Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning

NURS 6512: Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning | Week 11 essay assignment

For this assignment, I will be discussing scenario 4: A single mother has accompanied her two daughters, aged 15 and 13, to a women’s health clinic and has requested that the girls receive a pelvic examination and be put on birth control. The girls have consented to the exam but seem unsettled.

As an advanced practice nurse, it is important to obtain necessary information about the patient through health assessments and diagnostic tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate care. In this scenario, some necessary information that may need to be obtained could include the girls’ medical histories, current health status, and any concerns or questions they may have about the pelvic examination and birth control. It may also be helpful to assess the girls’ understanding of and attitudes towards sexual health and reproductive rights.

In terms of responding to the scenario as an advanced practice nurse, it is important to consider the evidence-based practice guidelines and ethical considerations applicable to this situation. One key ethical principle that applies in this case is respect for autonomy, which means that the girls have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and healthcare. In this case, the girls have consented to the examination, so it is important to respect their autonomy and ensure that they fully understand the procedure and the potential risks and benefits of birth control.

Additionally, it is important to consider the principle of non-maleficence, which means avoiding harm to the patient. In this case, it may be necessary to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the pelvic examination and birth control in order to ensure that the girls’ health and well-being are protected. This may involve discussing alternative options or seeking additional guidance from colleagues or specialists.

To support my response, I would reference current evidence-based literature such as the World Health Organization’s guidelines on adolescent reproductive health and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on adolescent preventive services. These guidelines provide recommendations on how to address the healthcare needs and rights of adolescents, including the importance of respecting their autonomy and ensuring that they receive appropriate care.

Overall, as an advanced practice nurse, it is important to consider the evidence-based practice guidelines and ethical considerations applicable to a given scenario in order to provide the best possible care for patients. In this case, it is important to respect the girls’ autonomy and ensure that their health and well-being are protected while providing them with the necessary information and support to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

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