Neurologic Function Case Study 

Pain and Neurologic Syndromes

  

Instructions  

For this case study, you will create a case related to the Neurological Functions.

  

Download this document, type your answers, and include references (including in-text citations per item). Then, upload it to this assignment page.  

  

Neurological Function 

 

Part 1:

Compare and contrast the 3 conditions in

one
of the charts below: 

PAIN SYNDROME
	Migraine Headaches	Tension Headaches	Meningitis
Risk Factors
Pathophysiology
Clinical Manifestations

 

OR

NEUROLOGIC SYNDROME
	Dementia	Depression	Anxiety
Risk Factors
Pathophysiology
Clinical Manifestations

Part 2:

Choose a
pain or
neurologic syndrome to explore. You can also choose a diagnosis not listed (that coincides with your advanced practice specialty) as long as it relates to the neurological function.

Present a hypothetical case that includes the following:

1. Vital information about a person who might be predisposed to this condition (I.e., a person who may have risk factors for this condition). 

2. The pathophysiology of the disease, including clinical manifestations.

3. Which diagnostic tests you’d recommend and a rationale for the one(s) you choose.

4. How this condition compares to other differentials.

5. The evidence-based recommendations from the

AHRQ Guidelines
or guidelines recommended from a professional organization. Based on these recommendations, discuss how  to manage the condition best.

6. A patient safety issue that could be associated with the condition presented in this case.

These charts may help in organizing information to answer the narrative questions: 

Name of Condition:
Risk factors
Pathophysiology
Clinical manifestations
Additional details (optional):
Differential Diagnoses (See chart below)
What makes this diagnosis unique from other differentials?
Guidelines and recommendations for condition management
Potential related safety issues

 

 

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS CHART

	Condition	Differential 1	Differential 2	Differential 3
Risk factors
Pathophysiology
Clinical manifestations
Additional details (optional):
Unique characteristics

 

 

The Case:

THE ROLE OF THE RN/APRN IN POLICY EVALUATION

In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?

Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and polices than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?

In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. 

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

• In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
• Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 9

Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you.

Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described.

Post an evaluation topic and a brief description of the evaluation. Discuss how social determinants impact this issue.

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 9

Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.

  

Intra and Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Practice

   

       Makhanu 

  

       John Green’s case presents several socioeconomic, spiritual,  lifestyle, and cultural factors that should be considered when  interacting with him as a healthcare provider.

1. Gender Identity and Transition: John identifies as a  male but was assigned female at birth. Understanding his gender  identity and history of transitioning is crucial for providing sensitive  and appropriate care (Coleman, 2019). Questions might include:
   • Could you please share more about your gender transition journey and any specific healthcare needs related to it?
   • Are there any gender-specific health concerns or challenges you’d like to discuss?
2. Unemployment and Financial Situation: John is  currently unemployed and has concerns about being a burden on his  family. Exploring his financial situation, any potential stressors  related to unemployment, and his support system is important (Coleman,  2019). Questions could include:
   • Can you tell me more about your current employment situation and any financial stress you might be experiencing?
   • Do you have a support network that you can rely on during this period of unemployment?
3. Substance Use: John’s smoking and marijuana use can  have a significant impact on his health. It’s important to assess the  frequency and quantity of use and discuss potential health risks  associated with these behaviors. Questions might include:
   • Can you share more about your smoking habits, including when you started and how many cigarettes you smoke daily?
   • Tell me about your marijuana use. How often do you use it, and in what quantities?
4. Depression: John mentions experiencing episodes of  depression. Exploring the severity, triggers, and coping mechanisms  related to his depression is important for providing mental health  support. Questions could include:
   • Could you describe your experiences with depression, including when it started and how it affects your daily life?
   • Have you sought any mental health support or counseling for your depression?
5. HIV Status and Medication: Understanding John’s HIV  status, treatment regimen, and adherence is critical for assessing his  overall health (CDC,2020). Questions might include:
   • Can you provide more information about your HIV diagnosis, including how you’re managing it?
   • How has your experience with HIV treatment been, and have you encountered any challenges or side effects?
6. Social Support and Family Dynamics: John has moved  back home with his parents. Exploring his relationship with his family  and the impact of this living arrangement on his mental and emotional  well-being is essential. Questions could include:
   • How is your relationship with your family, especially since you moved back home?
   • Are there any specific challenges or stressors related to living with your parents that you’d like to discuss?
7. Spiritual and Cultural Beliefs: Assessing John’s  spiritual and cultural beliefs can help tailor care to his preferences  (Young             et al.,2016). Questions might include:
   • Do you have any spiritual or cultural practices that are important  to you, and would you like them to be incorporated into your healthcare?
8. Access to Healthcare: John mentions obtaining  testosterone online and receiving HIV medication by mail. Understanding  his access to healthcare and the reliability of these sources is crucial  (Ball et al., 2023). Questions could include:
   • How have you been obtaining your medications, and do you have concerns about their source or quality?
   • Have you faced any barriers to accessing healthcare, such as cost or transportation?

Sensitivity to John’s unique experiences and challenges related to  his gender identity, unemployment, substance use, mental health, and HIV  status is essential to providing patient-centered care. Building  rapport and trust through open and non-judgmental communication is key  to addressing his healthcare needs effectively.