NURS 6630 Week 4 Assignment – Step-by-Step Guide
The first step before starting to write the NURS 6630 Week 4 Assignment: Assessing and Treating Vulnerable Populations for Depressive 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 NURS 6630 Week 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 Assignment Follows:
Assessing and Treating Vulnerable Populations for Depressive Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Adolescents
Depressive conditions among young populations are detrimental as they are likely to have adverse long-term effects on their well-being, development, and mental health. This phase of their life is critical for the maturation of their brains and the establishment of emotional resilience. Suppose there are any underlying mental health issues at this phase. In that case, they can disrupt the normal processes and development in adolescence, often causing mental health challenges later in the adulthood stages.
Persons suffering from depression do not experience good social relationships; they are likely to perform poorly at school and have a high likelihood of abusing drugs. These individuals are also at significant risk of self-harm and may commit suicide. This treatment guide will serve as a tool for informing this population of what treatment options are available to treat depressive disorders, their benefits, and their risks.
Causes and Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
The following table outlines the causes of major depressive disorders in adolescents.
Factor | Causes |
Biological factors | Changes in hormones during adolescenceGenetic predisposition to depressive |
Psychological factors | Struggle with identity formationEmotional challenges experienced in pubertyDistorted self-perception |
Environmental factors | Academic performance stressesChallenges with social relationshipsDysfunctional family |
Symptoms
The significant symptoms usually exhibited by persons suffering from MDD include changes in weight or appetite, sleep disturbances, psychomotor changes, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and thoughts of death or suicide.
Diagnosis of MDD in Adolescents
MDD is diagnosed based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5 TR). For one to receive a diagnosis, they must exhibit five or more of the symptoms outlined above for two weeks, with at least one of the symptoms being either loss of interest or pleasure or a depressed mood (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The exhibited symptoms should have a significant impairment or distress in occupational, social, or other essential areas of life. This symptom should not be interconnected to substance use or existing comorbidities. The patient should not present with a history of hypomanic or manic episodes, which is crucial in the elimination of bipolar disorders as a potential diagnosis. The clinician is also required to differentiate between a typical response to loss and a major depressive episode. The definite diagnosis of MDD heavily relies on a comprehensive health history, ways of expressing distress, and the symptoms they are exhibiting.
Why Adolescents are Vulnerable to MDD?
Adolescents have been determined to be significantly vulnerable to MDD through the influence of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Mood instabilities in adolescence can result from hormonal changes in puberty that lead to the development of the brain and regulation of neurotransmitters. During adolescence, most individuals struggle with forming and maintaining peer relationships, keeping up with classes, and the formation of identity, which all intensify emotional stressors that can lead to depression.
Expectations derived from family, society, and social media can also induce unrealistic pressure on these individuals. Other factors like dysfunctional families and interrupted communication between family members can also lead to the worsening of depression among this population.
Medication Treatment Options
Medication | Recommended Dosage | FDA Approval |
Fluoxetine (Prozac) | The initial dosage is usually 10 to 20 mg orally, which can be increased to 20mg after the first week and taken once daily. | FDA approved |
Sertraline (Zoloft) | 50mg orally, once a day. | FDA approved |
Escitalopram (Lexapro) | Initial dose of 20mg once a day. | FDA approved |
The management of MDD with selective serotonin-reactive inhibitors (SSRIs) elevates the mood of the patients and alleviates the symptoms. These medications have a quick onset of action and long-lasting therapeutic effects. In the early stages of treatment, patients have been observed to have a high risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts, necessitating that these patients be monitored closely for any changes. The patients are also likely to experience fluctuations in weight, insomnia, and gastrointestinal upsets. Healthcare workers must formulate individualized care plans to cater to patient differences in experiencing the side effects of these medications.
Medication Considerations
Taking the complete history of each client is essential. The nurses should determine the medication history of the client and whether they have ever experienced any adverse reactions when under medication. Considering that SSRIs are used as first-line medications in the management of depression, healthcare workers must communicate openly and effectively with the clients and their families to keep an eye on any cases of suicidal ideations once therapy is started. There should be close monitoring of side effects like gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, and weight changes; the dosages should be adjusted to accommodate these changes. The patients and their loved ones should be educated about the potential benefits and risks of using these medications as it helps to promote compliance and foster collaboration. Patients should be regularly followed up on to evaluate their response to treatment and make changes in the care plan. Medications should be administered alongside psychotherapy to achieve positive health outcomes and mental health.
The nurses must be ready to collaborate with other healthcare workers in evaluating alternative modalities and medications that can be used in case the initial options are ineffective or cannot be tolerated by the patient. Generally, the mental health and well-being of the patient should be regularly assessed to emphasize the essence of patient-centered, holistic care.
What is essential to monitor in terms of labs and comorbid medical issues?
Because of the potential medication-induced hepatic effects of SSRIs, it is crucial to monitor liver functions closely; the plasma concentration of these drugs may rise over time, and their half-lives may increase in patients with liver problems (Edinoff et al., 2021). However, even though they do not affect renal function, it is safe to ensure that kidney function is also monitored. It is also crucial to check if the patients have any comorbid conditions and if they are on any medications to rule out cases of drug interactions. These patients are also likely to have other anxiety disorders, necessitating monitoring of any changes in prior anxiety symptoms. The use of antidepressants may trigger manic episodes; therefore, any signs of bipolar should be noted early, and immediate interventions should be undertaken. Issues about sexual side effects like sexual dysfunction and changes in libido should be addressed regularly during client follow-up.
Ethical and Legal Issues
While interacting with adolescents suffering from depressive disorders, confidentiality stands out as a significant sensitive issue. Healthcare workers must ensure that they uphold the confidentiality of their clients throughout the interaction and should not disclose any sensitive information without the client’s permission (Maslyanskaya & Alderman, 2019). The nurse is also obliged to ensure that the medications’ benefits outweigh the risks, and they should inform their clients of the same.
The nurses should ensure that services accorded to their clients are culturally sensitive and align with their values and beliefs. Varied social determinants of health, such as sexual orientation, education levels, and age, have been implicated in the onset of mood disorders and have also affected the way these adolescents seek and receive healthcare services (Beck et al., 2021). Therefore, all healthcare workers must screen the clients for specific social determinants of health that could potentially lead to depression or deter seeking healthcare services. If specific determinants have been identified, the nurse should forge strategies to ensure that the client’s social status is enhanced and that they can seek assistance for their health needs.
Examples of Good Prescriptions
- Patient: Emma Thompson
- Date: January 15, 2023
- Medication: Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Strength: 50 mg
- Dosage Instructions: One tablet PO OD
- Quantity: 30 tablets
- Refills: 2
- Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Special Instructions: The patient has no known allergies. Monitor for any signs of increased suicidal thoughts, especially during the initial weeks of treatment. Follow up in 4 weeks for a review.
- Patient: Alex Rodriguez
- Date: January 15, 2023
- Medication: Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Strength: 10 mg capsules
- Dosage Instructions: One capsule PO OD
- Quantity: 30 capsules
- Refills: 1
- Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Special Instructions: known allergies. Advise parents to monitor for changes in mood, sleep, and appetite. Follow up in 6 weeks for evaluation.
- Patient: Maria Sanchez
- Date: January 15, 2023
- Medication: Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Strength: 20 mg tablets
- Dosage Instructions: Take one-half tablet PO OD for the first week, then increase to one tablet PO OD.
- Quantity: 30 tablets
- Refills: 3
- Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Special Instructions: The patient has a history of insomnia; monitor sleep patterns closely. No known allergies. Inform the patient about potential sexual side effects.
Conclusion
The prevalence of depressive disorders among adolescents remains high. There remain a lot of undiagnosed cases. The toll of these disorders on the growth and development of this population, their mental health, and general well-being remains at risk. Therefore, it is essential to screen adolescents and ensure that those diagnosed with these conditions are started on treatment immediately to prevent any detrimental effects on their well-being. Understanding the medications used to treat depressive disorders, their benefits, risks, and side effects is essential to promote compliance. Having learnt of how to assess and treat vulnerable populations suffering from depressive disorders, the next focus is on assessing and treating patients with bipolar disorder, which is due in week 5 of NURS 6630.
NURS 6630 Week 4 Assignment References
Beck, A., LeBlanc, J. C., Morissette, K., Hamel, C., Skidmore, B., Colquhoun, H., Lang, E., Moore, A., Riva, J. J., Thombs, B. D., Patten, S., Bragg, H., Colman, I., Goldfield, G. S., Nicholls, S. G., Pajer, K., Potter, B. K., Meeder, R., Vasa, P., & Hutton, B. (2021). Screening for depression in children and adolescents: a protocol for a systematic review update. Systematic Reviews, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01568-3
Edinoff, A. N., Akuly, H. A., Hanna, T. A., Ochoa, C. O., Patti, S. J., Ghaffar, Y. A., Kaye, A. D., Viswanath, O., Urits, I., Boyer, A. G., Cornett, E. M., & Kaye, A. M. (2021). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: A narrative review. Neurology International, 13(3), 387–401. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint13030038
Maslyanskaya, S., & Alderman, E. M. (2019). Confidentiality and consent in the care of the adolescent patient. Pediatrics in Review, 40(10), 508–516. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.2018-0040
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
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.