NURS 6630 Week 10 Assignment – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS 6630 Week 10 Assignment: Assessing And Treating Patients With Impulsivity, Compulsivity, And Addiction – Case Study: A Puerto Rican Woman With Comorbid Addiction, 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 6630 Week 10 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 6630 Week 10 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 6630 Week 10 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 6630 Week 10 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 6630 Week 10 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 6630 Week 10 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 6630 Week 10 Assignment Follows:

Treating Patients with Impulsivity, Compulsivity, and Addiction

Mrs. Maria Perez, a 53-year-old Puerto Rican female, seeks help for her escalating gambling problem and increased alcohol use. She has a long history of alcohol-related issues since her father died in her late teens and has intermittently engaged with Alcoholics Anonymous over the past 25 years. Her difficulties with maintaining sobriety have worsened in the last two years since the opening of a new casino near her home, where she experienced a powerful “high” from gambling. Mrs. Perez acknowledges drinking alcoholic beverages to calm herself during high-stakes gambling, often leading to more drinking and impulsive gambling behavior. She is also concerned about the adverse health effects of her increased cigarette smoking.

Additionally, she has gained weight from excessive drinking. Mrs. Perez appears alert and oriented during the mental status exam, appropriately dressed, and communicates clearly. However, she demonstrates avoidant eye contact and reports feeling sad. There are no indications of hallucinations, delusions, or paranoid thoughts. While her insight and judgment remain intact, her impulse control is impaired. She denies any current thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.

Patient Factors Impacting Decision-Making

  1. Co-occurring Disorders: Mrs. Perez presents with gambling disorder and alcohol use disorder. The treatment approach should address both conditions simultaneously to achieve optimal outcomes.
  2. Impaired Impulse Control: Mrs. Perez’s impulsivity may affect her ability to adhere to treatment recommendations or engage in behaviors that promote her well-being. Medication choices should consider managing impulsivity and minimizing addictive tendencies.
  3. Comorbid Weight Gain and Smoking: Mrs. Perez’s weight gain and increased smoking can have significant health consequences. Medications prescribed should consider these factors and aim to mitigate the adverse effects.
  4. Avoidant Eye Contact and Sad Mood: Mrs. Perez’s avoidance of eye contact and self-reported sadness may indicate underlying emotional distress or depressive symptoms. Medication choices should consider addressing these aspects of her mental health.

Considering these patient factors, a comprehensive treatment plan involving therapy, support groups, and medication can be developed to address Mrs. Perez’s gambling and alcohol disorders while also addressing her weight gain, smoking, and emotional well-being.

Decision 1

Due to the possible effectiveness of Vivitrol (naltrexone injectable) in treating Mrs. Maria Perez’s alcohol use disorder and gambling disorder, I have chosen to prescribe it. By preventing the production of endogenous opioids and reducing the positive sensations connected to these habits, the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone can help lessen the reinforcing effects of alcohol and gambling. Studies have shown that utilizing naltrexone to treat alcohol consumption disorder has positive outcomes (Penfold & Ogden, 2020). In those with alcohol dependence, naltrexone dramatically decreased the likelihood of relapse and heavy drinking (de Angelis et al., 2020). Furthermore, naltrexone was shown to be successful in reducing the intensity and frequency of gambling in people with gambling problems in a randomized controlled experiment (de Angelis et al., 2020). These results suggest the possible use of naltrexone as a therapy for the co-occurring disorders in Mrs. Perez.

In this case, Vivitrol, a long-acting formulation of naltrexone, is chosen to ensure medication adherence, as it is administered as a monthly intramuscular injection. Given Mrs. Perez’s history of struggling with maintaining sobriety and impulse control, the extended-release nature of Vivitrol can provide continuous therapeutic effects, help her remain abstinent from alcohol, and reduce her urge to gamble (Penfold & Ogden, 2022). By utilizing this medication, the goal is to assist Mrs. Perez in breaking the cycle of alcohol use and gambling behaviors, promote her overall well-being, and reduce the negative consequences of these disorders.

Ethical considerations are crucial in the treatment plan and communication with patients. Informed consent should be obtained to ensure that Mrs. Perez understands the potential benefits, risks, and side effects of Vivitrol. The treatment plan should also consider her autonomy, preferences, and values. Open and honest communication should be maintained to foster a therapeutic alliance, address any concerns, and provide ongoing support. Respecting patient confidentiality is paramount, as Mrs. Perez has disclosed sensitive information about her gambling debts and her husband’s unawareness. The healthcare provider should handle this information with the utmost confidentiality and discuss potential strategies for addressing financial concerns without breaching trust or confidentiality.

Decision #2

I recommend that Mrs. Maria Perez see a counselor about her gambling problems. This decision acknowledges the critical role that behavioral and psychological therapies play in treating gambling addictions. Mrs. Perez can address her gambling patterns, deal with triggers and cravings, and create healthy coping strategies with the help of counseling. Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) helps treat gambling issues (Penfold & Ogden, 2022). CBT aims to recognize and change problematic gambling-related ideas and beliefs, create coping mechanisms, and improve problem-solving abilities. According to a meta-analysis (Wang et al., 2020), CBT is linked to less severe gambling problems and better treatment results. The effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) in treating addictive behaviors, such as gambling, has also been demonstrated. A randomized controlled trial by Shaji et al. (2019) revealed that MI dramatically decreased gambling frequency and severity.

The intention is to offer Mrs. Perez targeted interventions catered to her unique gambling-related problems by connecting her to a counselor with experience treating gambling disorders. Through counseling, Mrs. Perez can examine the underlying causes of her gambling tendency, create coping mechanisms to withstand temptations and acquire more healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional pain (Penfold & Ogden, 2022). The treatment plan and patient communication both heavily depend on ethical issues. To respect patient autonomy, Mrs. Perez’s permission should be sought before recommending it. The healthcare provider should ensure Mrs. Perez comprehends the rationale and prospective advantages of counseling throughout the process. It is vital to maintain Mrs. Perez’s privacy; thus, the counselor should take special care with her personal information and therapy development. Ethical standards should be followed to secure her private information and maintain privacy. Open communication and cooperative decision-making should be maintained to address Mrs. Perez’s worries or inquiries about therapy and guarantee her full participation in the therapeutic process.

Decision 3

I have decided to explore the issues Mrs. Perez is experiencing with her counselor and encourage her to continue attending Gambler’s Anonymous (GA) meetings. This decision recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines individual counseling with peer support in addressing gambling disorders (Penfold & Ogden, 2022). By exploring the issues Mrs. Perez is facing with her counselor, the goal is to identify any barriers or concerns hindering her progress in addressing her gambling behavior. Ensuring that she feels heard and supported in her treatment journey is essential. Open communication can help uncover any challenges or discrepancies between her expectations and the counseling approach, allowing for adjustments or modifications to enhance the therapeutic process.

Encouraging Mrs. Perez to continue attending GA meetings can provide her with a valuable support network of individuals with similar experiences and challenges. GA follows a 12-step program that promotes abstinence from gambling, personal growth, and peer support. Research has shown the positive impact of self-help groups like GA in treating gambling disorders. A study by Wang et al. (2020) found that individuals who attended GA meetings had significantly better gambling-related outcomes than those who did not. Combining individual counseling and GA meetings can provide Mrs. Perez with a comprehensive support system, addressing her psychological and social needs. It allows her to benefit from professional guidance and the shared experiences of individuals facing similar struggles (Penfold & Ogden, 2022).

Ethical considerations are crucial in the treatment plan and communication with patients. In this case, it is essential to respect Mrs. Perez’s autonomy and ensure she can express any concerns or dissatisfaction with her counselor. Confidentiality should be maintained when discussing her experiences with the counselor and her participation in GA meetings. Promoting a non-judgmental and supportive environment is important, ensuring that Mrs. Perez feels safe to openly discuss her feelings and experiences (Penfold & Ogden, 2022). Ethical guidelines should be followed when collaborating with the counselor and GA group, with consent obtained from Mrs. Perez before sharing relevant information.

Conclusion

I recommend individual counseling and Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings to treat Mrs. Perez’s gambling and alcohol use disorders. These programs target her psychological, behavioral, and social issues. A gambling disorder counselor can provide Mrs. Perez with CBT or MI. These evidence-based treatments reduce gambling severity and improve treatment outcomes. Encourage Mrs. Perez to attend GA sessions to connect with others who understand her challenges and offer advice. GA self-help groups have been demonstrated to alleviate gambling disorders. Ethical treatment should respect Mrs. Perez’s autonomy, confidentiality, and decisions. Ethics requires open communication, collaboration, and consent. Mrs. Perez can get a comprehensive treatment strategy that tackles the underlying causes of her gambling behavior and gives her the tools and support she needs to recover by merging therapy and peer support through GA sessions.

References

de Angelis, C., Nardone, A., Garifalos, F., Pivonello, C., Sansone, A., Conforti, A., & Pivonello, R. (2020). Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction, and female fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 18(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-020-0567-7

Penfold, K. L., & Ogden, J. (2022). Exploring the experience of Gamblers Anonymous meetings during COVID-19: A qualitative study. Current Psychology, 41(11), 8200-8213. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02089-5

Shaji, A., George, S., Rathakrishnan, B., & Amanullah, S. (2019). An overview of gamblers anonymous. Internet Journal of Medical Update-EJOURNAL, 14(2), 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijmu.v14i2.1

Wang, S. C., Chen, Y. C., Chen, S. J., Lee, C. H., & Cheng, C. M. (2020). Alcohol addiction, gut microbiota, and alcoholism treatment: A review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(17), 6413. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21176413

This assignment marks the end of this class. But wait, we did a midterm exam, so there definitely is a final exam. The NURS 6630 Final Exam is coming up next. The exam will focus on all the topics covered from wee 7 to week 11. Shall we?

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.