The benchmark assesses the following competency:

Benchmark: 5.1. Understand the human experience across the health-illness continuum.

Research the health-illness continuum and its relevance to patient care. In a 750-1,000 word paper, discuss the relevance of the continuum to patient care and present a perspective of your current state of health in relation to the wellness spectrum. Include the following:

1. Examine the health-illness continuum and discuss why this perspective is important to consider in relation to health and the human experience when caring for patients.
2. Reflect on your overall state of health. Discuss what behaviors support or detract from your health and well-being. Explain where you currently fall on the health-illness continuum.
3. Discuss the options and resources available to you to help you move toward wellness on the health-illness spectrum. Describe how these would assist in moving you toward wellness (managing a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, self-actualization, etc.).

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. 

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

Comment1

Nursing practice has changed in how nurses handle and care for central lines as well as how central lines are inserted specifically peripherally inserted central catheters.  The reduction of CLABSI’s (central line associated blood stream infection) and the use of an insertion bundle have greatly improved patient outcomes in the last many years.   These practice changes have reduced patient mortality and decreased the length of patient stay in the ICU.  Through these studies and by implementation of new processes brings awareness to nursing staff on what needs to be done to better care and protect our patients.  The findings have changed my overall view of central lines. When I cared for central lines I was more careful at assessing, accessing, documenting and advocating for earlier removal of these devices when no longer needed in my patient.  At the hospital where I work, dressing changes of central lines are a two person process and the use of CUROS caps to cover needless connectors or injectable ports on tubing is required to prevent infection.  The insertion bundle is utilized by our PICC team who do their part in following strict guidelines when placing the central line catheter.    

Comment2

Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers (HAPU) is a topic of great concern in health care delivery due health impact and complications on affected patients, as well as the cost and reimbursement issues.  The costs of pressure ulcers are extremely high.  Patients die from sepsis related to pressure ulcers that become chronic.  According to National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2017, more than 2.5 million patients develop pressure injury (PI) a year, national incidence rate of 2.5% in hospitals, and 60, 000 death a year (William Padula, John Hopkins University). PI injury cost US Health system $9-11 billion a year.  In an effort to prevent HAPU, death caused by sepsis related to pressure ulcers, Stage II and III pressure Ulcers are among the eight preventable conditions identified by Medicare and Medicaid which extra payment are eliminated. Medicare and Medicaid stop reimbursing hospitals for certain hospital-acquired conditions considered preventable in the hospital setting, private insurance also follow this step.  Pressure ulcers are a potential complication of prolonged bed rest and are included in the category of hospital-acquired conditions. Incontinent patients are especially prone to pressure ulcers if moisture is not managed adequately. The key to prevent pressure entails is to first identify patients at risk; and second implementing strategies for all patients who are identified at risk. Health care delivery has the duty to focus patient care to prevent PI by inspecting skin daily, managing moisture on skin, conducting a pressure ulcer admission assessment for all patients, minimizing pressure, optimizing nutrition and hydration, reassessing risk for all patients daily. Following these steps help improving patient care and prevent incidence of PI in my facility. Adherence to skin care protocol program is effective way to prevent pressure ulcers.

The other evidence-based practice that has improved patients’ outcome is deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, especially in the surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia and patient undergoing orthopedic surgery for fracture hips. Fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) rates range from 0.1% to 0.8% for all patients and may be as high as 7% for patients undergoing surgery for fractured hips (Medscape medical News, 2013). The frequent causes of DVT are due to augmentation of venous stasis due to immobilization or central venous obstruction. Nurses and surgeon needs to implement early ambulation for patient who are able to get out of bed early is the most important to prevent deep vein Thrombosis. For patient who cannot be up and ambulation, early treatment of anticoagulant therapy is crucial.  

 Assignment:

Part 1: Comprehensive Client Family Assessment:

Create a comprehensive client assessment for your selected client family that addresses (without violating HIPAA regulations) the following:

• Demographic information
• Presenting problem
• History or present illness
• Past psychiatric history
• Medical history
• Substance use history
• Developmental history
• Family psychiatric history
• Psychosocial history
• History of abuse and/or trauma
• Review of systems
• Physical assessment
• Mental status exam
• Differential diagnosis
• Case formulation
• Treatment plan

Part 2: Family Genogram:

Develop a genogram for the client family you selected. The genogram should extend back at least three generations (parents, grandparents, and great grandparents). 

Submit a paper which compares and contrasts two mental health theories:

• You may choose your theories from the textbook or from other sources.
• Describe each theory, including some history about the person who developed the theory and the major ideas and applications of the theory.
• Describe the ways in which the two theories are similar, and how they differ.
• Include a statement of how each theory could be used in your nursing practice. Include specific patient examples if you have them. You may also critique the theory: Is there anything with which you disagree or are there any problems you can identify?
• It is expected that this essay will be 2-3 pages in length (not including the title page), double-spaced. Your paper should include an introduction and conclusion and proper APA citations from any source material you use, including your text.

Discuss disparities related to ethnic and cultural groups relative to low birth weight infants and preterm births. Describe the impact of extremely low birth weight babies on the family and on the community (short-term and long-term, including economic considerations, on-going care considerations, and co-morbidities associated with prematurity). Identify at least one support service within your community for preterm infants and their family. Provide the link for your colleagues to view. Does the service adequately address needs of this population? Explain your answer.