NR 536 Discussions

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-536: Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

Prof. Name:

Date

The social determinants of health significantly influence individuals’ well-being across their lifespan. As healthcare providers, it is essential to remain open-minded, respectful of differences, and vigilant about personal implicit biases while assessing social, cultural, economic, educational, and environmental factors that shape health outcomes. Reflecting on Week 1, three key social determinants of health—access to mass media (internet/cell phone), social and family support, and health literacy—highlight their intertwined impact on person-centered care.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of internet and cell phone access became evident, particularly with online tools like MyChart for vaccine scheduling. Without digital connectivity, many patients struggled to access vital healthcare services. Social and family support is another critical determinant, offering emotional and practical assistance, especially in stressful health situations. Assessing a patient’s support network allows healthcare providers to bridge gaps by providing appropriate resources. Lastly, health literacy is crucial for ensuring patients understand diagnoses and treatment plans. Tailoring educational approaches to meet patients’ comprehension needs enhances their ability to follow through with care plans, ultimately promoting better health outcomes.

When conducting holistic assessments, nurses can use individualized strategies to evaluate how social determinants influence health. Asking specific questions such as “Do you have electronic access to medical care and records?” or “What kind of support system do you have at home?” can uncover underlying barriers. The Synergy Model provides a framework for collaboration, emphasizing the nurse-patient relationship and leveraging nurse competencies to address patient needs comprehensively. Furthermore, maintaining cultural inclusivity and addressing personal biases, particularly regarding gender roles and sexual orientation, ensures equitable and respectful care for diverse populations.

Week 2: Health Promotion and Glaucoma

Health promotion models guide MSN-prepared nurses in preventive education, particularly when addressing conditions like glaucoma. Glaucoma, a group of optic nerve conditions that can cause blindness, disproportionately affects the elderly but can occur at any age. Preventive measures such as routine eye exams, understanding family history, and using prescribed treatments are essential for early detection and management. However, variables like access to eye care and health literacy significantly influence patients’ engagement in health promotion activities.

Patients without adequate insurance coverage may delay necessary eye care due to high out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, health literacy barriers may prevent individuals from comprehending the importance of preventive care or recognizing symptoms that warrant medical attention. Nurses can use strategies like the teach-back method to ensure patients understand critical health information. Advanced knowledge in physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology empowers nurses to educate patients effectively, enhancing their ability to navigate and manage their health concerns.

Week 3: Respiratory Illness and Health Education

Respiratory conditions, whether acute or chronic, require thoughtful health education tailored to patients’ needs. A scenario involving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrates the role of an MSN-prepared nurse in promoting health literacy. The nurse can apply models like the Health Belief Model to address patients’ beliefs and readiness to adopt preventive behaviors. Asking questions such as “What do you already know about managing COPD?” and “What support or resources do you need to make lifestyle changes?” assesses readiness to learn and guides individualized education plans.

Culturally inclusive and age-appropriate considerations are vital for delivering effective education. Recognizing and respecting diverse values, preferences, and needs ensures that care remains patient-centered and equitable. By fostering an open-minded approach, nurses can build trust and empower patients to take control of their health.