PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment: Focused SOAP Note and Patient Case Presentation, 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 PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment

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 PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment

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 PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment

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 PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment

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 PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment

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 PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment

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.

An Example PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment Follows:

Focused SOAP Note and Patient Case Presentation

Patient details:

Jack Paul, 45-year-Old Male, American

Subjective:

CC (chief complaint): “I don’t see the value of life anymore. I am always so down. I lost my work as a result of my excessive drinking. I stay awake for long periods without sleeping.”

HPI:

Jack Paul has been doing well for the past year despite losing his work as an actuary owing to severe alcoholism. His heavy alcohol consumption caused him to be late for work, and he occasionally failed to show up. J.P. had gotten several warnings from his supervisors owing to his inclination but showed no signs of improvement, resulting in his dismissal. He states that his life has changed after his dismissal because he can no longer support his family. J.P. cannot take them to posh restaurants like he used to.

He reports being sad most of the time and having no interest in anything he does. According to his wife, he is awake much of the night and appears deep in concentration. The patient also claims to be relatively weak most of the time and unable to do anything helpful. J.P. cites feelings of guilt due to his blunders that cost him his career and the fact that he cannot sustain the life he has accustomed his family to.

He rarely eats and has terrible concentration. He spends most of his weekend consuming alcohol, citing it as a stress reliever. He reports suicidal thoughts and believes he should terminate his life since he is worthless. His children no longer enjoy spending time with him because he constantly yells at them and appears furious most of the time. He has no history of attempting self-harm or threatening others. He denied having hallucinations, panic attacks, anxiety, or paranoid thoughts.

Substance Current Use: He drinks six bottles of beer every weekend. He does not smoke tobacco or use any other drugs.

Medical History:

  • Current Medications: None
  • Allergies: None
  • Reproductive Hx: not assessed

ROS:

  • GENERAL: Decreased appetite, no fever, weight loss, or night sweats
  • HEENT: No headache, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, or convulsions.
  • SKIN: No skin rash
  • CARDIOVASCULAR: No palpitations, orthopnea, or paroxysmal nocturnal orthopnea reported
  • RESPIRATORY: No difficulty breathing, no chest pain, no cough or dyspnea reported
  • GASTROINTESTINAL: denies nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
  • GENITOURINARY: No dysuria, poor stream, nocturia, or terminal dribbling reported
  • NEUROLOGICAL: does not report ataxia, fainting, or tingling feeling in limbs
  • MUSCULOSKELETAL: No joint or muscle pain reported
  • HEMATOLOGIC: No bleeding
  • LYMPHATICS: Lymph nodes are not enlarged
  • ENDOCRINOLOGIC: does not report intolerance to heat or cold—no increased urination or thirst.

Objective:

General Examination

He is alert, oriented to time, place, and person, not distressed, and of good nutritional status—no jaundice, pallor, cyanosis, edema, or dehydration. Vital signs are within normal ranges.

B.P.: 95/76 mmHg

PR: 74 beats/min

R.R.: 17 breaths/min

Temp: 36.4

Spo2: 96%

HEENT: Normocephalic and atraumatic head. The eyes are clear and respond similarly to light. There are no marks, aberrant discharges from the ears, or hearing loss. No turbinate swelling or septal distortion, and the nostrils are patent—no tonsillar enlargement-related throat blockage.

Diagnostic results: None

Complete blood count, blood alcohol levels, blood sugar, thyroid function tests, vitamin B12, and HIV test.

Assessment:

Mental Status Examination: J.P. was well-dressed, alert, and cooperative. He answered all questions calmly, in good posture, and with meaningful eye contact. There will be no fidgeting, tremors, or extra movements. His vocal tone and level are both low. He was in a bad mood. He appeared depressed, and his mood matched his expression. He had logical, goal-oriented thoughts. He did not, however, have any delusions or hallucinations. His short-term and long-term memories were intact, and he thought orderly and logically. There were no reports of auditory or visual hallucinations. His perception and judgment were sound. He had suicidal thoughts but no signs of attempted self-harm or being a threat to others. 

Diagnostic Impression:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) F33.

Nine symptoms make up the DSM-5 criteria for recognizing depression, and five must be consistent for at least six months to establish a diagnosis (Chand & Arif, 2022). The nine symptoms are as follows: disturbed sleep, loss of interest in activities of daily living, low energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, suicidal thoughts, depression, and psychomotor issues (Halverson, 2019). Since Jack Paul experienced more than five symptoms the previous year, MDD is the proper diagnosis. To diagnose MDD, the DSM also stipulates the presence of a low mood and a loss of interest in activities, both of which Jack Paul demonstrated (Chand & Arif, 2022). Emptiness, sorrow, irritability, and cognitive abilities all impact a patient’s ability to function cognitively properly.

Substance-Induced Mood Disorder

Given J.D.’s history of severe alcoholism, excessive drinking may help fuel the onset of a substance-induced mood disorder, which could result in depression symptoms. Revadigar and Gupta (2021) assert that regardless of the presence of concurrent substance use disorders, patients with substance-induced affective disorders will manifest symptoms that are identical to those experienced by individuals with independent mood disorders. Depressive symptoms include melancholy, insomnia, guilt, suicidal ideas, psychomotor slowness, disengagement, despair, helplessness, irritability, decreased libido, anorexia, or energy may be present in patients.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

The patient expresses ongoing concerns and guilt, which may be signs of generalized anxiety disorder. Evaluating whether an individual’s anxiety symptoms are noticeable and persistent is critical. Excessive worry about everyday issues and events is a defining characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder. It continues for more than six months (John Hopkins Medicine, 2021). Some symptoms are anxiety, agitation, fatigue, difficulty focusing, impatience, increased muscle tension, and trouble sleeping.

Case Formulation and Treatment Plan: 

Case Formulation: Jack’s main complaints upon admission are being depressed, losing interest in life, and having insomnia. He blames his current situation on losing his work as a result of his severe alcoholism and being unable to provide for his family as a result.

Treatment plan

Antidepressant medicines and psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) can be used to manage depression. When patients fail to respond well to treatment or have suicidal thoughts, electroconvulsive therapy (CBT) may be recommended (Chand & Arif, 2022).

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavior Therapy (CBT)

Patients are taught to recognize and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns over 16 to 20 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive restructuring is one of the behavioral strategies used in CBT therapy for depressed individuals to manage maladaptive behaviors and transform unhelpful thought patterns (Gautam et al., 2020). Jack Paul’s depressed symptoms will be less severe, and his suicide ideas will also be lessened. CBT effectively prevents depressive relapse (Chen et al., 2022). Jack’s participation in CBT will assist in addressing his negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and the development of better-coping mechanisms. CBT is effective in treating depression and enhancing general functioning.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

IPT highlights the value of interpersonal connections by drawing on current issues that a person is facing (World Health Organization, 2020). James will learn how to control his connection with alcohol, cut back on his drinking, and eventually recover from chronic alcoholism by using this therapy. IPT is an excellent therapy choice for James because it has been demonstrated to stop the onset of major depression and even to stop depressive episodes from recurring.

Pharmacotherapy

Because they successfully control the quantity of serotonin in the brain, which is responsible for mood and anxiety, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors will be used to treat depression (Fernandes et al., 2021). The following SSRIs will be prescribed to Jack Paul: 20 mg of sertraline and 10 mg of paroxetine. The patient’s unique demands, medical history, and probable side effects should all be considered while selecting a medicine.

Evaluation and Follow-up:

Jack’s response to therapy would be evaluated as part of the follow-up strategy, and any necessary modifications would be made. The criteria for follow-up would consist of the following:

Monitoring Symptom Improvement: Examine changes in Jack’s depressed symptoms, suicidal thoughts, sleep patterns, and overall mood. Using standardized rating instruments like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), determine the reduction in the quantity and severity of depressive symptoms.

Medication Review and Adjustment: If the first antidepressant medication does not work as well as expected, talk to a psychiatrist about changing to a different antidepressant or reviewing your prescription regimen in conjunction with them.

Monitoring Jack’s success in cutting back on or quitting drinking will be done through regular follow-up sessions. If urine toxicology screens are judged required, they may also be included.

Referrals:

Jack should be sent to a mental health professional specializing in family counseling, depression, and substance use issues. With this referral, we hope to offer more assistance and treat the underlying psychiatric issues harming Jack.

Recommend joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) or comparable initiatives that offer a caring environment and assist alcohol addiction recovery.

Social Factors Affecting Health and Health Promotion Activity:

Socioeconomic status is an important social factor that affects health in this situation. The loss of Jack’s job and financial struggles affect his emotional well-being and ability to access resources. Socioeconomic status has been associated with mental health inequities, such as less access to mental health care, greater rates of depression, and poorer treatment results (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022). Collaboration with community groups and services that offer job training, employment help, and financial counseling could be a part of a health promotion activity to address the health inequalities and inequities connected to socioeconomic status. Jack’s general well-being and outcomes about his mental health can be enhanced by addressing the socioeconomic circumstances causing his condition.

Patient Education:

One idea for patient education is providing information and resources regarding community groups that give financial aid, such as government benefits, housing support, and food banks. By making Jack more aware of these options, it may be possible to reduce some of his financial pressures and make it easier for him to meet his basic needs, thereby promoting his recovery and mental health.

Reflections:

The following are some changes I might make to the session if I had the opportunity to do it over:

  • Determine the chronicity and severity of Jack’s condition by probing further into the length and intensity of his depression symptoms.
  • Determine how Jack’s heavy drinking has altered the dynamic of his family and the friendships he maintains.
  • Evaluate Jack’s family and friends and include them in his treatment, as their acceptance and understanding may aid in his rehabilitation.

Jack will have a better chance of recovering if his treatment is tailored to his individual needs and includes psychoeducation and the creation of a therapeutic connection. 

PRAC 6665 Week 3 Assignment References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022, December 8). Social determinants of health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/about/sdoh/index.html#:~:text=Social%20determinants%20of%20health%20(SDOH

Chand, S., & Arif, H. (2022, July 18). Depression. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/

Chen, H., He, Q., Wang, M., Wang, X., Pu, C., Li, S., & Li, M. (2022). Effectiveness of CBT and its modifications for prevention of relapse/recurrence in depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders, 319, 469–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.027

Gautam, M., Tripathi, A., Deshmukh, D., & Gaur, M. (2020). Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(8), 223–229. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_772_19

Halverson, J. L. (2019, April 23). Depression: Practice essentials, background, pathophysiology. Medscape.com. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/286759-overview

John Hopkins Medicine. (2021, August 8). Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Accessed 16th June 2023 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-anxiety-disorder#:~:text=Generalized%20anxiety%20disorder%20is%20a

Revadigar, N., & Gupta, V. (2021). Substance-induced mood disorders. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555887/

World Health Organization. (2020, January 1). Group Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for Depression. Www.who.int. Accessed 16th June 2023 from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MSD-MER-16.4

Note that while patient documentation using the soap note format is important, the class is largely focused on your assessment, diagnosis and treatment skills. For this reason, your next written assignment is another soap note, which is due in week 7 of NRNP 6665.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When approaching a 500-word essay, it’s essential to understand the nuances of this compact form of writing. These frequently asked questions will guide you through the process of crafting a concise and impactful essay.

How many pages is a 500-word essay typically?

A 500-word essay usually spans about one page if single-spaced or two pages when double-spaced, with standard margins and a 12-point font size.

Can you provide examples of a well-structured 500-word essay?

Certainly, to see the structure and flow of a well-written essay, you might want to take a look at a student’s writing guide that provides insights and examples.

Are there specific formatting guidelines for a 500-word essay?

Formatting guidelines typically involve using a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with double-spacing and one-inch margins on all sides. Check any specific requirements your instructor might have provided.

What are some effective strategies for writing a personal essay of 500 words?

For a personal essay, focus on a singular event or characteristic, ensuring your ideas are clear and you reflect on the significance of the subject matter. Use concise language and powerful imagery to maximize impact.

What topics are suitable for a concise 500-word essay?

Choose topics you can thoroughly address within the word limit, such as a personal anecdote, a critical analysis of a poem, or a focused argument on a singular point or issue.

How much time should you allocate to write a 500-word essay effectively?

Depending on your familiarity with the topic and writing proficiency, allocate anywhere from one to several hours for planning, drafting, and revising to ensure a well-presented essay.