NURS 6512 Week 6 Assignment – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS 6512 Week 6 Assignment 1: Lab Assignment: Assessing the Abdomen, 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 NURS 6512 Week 6 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 NURS 6512 Week 6 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 NURS 6512 Week 6 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 NURS 6512 Week 6 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 NURS 6512 Week 6 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 NURS 6512 Week 6 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, in sentence sentence care. 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 NURS 6512 Week 6 Assignment Follows:

Lab Assignment: Assessing the Abdomen

Analyze the subjective portion of the note. List additional information that should be included in the documentation.

The subjective component of the SOAP note is crucial in comprehending the patient’s perspective on their medical condition (Podder et al., 2022). In this case study, the subjective section overviews the primary complaint. It dives into various aspects such as the patient’s illness history, past medical background, prescribed medications, known allergies, family medical history, and social context. The patient’s chief complaint is abdominal pain, which has been present for two days. The pain is located in the epigastric region and radiates to the back. There are also associated symptoms and interventions related to this condition.

To achieve a thorough understanding, it is necessary to gather additional subjective information. These include:

  1. Pain Characteristics: How does the patient describe the pain? Is it described as burning, stabbing, dull, or cramping?
  2. Associated Symptoms: Has the patient experienced any alterations in their bowel habits, such as bloating, flatulence, acid reflux, or heartburn?
  3. Factors that aggravate or alleviate pain: Are specific activities, foods, or interventions exacerbating or reducing the pain?
  4. Precipitating factors: Was there a particular incident that caused the onset of this pain episode?
  5. Previous Episodes: Has the patient experienced similar pain episodes in previous instances? If so, how were they managed?
  6. Administration and Side Effects of Metoprolol Medication: What has been their frequency, and have there been any associated side effects related to taking Metoprolol medication?
  7. Family Medical History: It is essential to conduct an extensive assessment regarding family history not limited to hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hyperlipidemia conditions, instead focusing on gastrointestinal diseases, cancers, and other relevant medical conditions within hereditary background.
  8. Social History: Obtaining additional information about the patient’s past alcohol and smoking habits, including consumption quantity and frequency before quitting, can enhance our comprehension of their history.

Analyze the objective portion of the note. List additional information that should be included in the documentation.

The objective component offered information specific to the patient. In LZ’s case, it included:

  • Vital signs range from height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, and pulse.
  • In the heart, no murmurs; regular heartbeat and rhythm.
  • Lungs: Auscultation was clear, and the chest wall is symmetrical.
  • Skin: Whole, without urticaria or lesions.
  • The epigastric region of the abdomen was tender and guarded.
  • Diagnostics were contrast-enhanced tomography angiography (CTA) and ultrasound (US).

While these are fundamental pieces of information, a more thorough objective analysis might reveal additional nuanced information:

  • Neurological Status: Have any adjustments in pupil reaction, orientation, or alertness?
  • Check the abdomen for any noticeable scars, bulges, or movements.
  • Abdominal auscultation: Are bowel sounds present, absent, hyperactive, or hypoactive?
  • Did the examiner feel any organomegaly or palpable masses in the patient’s abdomen? What is the liver span?
  • Evaluation of peripheral pulses, particularly femoral pulses, which can provide information about aortic problems.
  • Any edema, cyanosis, or clubbing on the extremities?
  • Examine the back for any abnormalities. This is essential since the back is affected by the pain.
  • Just mentioning the US and CTA is insufficient for the diagnostic test results. The precise results of these tests would offer vital objective information. For instance, the aorta’s diameter is determined by the CTA or any anomalies detected by the US.

A thorough, objective evaluation validates the subjective findings and reduces the range of possible diagnoses, ensuring focused and effective patient management.

Is the assessment supported by the subjective and objective information? Why or why not?

A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition reveals three possible diagnoses: abdominal aortic aneurysm, perforated ulcer, and pancreatitis. The subjective information, such as the reported epigastric pain spreading to the back and the lack of effective relief from PPIs, corresponds with commonly observed symptoms associated with these medical conditions. Moreover, objective observations of tenderness in the epigastric area and guarding provide additional support for considering these differential diagnoses.

However, although AAA is possible, typical clinical signs like a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass are absent in the objective data (Greenleaf & Aziz, 2019). A perforated ulcer may present with more acute symptoms and potential signs of peritonitis, while pancreatitis might be a more suitable explanation, considering his presentation and history of alcohol use (Patterson et al., 2023). While subjective and objective findings generally support the assessment, specific definitive objective findings indicative of AAA, such as a pulsatile mass, are absent. Therefore, while these listed diagnoses are potential considerations, further diagnostic information would help to refine the assessment.

What diagnostic tests would be appropriate for this case, and how would the results be used to make a diagnosis?

From the patient’s symptoms and the proposed tentative diagnoses, numerous diagnostic tests are essential:

  • Complete blood count (CBC): A basic test for detecting infection, inflammation, or bleeding that could indicate diseases like pancreatitis or a perforated ulcer.
  • Amylase and Lipase Measurements: While both enzymes may be elevated in pancreatitis, an elevated lipase level in a normal amylase level could rule out pancreatitis as the cause of the patient’s symptoms (Salih et al., 2023).
  • Abdominal ultrasound: As the primary imaging modality, it detects abdominal aortic aneurysms, evidence of a perforated ulcer, and other abdominal pathologies.
  • Contrast-enhanced tomographic angiography (CTA): Besides AAA, this provides detailed imaging of abdominal structures, which can help determine the cause of epigastric pain (Alexander et al., 2022).
  • Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the stomach and duodenum for ulceration and other abnormalities and is particularly useful when a perforated ulcer is suspected.
  • Upright chest/abdominal X-ray: The presence of air under the diaphragm, as seen in this imaging, is a classic sign of a perforated ulcer and calls for prompt treatment (Shin et al., 2020).

The variety of diagnostic tests, each with its own distinct focus and implication, is essential for holistically comprehending the patient’s presentation. Each test result refines the differential diagnosis and directs the clinician to the most effective therapeutic intervention.

Would you reject/accept the current diagnosis? Why or why not? Identify three possible conditions that may be considered as a differential diagnosis for this patient. Explain your reasoning using at least three different references from current evidence-based literature.

The patient’s case exhibits an intricate and diverse scenario, underscoring the necessity for a meticulous and comprehensive diagnostic methodology. Aortic aneurysms, perforated ulcers, and pancreatitis are severe conditions requiring unique treatment plans. While AAA seems plausible based on the location of pain that radiates to the back, it is worth noting that specific classic objective findings like a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass are not documented (Greenleaf & Aziz, 2019). This discrepancy calls for reevaluation as to whether AAA is the primary cause. Considering the patient’s history of alcohol use, pancreatitis aligns with the reported epigastric pain since alcohol consumption commonly triggers acute pancreatitis (Salih et al., 2023). However, I propose adopting a broader diagnostic approach. A Perforated Ulcer remains highly likely due to the nature and localization of pain, which persists despite ineffective PPI treatment.

Differential Diagnosis

  1. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: It is reasonable to consider GERD as a potential diagnosis, given the patient’s history of alcohol and tobacco use and epigastric pain. It is important to remember that GERD occasionally exhibits atypical symptoms or is insensitive to conventional therapies such as proton pump inhibitors (Rettura et al., 2021).
  2. Peptic Ulcer Disease: Given the patient’s presentation of epigastric pain, unresponsiveness to proton pump inhibitors, and history of alcohol use, it highly suggests peptic ulcer disease (Malik et al., 2023). The presence of an ulcer in the process of perforation could account for the acute exacerbation and intensifying pain reported by the patient. Considering these findings, a timely endoscopy would be crucial for visual confirmation and further evaluation.
  3. Cholecystitis is gall bladder inflammation (Doherty et al., 2022). Right upper abdomen ache, right shoulder pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally fever are among the symptoms (Doherty et al., 2022). When PPIs are taken, the pain does not go away. Considering various aspects, including the patient’s age, pain presentation characteristics, and intermittent symptoms observed, gallbladder issues such as an inflamed gallbladder or gallstones cannot be disregarded in this case.

Based on the available evidence, it is recommended to carefully evaluate the current diagnoses in light of other possible conditions. Medical practitioners must avoid focusing solely on initial diagnoses, especially when the clinical presentation suggests a more intricate diagnostic challenge.

NURS 6512 Week 6 Assignment References

Alexander, L. F., Overfield, C. J., Sella, D. M., Clingan, M. J., Erben, Y. M., Metcalfe, A. M., Robbin, M. L., & Caserta, M. P. (2022). Contrast-enhanced US evaluation of endoleaks after endovascular Stent repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Radiographics: A Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc, 42(6), 1758–1775. https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.220046

Doherty, G., Manktelow, M., Skelly, B., Gillespie, P., Bjourson, A. J., & Watterson, S. (2022). The need for standardizing diagnosis, treatment and clinical care of cholecystitis and biliary colic in gallbladder disease. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 58(3), 388. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58030388

Greenleaf, E. K., & Aziz, F. (2019). Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. In Clinical Algorithms in General Surgery (pp. 551–553). Springer International Publishing.

Malik, T. F., Gnanapandithan, K., & Singh, K. (2023). Peptic ulcer disease. StatPearls Publishing.

Patterson, J. W., Kashyap, S., & Dominique, E. (2023). Acute Abdomen. StatPearls Publishing.

Podder, V., Lew, V., & Ghassemzadeh, S. (2022). SOAP Notes. StatPearls Publishing.

Rettura, F., Bronzini, F., Campigotto, M., Lambiase, C., Pancetti, A., Berti, G., Marchi, S., de Bortoli, N., Zerbib, F., Savarino, E., & Bellini, M. (2021). Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Management Update. Frontiers in Medicine, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.765061

Salih, N., Amin, U., Hamza, K., Ghani, N., Ali, S., Sarfaraz, H., & Khan, M. F. (2023). Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis presenting as hemorrhagic ascites: A case report. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.45303

Shin, D., Rahimi, H., Haroon, S., Merritt, A., Vemula, A., Noronha, A., & LeBedis, C. A. (2020). Imaging of gastrointestinal tract perforation. Radiologic Clinics of North America, 58(1), 19–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcl.2019.08.004

Did you manage to complete abdominal assessment in shadow health as well? Next you will be assessing musculoskeletal pain, that is, in week 8 discussion of NURS 6512. I know you are thinking that the elderly are the most prone to such, but cases present among the young as well.

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.