NRNP 6675 Week 5 Assignment – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NRNP 6675 Week 5 Assignment: Focused Soap Note for Schizophrenia Spectrum, Other Psychotic, and Medication-Induced Movement Disorders, 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 NRNP 6675 Week 5 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 NRNP 6675 Week 5 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 NRNP 6675 Week 5 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 NRNP 6675 Week 5 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 NRNP 6675 Week 5 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 NRNP 6675 Week 5 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 NRNP 6675 Week 5 Assignment Follows:

Focused Soap Note For Schizophrenia Spectrum, Other Psychotic, And Medication-Induced Movement Disorders

Subjective:

CC (chief complaint): “I was living, and not bothering anyone, and those people—those people, they just won’t leave me alone.” “There are some people who do not leave me alone and with this, my sister made me come in today.” The patient also expressed concern about being observed by people outside his window. He asserts that he is able to see and hear shadows of people.

HPI: ST is a 53-year-old male patient who has come to the clinic saying that people are disturbing him and that they are observing him.

His sister coerced him to come for an evaluation. ST reports that he can hear and see individuals troubling him, despite their unawareness. He says that he has not troubled anyone and has been living quietly. He does not understand why some individuals do not want to leave him alone. During the session, he reports that he can hear heavy metal music and that he sees a bird in the surrounding. He reveals that he could put up with his mother, but she died three years ago, so he is living alone. He fears that the government and his sister are planning to meddle with his personal life. He reports that loud voices prevent him from enjoying a good night’s sleep, forcing him to be awake most of the time.

He admits that he abuses alcohol and smokes 3 packs of cigarettes daily. He also used to smoke marijuana but stopped after his mother passed away three years ago. He says that he does not abuse cocaine or any other narcotics and has not had any seizures or experienced any blackouts. He had been prescribed risperidone, haloperidol, Seroquel, and Thorazine. However, he resisted taking these drugs, terming them as poisonous. He reports that his mother had suffered anxiety and a history of paranoid schizophrenia on his father’s side. He has never had suicidal thoughts, and no one has ever committed suicide in his family. He has diabetes and is managing it using metformin.

Substance Current Use:

The patient had previously abused marijuana but stopped using it three years ago. He currently abuses alcohol and takes 3 packs of cigarettes daily. He consumed alcohol the previous night before coming to the hospital. The length of his smoking period cannot be established.

Medical History:

  • Current Medications: ST is treated for his mental disorder with four different drugs. These drugs include Risperidone, Thorazine, Haldol, and Seroquel. ST, however, is not following this recommendation because he believes they are poison and partially because of their adverse effects, like gynecomastia. He is also using metformin to control his diabetes.
  • Allergies: No known drug for food allergies.
  • Social history: TS is the family’s second child. He has one older sister. He formerly resided with his mother, who raised him and his sister together. His mother and father have both died. TS presently lives alone. He thinks his sister conspired with the authorities to meddle in his life. He enjoys drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. When he has trouble going to sleep, he watches television.
  • Reproductive Hx: He has never been married and has no children.

ROS:

  • GENERAL: ST has not reported weight loss, fever, or weariness. He has denied feeling cold, distressed, or hotness in the body.
  • HEENT: ST exhibits none of the following symptoms: no visual impairment, no sneezing, no ear discharge or pain, no hearing loss or impairment, no congestion, no running nose, and no sore throat. The patient does not have any nasal blockage or swallowing issues.
  • SKIN: There was no mention of any skin rashes or itching. He has not displayed any apparent injuries, scars, or bruises.
  • CARDIOVASCULAR: ST shows regular heart activity. No palpitations, chest discomfort, or fatigue-related conditions exist.
  • RESPIRATORY: ST did not experience any breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, chest pain, coughing, or tachypnea. Additionally, there is no sputum production, cough, or shortness of breath.
  • GASTROINTESTINAL: No reports of vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia were made, nor were any reports of abdominal pain or blood.
  • GENITOURINARY: there are no reports of hematuria, abdominal pains, discomfort or pain with urination, or urethral discharge.
  • NEUROLOGICAL: No reports of paralysis, limb tingling, blurred vision, vertigo, or photophobia. No reports of ataxia, changes in bladder control, headache syncope, or bowel problems.
  • MUSCULOSKELETAL: He has not mentioned any joint pain, joint stiffness, back pain, or deformity. He has also not mentioned any muscle pain or stiffness.
  • HEMATOLOGIC: ST has not had any hematologic conditions. He did not mention anemia or easy bleeding, or bruising.
  • LYMPHATICS: ST has no splenectomy history, no leg edema, no lymphadenopathy, and no discomfort.
  • ENDOCRINOLOGIC: There was no excessive palmar sweating, polyuria, cold, or heat intolerance. He has not reported any sweating or polydipsia.

Objective:

Diagnostic results:

The patient actively participated in the assessment and responded to the evaluation questions. Although no laboratory testing was performed, it was required to carry out based tests, such as endocrine function tests, to see if they fall within the normal ranges.

Assessment:

Mental Status Examination:

ST, a 53-year-old man, was compelled to visit the clinic by his sister for a psychiatric evaluation. ST appears to be his purported age. He also displays a cooperative, alert, and calm demeanor throughout the assessment. He looks well-groomed and kept and is appropriately attired for the situation. He is oriented to location and person. His time orientation is poor. His speech has a constricted effect, and the tone of voice varies. He has recurrent visual and auditory hallucinations. His insight is poor. Despite exhibiting a calm demeanor, he is still paranoid. He does not have suicidal ideations.

Diagnostic Impression:

Schizophrenia

The presence of two or more symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech, severely disorganized or catatonic conduct, or negative symptoms, is required to diagnose schizophrenia (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). People should be less functional in their jobs, relationships, or self-care. Active-phase symptoms must be evident for at least one month within the first six months of the disturbance’s occurrence (McCutcheon et al., 2019). It is essential to rule out medical diseases, substance-induced effects, schizoaffective disorder, depression or bipolar disorder with psychotic characteristics, and other possible diagnoses.

According to DSM-5 TR criteria, ST exhibits anhedonia, hallucinations, blunted expression, disorganized speech, and disorderly conduct as the primary symptoms of schizophrenia. These symptoms have been present for more than six months. The presence of hallucinations has disturbed his daily routines and functioning.

Schizophreniform disorder and brief psychotic disorder

Compared to schizophrenia, which requires six months of symptoms according to Criterion C, the disorders in this diagnosis have shorter symptom durations. If it is a psychotic disorder, symptoms last less than one month (Stephen & Lui, 2022). On the other hand, in schizophreniform, the symptoms should last for less than six months. The duration of the symptoms rules out the possible diagnosis of these conditions.

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is distinguished by a continuous period of illness during which a significant mood episode (depressive or manic) occurs together with symptoms that fulfill the criteria for schizophrenia (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). A depressed mood must be present during the major depressive episode. Furthermore, delusions or hallucinations must be evident for at least two weeks apart from a major mood episode throughout the illness. Most disease duration should be characterized by symptoms consistent with a severe mood episode. Substance misuse, medicine, or another medical issue should not be the source of the disruption. This diagnosis has been ruled out because the symptoms occur in less than six months, unlike in the case of ST.

Delusional disorder

This disorder is characterized by two or more episodes of delusions for more than one month. The themes of the hallucinations, if present, should be related to the delusions (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). However, in this case, the themes of the delusions and hallucinations are not related, rendering it not a probable diagnosis.

Reflections:

I would have a more comprehensive plan for the next session. My initial intervention would concentrate on developing rapport and gaining trust because the patient was willing to talk. I would take more time to empathize with the patient’s worries, validate their experiences, and acknowledge their medication worries.

I would work with a multidisciplinary team, including a psychiatrist and a pharmacist, to investigate other treatment options in light of the patient’s noncompliance and mistrust of medications. We would review several drugs’ advantages and disadvantages to address the individual’s concerns about poisoning. I would also involve the patient’s family or support network to provide information and support for promoting medication adherence.

Ethically, I would respect the patient’s autonomy while guaranteeing their safety. It would be imperative to inform the patient about the possible effects of untreated schizophrenia, such as symptom aggravation and potential injury to oneself or others. If the patient’s condition deteriorates noticeably, discussions about potential legal repercussions, such as forced hospitalization or court-ordered therapy, may arise.

I would work with the patient to create a comprehensive care plan while considering illness prevention and health promotion. This strategy would include coping mechanisms, stress reduction approaches, and psychoeducation regarding schizophrenia. In addition, I would investigate socioeconomic and cultural aspects that can affect the patient’s treatment compliance and modify interventions as necessary.

Case Formulation and Treatment Plan: 

The primary diagnosis for ST is paranoid schizophrenia. Pharmaceutical and psychotherapy interventions will be included in the plan of care. The patient will be administered Clozapine 25 mg and Amisulpride 200 mg. Amisulpride will help to resolve hallucinations (Hadryś & Rymaszewska, 2020). Clozapine helps to enhance emotional, behavioral, and mental issues by rebalancing serotonin and dopamine in the brain (Krakowski et al., 2021). The client will also be educated on the essence of medication adherence to resolve his symptoms.

Individual cognitive behavioral treatment is the third strategy. Notably, the client will be subjected to individual cognitive behavioral therapy. The therapy aims to support the client’s ability to work independently while resolving his symptoms. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy will decrease the stress in his everyday life. Training in coping mechanisms, self-monitoring, and cognitive restructuring are all part of the CBT therapies.

Health education will follow, and the client will be educated on quitting or reducing smoking. He will also learn the importance of forming social connections with other people. Additionally, the patient must be active and practice physical activity. After a month, the follow-up will begin to see if the symptoms have resolved and if the medication needs to be changed or referred for further treatment.

As you may have noticed, we are fast approaching the midway of the class, which means the NRNP 6675 midterm exam is coming up soon. The exam will cover all the topics from week 1 to week 6. So, review them thoroughly. Let us know if you need additional revision materials.

NRNP 6675 Week 5 Assignment References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), 5(5). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Hadryś, T., & Rymaszewska, J. (2020). Amisulpride – is it as all other medicines or is it different? An update. Psychiatria Polska, 54(5), 977–989. https://doi.org/10.12740/pp/onlinefirst/109129

Krakowski, M., Tural, U., & Czobor, P. (2021). The importance of conduct disorder in the treatment of violence in schizophrenia: efficacy of clozapine compared with olanzapine and haloperidol. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(3), 266–274. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20010052

McCutcheon, R. A., Reis Marques, T., & Howes, O. D. (2019). Schizophrenia—An overview. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3360

Stephen, A., & Lui, F. (2022). Brief psychotic disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

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.