-into-the-theory-of-unpleasant-symptoms.pdf

Is your clinical change project highly significant to nursing? Does the project encompass the core graduate nursing competencies of patient-centered care, social equity, cultural appropriateness, evidence-based practice, health promotion, and disease prevention? Why?

Based on this week’s readings:

Discuss the significance of composition and size to sampling. What effect does each have on the outcome of the study?

Please ensure that the reply includes more than 200 words with scholarly articles, and the plagiarism level must remain below 20%.

The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TOUS) emphasizes that symptoms are multifaceted, influenced by physiological, psychological, and situational factors (Fink et al. 20202). To align with this framework, an effective symptom assessment tool should capture not only the severity and frequency of symptoms but also their broader impact on a patient’s quality of life, emotional well-being, and functional ability. Recent studies have reinforced the need for comprehensive tools that assess the full range of symptoms, taking into account the interaction between physical and psychological distress.

For instance, Fink et al. (2020) highlighted the importance of tools that assess symptom burden in chronic illnesses, emphasizing that symptom severity alone does not reflect the total impact on a patient’s life. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) is an example of a tool that measures not only the intensity of symptoms like pain and fatigue but also their interference with daily activities and emotional well-being. This aligns with the TOUS framework by considering how symptoms affect a patient’s overall functioning, not just their physiological state.

Psychological factors are also integral to the symptom experience. Jafari et al. (2022) found that emotional responses such as anxiety and depression significantly affect how symptoms are perceived, with these psychological states often exacerbating physical symptoms. Tools that assess emotional distress, such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), are crucial in providing a complete picture of symptom experience. By addressing both the physical and psychological components, clinicians can gain a better understanding of the complexity of symptoms and tailor interventions accordingly.

Cultural sensitivity is another essential aspect of symptom assessment. Smith et al. (2021) stressed the importance of using culturally appropriate tools to capture symptom experiences in diverse populations. This ensures that symptom assessments are accurate and respectful of cultural differences, which can influence symptom expression and interpretation. In this way, symptom assessment tools can be more inclusive and reflective of the patient’s unique context.

In summary, a well-rounded symptom assessment tool, based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, should encompass physical, psychological, and contextual elements. By using tools like the ESAS and HADS, healthcare providers can better understand and address the full scope of the patient’s symptom experience, leading to more effective and personalized care.

References:
Fink, P., Hansen, M. S., & Benros, M. E. (2020). The burden of somatic symptoms in chronic illness: A clinical perspective. Psychosomatic Medicine, 82(2), 110-118. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000782

Jafari, H., Asgarian, A., & Marzbani, H. (2022). The role of emotional distress in symptom perception in chronic illness: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 78(4), 812-823. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23293

Smith, A., Li, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2021). Cultural considerations in symptom assessment: A global perspective. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 58(3), 54-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.03.005

 My disease will be:  HIV and Mental Health

Include the following sections: 

Application of Course Knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.  

1. Select a condition covered in this course that interests you or is relevant to your nursing practice. Identify the condition you’ve selected. 
2. Briefly explain your rationale for selecting this particular condition. What influenced your selection? 
3. Investigate the prevalence and incidence of the chosen condition in the United States (U.S.). What are the incidence, prevalence, and affected populations? 
4. Find and summarize a scholarly article that discusses your selected condition. What does the article say about your condition and its pathophysiology and manifestations? How is the article relevant to your understanding of the condition? 

Health Promotion and Advocacy

Objective: This discussion post aims to explore the integral role of advocacy in health promotion and to reflect on local advocacy efforts. You will critically analyze the importance of advocacy within health promotion practice and provide detailed examples of advocacy initiatives, demonstrating your understanding and engagement with community health.Assignment Instructions:Introduction:

• Define Health Promotion and Advocacy:
• Provide a clear and concise definition of health promotion, highlighting its objectives and significance in public health.
• Define advocacy in the context of health promotion, explaining its role in influencing policies, improving health outcomes, and empowering communities.

1. Importance of Advocacy in Health Promotion:

• Theoretical Framework:
• Discuss the theoretical underpinnings of advocacy within health promotion. Reference relevant models and theories, such as the Social Ecological Model, which emphasizes the importance of addressing multiple levels of influence on health behaviors.
• The rationale for Inclusion:
• Explain why advocacy should be included in the study of health promotion. Consider factors such as:
• Policy Influence
• Health Equity
• Community Empowerment

2. Advocacy Efforts:

• Personal Involvement:
• Reflect on any advocacy efforts you have been involved in. Describe the initiative, your role, and the impact it had on the community. Consider:
• Community Awareness:
• Discuss advocacy efforts happening in your community that you are aware of. Provide detailed examples, including:
• Initiative Description: A brief overview of the advocacy effort.
• Key Players: Identify the organizations or individuals leading the initiative.
• Strategies and Tactics: Explain the strategies employed to advocate for health promotion (e.g., workshops, partnerships, social media campaigns).
• Impact and Outcomes: Analyze the effectiveness of the advocacy effort and any measurable outcomes or improvements in community health.

3. Critical Analysis:

• Effectiveness of Advocacy:
• Critically analyze the effectiveness of advocacy efforts in health promotion. Use evidence from the literature to support your analysis, referencing studies or case examples that demonstrate successful advocacy interventions.
• Barriers and Challenges:
• Identify potential barriers and challenges to advocacy in health promotion. Discuss how these challenges can be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of advocacy efforts. Consider factors such as:
• Resource Limitations
• Political Climate
• Community Engagement

4. Future Directions:

• Innovative Approaches:
• Suggest innovative approaches to enhance advocacy in health promotion. Consider the use of technology, collaborative partnerships, and novel communication strategies.
• Role of Advanced Practice Nurses:
• Discuss the role of advanced practice nurses in advocating for health promotion. Highlight specific actions they can take to lead and support advocacy efforts within their practice and communities.

As a reminder, all discussion posts must be a minimum of 350 words ON APA 7TH EDITION STYLE, references must be cited in APA format 7th Edition,WITH MANDATORY DOI NUMBER and must include a minimum of 2 scholarly resources published within the past 5 years.

NO PLAGIARISM MORE THAN 10%

DUE DATE MARCH 11, 2025

Neuroscience has revolutionized our understanding of the brain and its role in mental health. From neuroimaging to neuroplasticity, the field has made tremendous strides in recent years. As future psychiatric nurse practitioners, it’s essential to explore the benefits of integrating neuroscience into clinical practice.

Consider the following questions:

– How has neuroscience informed our understanding of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia?

– How can we use neuroscientific findings to improve patient outcomes, such as personalized treatment plans or novel pharmacological approaches?

Share your thoughts, insights, and experiences on the benefits and potential breakthroughs of neuroscience in clinical psychiatry.

Case Study 1: Hypertension Management in a 50-Year-Old Patient

Objective: Understand the pharmacologic treatment of hypertension, evaluate drug interactions, and individualize care plans.

Patient Profile:

• Age: 50
• Gender: Male
• Height/Weight: 5’9”, 230 lbs
• Medical History: Hypertension (diagnosed 3 years ago), Type 2      Diabetes (well-controlled with metformin), elevated cholesterol
• Current Medications: Metformin 500 mg BID, Atorvastatin 20 mg daily
• Blood Pressure: 160/98 mmHg

Instructions for Students:

1. Assess the patient’s current medications and identify potential interactions.
2. Recommend a pharmacologic treatment plan for hypertension. Consider      first-line and alternative medications.
3. Justify your medication choice based on patient history and current      guidelines.
4. Discuss any adjustments needed in the patient’s other medications      (e.g., statins, diabetes medications) if new drugs are introduced.
5. Monitor: List parameters for monitoring the efficacy and safety of the      chosen therapy (e.g., BP, kidney function, side effects).
6. Counsel: Create patient education points focusing on medication adherence,      lifestyle changes, and potential side effects.

· APA format, at least two appropriate references should be used less than 5 years ago. The usage of “IA” is not approved, at least 500 words (2 pages)