NR 503 Week 6: Evaluation of an Epidemiological Disease or Problem
NR 503 Week 6: Evaluation of an Epidemiological Disease or Problem
The Evaluation of an Epidemiological Disease or Problem assignment is due by
Sunday, 11:59 p.m. MT at the end of Week 6. The guidelines and grading rubric are
located in the Course Resource section.
NR503 Week 6 Evaluation of Epidemiological Problem
NR503 Week 6 Evaluation of Epidemiological Problem
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomeIdentification
of the
problem/concern
10.0 pts
Exceptional-
Comprehensively
identifies the
problem/concern.
9.0 pts
Exceeds-
Adequately
identifies the
problem/concern.
8.0 pts
Meets- The reflection
addresses the pre-
determined program
outcome in a generic
manner without a
specific example of
exposure to or
achievement of the
outcome during this
course/clinical.
4.0 pts
Needs
Improvement-
Identification of
problem/concern
is unclear.
0.0 pts
Developing-
Identification of
problem/concern
is absent.
10.0 pts
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomeBackground
and significance of
the disease (includes
incidence or
prevalence statistics)
25.0 pts
Exceptional-
Background is
complete, presents
risks, disease impact
and includes a
review of incidence
and prevalence of
the disease within
the student’s local
area, state, and
nationally. Evidence
supports
background.
22.0 pts
Exceeds-
Background is
complete, presents
risk, disease
impact and at
least one set of
incidence and
prevalence
statistics are
presented and
supported by
evidence.
20.0 pts
Meets- Background
missing one or
more key points
and at least one set
of incidence and
prevalence
statistics are
presented. Lack of
evidence or limited
presentation of the
background.
10.0 pts
Needs Improvement-
Background missing
more than one key
point and at least one
set of incidence and
prevalence statistics
are presented, or
there is no supported
evidence. Unclear
conclusions or
presentation.
0.0 pts
Developing-
Background
and
significance of
the disease is
not provided.
25.0 pts
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomeCurrent
surveillance methods
25.0 pts
Exceptional-
Current local, state,
and national
disease surveillance
methods are
reviewed, currently
gathered types of
statistics, and
information on
whether the disease
is mandated for
reporting,
supported by
evidence.
22.0 pts
Exceeds- More
than one local,
state, and national
disease
surveillance
methods are
reviewed,
currently gathered
types of statistics,
and information on
whether the
disease is
mandated for
reporting,
supported by
evidence.
20.0 pts
Meets- One of
either local, state,
and national
disease
surveillance
methods are
reviewed,
currently gathered
types of statistics,
and information
on whether the
disease is
mandated for
reporting,
supported by
evidence.
10.0 pts
Needs Improvement-
One of either local,
state, and national
disease surveillance
methods are reviewed,
currently gathered
types of statistics, or
only information on
whether the disease is
mandated for reporting,
or evidence is lacking to
support this area.
Unclear conclusions or
presentation.
0.0 pts
Developing-
Local, state,
and national
disease
surveillance
methods were
not discussed.
25.0 pts
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomeDescriptive
epidemiological
analysis (includes
characteristics of the
at-risk population
and/or those affected
by the disease and
costs of the disease)
25.0 pts
Exceptional-
Comprehensive
review and analysis
of descriptive
epidemiological
points of the
identified disease
and population
most at risk,
supported by
scholarly evidence.
22.0 pts
Exceeds- Adequate
review with some
analysis of
descriptive
epidemiological
points of the
identified disease
and population
most at risk
supported by
scholarly evidence.
20.0 pts
Meets- Limited
review and
analysis of key
descriptive
epidemiological
points of the
identified disease
and at-risk
population.
10.0 pts
Needs
Improvement-
Minimal analysis
of key descriptive
epidemiological
points of the
identified disease
and at-risk
population.
0.0 pts
Developing- No
analysis of key
descriptive
epidemiological
points of the
identified disease
and at-risk
population is
provided.
25.0 pts
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomeScreening
and diagnosis
(includes review of
current guidelines for
screening and
diagnosis of the
disease. In-depth
review of statistics
one screening or
diagnostic test
provided)
25.0 pts
Exceptional-
Comprehensive review
of current guidelines
for screening,
diagnosis, and
statistics related to
validity, predictive
value, and reliability of
screening tests is
presented.
22.0 pts
Exceeds-
Adequate review
of guidelines for
screening,
diagnosis, and
statistics related
to validity,
predictive value,
and reliability of
screening tests is
presented.
20.0 pts
Meets- Limited
review of
guidelines for
screening,
diagnosis, and
statistics related
to validity,
predictive
value, and
reliability of
screening tests.
10.0 pts
Needs Improvement-
Minimal or unclear
review of guidelines
for screening,
diagnosis, and
statistics related to
validity, predictive
value, and reliability
of screening tests.
0.0 pts
Developing-
Review of
guidelines for
screening,
diagnosis, and
statistics related
to validity,
predictive value,
and reliability of
screening tests not
provided.
25.0 pts
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomePlan of
action (includes at
least three evidenced
based actions,
supported by
literature, that the
student will take in
their own practice and
how outcomes will be
25.0 pts
Exceptional – A
comprehensive plan of
action specific to the
student’s interests, the
problem, and the
geographic area is
presented with 3
evidenced based
actions that will be
taken to address the
impact, outcomes, or
prevalence of the
22.0 pts
Exceeds- An adequate,
but not fully
comprehensive, plan of
action specific to the
student’s interests, the
problem, and the
geographic area is
presented with 3
evidenced based actions
that will be taken to
address the impact,
outcomes, or
20.0 pts
Meets- A limited
plan of action
specific to the
student’s
interests, the
problem, and the
geographic area
is, outcomes, or
prevalence of the
disease. Three
actions are
presented with
10.0 pts
Needs
Improvement-
Actions are minimal
or unclear, or lack
specificity to
geographic area,
are not supported
directly by evidence
or are not direct
actions the student
can take in practice.
0.0 pts
Developing-
Plan of
action not
provided.
25.0 pts
measured) disease. prevalence of the
disease.
limited or little
evidence.
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomeConclusion
10.0 pts
Exceptional- The
conclusion
thoroughly, clearly,
succinctly, and
logically presents
major points of the
paper with clear
direction for action.
9.0 pts
Exceeds- The
conclusion
adequately and
logically presents
major points of the
paper with clear
direction for action,
but lacks one major
point or is not
succinct.
8.0 pts
Meets- The
conclusion is a
limited review of key
points of the paper,
is not succinct, or
lacks one or more
major points of the
paper or clear
direction for action.
4.0 pts
Needs
Improvement-
Conclusion is
unclear or
significantly limited
in overview of the
paper.
0.0 pts
Developing-
Conclusion
not provided.
10.0 pts
This criterion is
linked to a Learning
OutcomeGrammar,
Syntax, APA
5.0 pts
Exceptional- APA
format, grammar,
spelling, and/or
punctuation are
accurate, or with
zero to one errors.
4.0 pts
Exceeds- Two
to four errors
in APA format,
grammar,
spelling, and
syntax noted.
3.0 pts
Meets- Five to
seven errors in
APA format,
grammar,
spelling, and
syntax noted.
2.0 pts
Needs
Improvement- Eight
to nine errors in
APA format,
grammar, spelling,
and syntax noted.
0.0 pts
Developing- Post
contains greater than
ten errors in APA
format, grammar,
spelling, and/or
punctuation or
repeatedly makes the
same errors after
faculty feedback.
5.0 pts
Total Points: 150.0
PreviousNext
Submission
Submitted!
Aug 20 at 6:56pm (late)
Submission Details
Download The Impact of Arthritis Among Long-term Care Patients.docx
Grade: 123 (150 pts possible)
Graded Anonymously: no
View Rubric Evaluation
Comments:
Fride Thank you for your hard work on this assignment. I enjoyed reading your paper
about arthritis. Please see my comments above and in the graded paper.
Congratulations on completing your final assignment for the class. Dr. Anttila
Angela Anttila, Aug 23 at 12:45pm
-15 points (1 day late submission)
Angela Anttila, Aug 23 at 12:46pm
The Impact of Arthritis in the United States
Fride Wandji
NR503: Dr. Anttila
August 19, 2018
For most people, arthritis is a health condition associated with people over the age of 65.
The stiff, inflamed joints and nagging aches and pains are just seen as side effects of aging and
years of wear and tear on the body. While arthritis is a health condition that results from
inflammation of the joints and causes chronic pain, it is not just a health condition that affects
elderly people. Arthritis can develop in children, teenagers, even adults in their twenties and
thirties. As a long-term care nurse for over 15 years, my familiarity with the effects of arthritis in
patients living in long-term care (LTC) facilities settings is considerable. Residents suffering
from chronic arthritis find it extremely difficult to lift items, open doors, walk long distances,
and perform activities of daily living (ADL): bathing, getting dressed, using the toilet, eating,
transferring oneself to or from the bed or chair, or generally participating in activities that require
strength and flexibility. Millions of people suffering from arthritis do not live in LTC facilities,
so they do not have nursing assistance to help them with their ADLs or instrumental activities of
daily living (IADLs): housework, grocery shopping, driving, caring for pets, etc. On the other
hand, millions of arthritis sufferers are forced to give up their independence every year and move
into long-term care facilities as they find they are no longer able to perform normal daily
functions due to the pain and discomfort caused by their arthritis.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) reports that arthritis is the
predominant reason for disability in the United States and Georgia, affecting over 53 million
people across the nation (Bayakly, 2015). In 2013, one in four adults in Georgia, ranging in ages
from 18 to 85, were reported to have been diagnosed with arthritis by their primary care
physicians (Bayakly, 2015). With the average age of onset arthritis reported to be 47 years old,
cost-effective evidence-based strategies are needed to treat LTC patients suffering with arthritis
(Tavakoli, Akwara, Kish, 2018). This paper will examine the prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA)
and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and describe their backgrounds. The paper will also discuss
surveillance methods, provide an epidemiology analysis of OA and RA, and explain how they
are diagnosed. Lastly, this paper will reflect on what actions can be taken to address OA and RA
as a family nurse practitioner.
Background of arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes swelling, tenderness, and pain of the
joints. Arthritis may affect one joint and cause occasional discomfort, but it often times affects
multiple joints in the body and decreases mobility. People of all ages can develop arthritis;
however, their chances increase as they grow older. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (2018) report there are over 100 types of arthritis. The most prevalent cases of
arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). Other
commonly diagnosed forms of arthritis include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, knee osteoarthritis,
degenerative joint disease, fibromyalgia, and gout (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). OA occurs in
the joints when cartilage begins to break down; this may be the result of injury, aging, or overuse
of the joints (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis
and affects 30 million people or 60 percent of all diagnosed cases within the U.S. (CDC:
Arthritis basics, 2018) and for 70.9 percent of all cases in Georgia (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi,
2013). Furthermore, OA is the reason for 79 percent of hospitalizations among Georgia patients
65 years and older (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013). OA targets the neck, lower back, hands,
hips, and knees and worsens over time, resulting in permanent disability (PubMed Health, 2018).
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system
attacks the healthy cells in the connective tissue lining of the joints, causing damage and
inflammation to joints throughout the body (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). Rheumatoid arthritis
mainly attacks the synovial membrane soft tissue that lines the joints and leads to bone damage
(CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). RA causes chronic pain in the joint tissues of the hands, wrists,
and knees; as a result, the person may develop a lack of balance or a deformity of the hands.
Advanced RA may affect other tissues and cause health issues in organs such as the lungs and
heart (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). RA is the most diagnosed autoimmune inflammatory
arthritis in adults, affecting about 1 percent of U.S. general population and accounting for 0.7
percent of hospitalizations among Georgia patients ages 35 – 65 and over (Martyn, Bayakly, &
Bagchi, 2013). RA is often misdiagnosed or mistaken for other disorders (Martyn, Bayakly, &
Bagchi, 2013). The burden that OA, RA and other forms of arthritis places on arthritis sufferers
is significant as it leads to a lower quality of life. Due to physical limitations and difficulty of
staying healthy, arthritis sufferers find it increasingly difficult to work or participate in social or
familial activities.
Signs and symptoms
The overall symptoms of OA are aching pain, stiffness in affected areas, decreased range
of motion, and joint swelling. The general symptoms of RA include pain, stiffness, weakness,
tenderness, and swelling of the joints. Accompanying systemic symptoms for RA are weight
loss, fever, fatigue, eye inflammation, anemia, pleurisy, and subcutaneous nodules (PubMed
Health, 2018). When RA symptoms worsen, they are called flare-ups; when symptoms do not
appear, they are said to be in remission (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). Risk factors associated
with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are multifactorial and include familial, individual, or
behavioral causes (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013). Hereditary risk factors are genetic
mutations that increase the risk of RA or OA; individual risk factors include aging, being female,
and being White; behavioral risk factors are joint injuries sustained during an activity, repetitive
motion characteristic of certain jobs, long-term infections, and obesity (Martyn, Bayakly, &
Bagchi, 2013). In terms of the effect of RA and OA on patients in long-term care, the ability of
these arthritic conditions to debilitate the body has adverse mental effects. Affected residents
often experience feelings of fear, helplessness and anxiety, which lead to depression and
increased stress levels. Many patients with RA suffer from comorbidity
Incidence/Prevalence statistics
Of the 1.7 million adult Georgians who report having been diagnosed with arthritis,
76,000 report they are disabled (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013). Among racial and ethnic
groups diagnosed with arthritis, the most affected group is White non-Hispanic at 69 percent
(Ibid.). RA and OA are most prevalent among women at 59 percent (Ibid.). Women are 30
percent more likely to report symptoms of arthritis than men at 22 percent (Ibid.). Among racial
and ethnic groups, White non-Hispanic females are most likely to report arthritis symptoms at 32
percent, followed by White non-Hispanic males at 25 percent, Black non-Hispanic females at a
26 percent, and Black non-Hispanic males at 20 percent (Ibid.). Georgians 65 years and older
report arthritis symptoms at 57 percent while Georgians ages 18 to 24 years old only report at 4
percent (Ibid.). Among Georgia adults diagnosed with arthritis, 58 percent were still employed,
10 percent had retired, and 18 percent were totally disabled and unable to work (Ibid.).
On average, 24,360 Georgia residents are hospitalized every year due to arthritis
complications (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013). Of the Georgia adults who have health
insurance, 28 seek medical attention for arthritis; 18 percent of Georgia adults without health
insurance seek medical attention for arthritis symptoms (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013).
The rate of hospitalizations was highest among women at 58 percent , Whites at 77 percent, and
patients 55 years and older at 77 percent (Ibid.). Per year, an average of 2,084 Georgians dies
from arthritis or health issues linked to arthritis (Ibid.). Of these deaths, 66 percent occurred
among females, 66 percent occurred among Whites, and 61 percent among people age 65 years
or older (Ibid.). The prevalence of arthritis is drastically lower in metro-Atlanta county health
districts: the lowest numbers reveal Clayton County at 16.7 percent, DeKalb County at 17.6
percent, and Fulton County at 20 percent (Ibid.). The prevalence of arthritis is higher outside of
metro-Atlanta counties: the cities with the highest incidences are Dublin at 32.8 percent, Albany
at 31.2 percent, Augusta at 31.2 percent, Waycross at 31.1 percent, and North Georgia health
districts at 31.1 percent (Ibid.).
Figure 2: Georgia public health district arthritis comparison.
Prevalence of Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis
Top 5 Georgia Public Health District
Waycross 36.5 %
Rome 32.6 %
Albany 32 %
Dublin 30.8 %
Valdosta 30.6 %
Figure 1. Percentage of Georgia residents with arthritis by race/sex.
Retrieved from https://dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/Arthritis%20Burden%20Report_2013.pdf
Retrieved from https://dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/Arthritis%20Burden%20Report_2013.pdf
On a national scale 22.7 percent (54.4 million people) of the population has been
diagnosed with arthritis, and 21 million of these sufferers complain they are disabled due to their
arthritis (CDC: Arthritis related statistics, 2018). 7.1 percent of people between the ages of 18 to
44 report they have been diagnosed with arthritis; 29.3 percent of people between the ages of 45
to 64 report arthritis; 49.6 percent of people age 65 and older have reported doctor-diagnosed
arthritis (Ibid.). 26 percent of the women and 19.1 percent of men in the U.S. report doctor-
diagnosed arthritis (Ibid.). Out of the 54.4 million people to be diagnosed with arthritis, 4.4
million are Hispanics, 41.3 million are non-Hispanic Whites, 6.1 are non-Hispanic Blacks, and
1.5 are non-Hispanic Asians (Ibid.). By 2040, 78 million or 26 percent of the adult U.S.
population is projected to be diagnosed with some form of arthritis (Ibid.).
Current surveillance methods
Figure 3. Projected prevalence of arthritis in U.S. adults. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-
stats.htm
The CDC (2018) suggests the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is
the most reliable resource for accessing state-specific arthritis prevalence statistics. The BRFSS
survey system is based in every state, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories (CDC:
State statistics, 2018). The system randomly dials individuals aged 18 years or older who have a
registered phone number (CDC: State statistics, 2018). The BRFSS system has been collecting
arthritis data from since 1996 (Ibid). The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
provides an arthritis surveillance summary that explains the differences between each type of
arthritis and the impact arthritis has at the state and local levels (Ibid.). The CDC (2018) also
recommends self-reporting methods to estimate the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
Researchers should consider individuals to have self-reported, if they ever responded “yes” to the
following question found in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the state-based
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): “Have you been informed by a physician
or other healthcare professional that you have some form of arthritis?” (Ibid.). For public health
surveillance, the CDC has coordinated with the National Arthritis Data Workgroup to administer
the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to identify people in every U.S. state and territory
with at least one of the 100 diseases that fall under arthritis conditions (Ibid.). The Georgia
Department of Public Health relies on the information collected by the CDC, BRFSS, and
minimum data set (MDS) nurses in public and private healthcare facilities to compile its state
numbers on arthritis (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013).
Epidemiology analysis
Nationwide, approximately 54 million people report having been diagnosed with
arthritis.. Risk factors are multifactorial, with old age, being White and female as the main
factors. OA affects over 30 million adults; research suggests wear and tear plays a large role in
its diagnosis. RA affects a little over one percent of the national population; research suggests
that behavioral and genetic factors play a role in its diagnosis. Women develop arthritis more
than men, especially after age 50 with a significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence in women
at 23.5 percent than in men at 18.1 percent. Inactive adults have a higher prevalence of arthritis
conditions at 23.6 percent than adults who report they are active at 18.1 percent. In Georgia, 26
percent of the population suffers from some form of arthritis. White non-Hispanics report doctor-
diagnosed arthritis at 29 percent, which is more than any other racial/ethnic group in the state.
Georgians 65 years are more prone to doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Cobb-Douglas County has
reported to date the lowest prevalence of arthritis at 18.4 percent. The population most affected is
White women over the age of 65.
Incidence of RA in women is lower among women who take oral contraceptives
compared with women who have never taken oral contraceptives or those who have stopped
taking oral contraceptives (Tavakoli, Akwara, & Kish, 2018). Research shows that female
subfertility increases RA in women (Tavakoli, Akwara, & Kish, 2018). Women who breastfeed
and women who go through a postpartum period after a first pregnancy are at greater risk of RA
(Ibid.). Environmental factors such as viral and bacterial infections increase the chance of RA in
men and women (Ibid.). Men and women who smoke cigarettes increase their risk of RA (Ibid.).
Over 15 percent of female in-home nursing assistance insurance claims are due to arthritis
(Ibid.). The numbers show that 10 percent of nursing home residents receiving benefits for
arthritis or arthritis related conditions are women over age 50 diagnosed with arthritis (Ibid.).
In 2013, the national arthritis medical care costs and earnings losses totaled $303.5
billion; attributable lost wages amounted to $164 billion (CDC: Cost statistics, 2018). The direct
total cost per adult in national arthritis medical amounted to $2,117 (CDC: Cost statistics, 2018).
OA is the second most costly hospitalized health conditions among U.S. residents, accounting for
$16.5 billion of the combined costs for hospitalizations and $6.2 billion in hospital costs for
privately insured patients (CDC: Cost statistics, 2018). Adults with arthritis bring home $4,040
less pay compared to adults without arthritis due to taking days off to recuperate from symptoms
(CDC: Cost statistics, 2018). The State of Georgia estimates it loses over $2.4 billion in direct
costs and $1.5 billion in indirect costs treating patients with arthritis conditions (Martyn,
Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013).
Diagnosis and Screening and Prevention
To diagnose arthritis, a doctor will ask about symptoms then perform a physical
examination to detect swollen joints or loss of range of motion (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi,
2013). To distinguish the type of arthritis the doctor will order blood tests and X-rays (Ibid.).
Doctors’ evaluations may include questions about symptoms, current and past health issues,
health habits, and family medical history (Martyn, Bayakly, & Bagchi, 2013). Doctors will
conduct a hands-on joint evaluation; depending on the findings, the doctor may order lab or
imaging tests (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). The primary care doctor may refer the patient to a
rheumatologist for a more comprehensive assessment (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). If
necessary, the rheumatologist may make a referral for an orthopaedist who will determine if
surgery is needed (CDC: Arthritis basics, 2018). To date there are no specific screening tests for
arthritis (Ibid.). Early diagnosis has been determined to be the best screening method to detect
arthritis (Ibid.). The National Arthritis Action Plan is a public health strategy headed by the
CDC and the Arthritis Foundation to combine efforts with other health organization to educate
the public about arthritis and self-management goals (Ibid.).
Since there is a lack of data about the sensitivity, specificity, and costs factor of tests used
to diagnose arthritis, more specifically rheumatoid arthritis, a five-year study was conducted to
compare the following tests: B-cell gene expression, MRI, IL-6 serum level, and genetic assay
(Busiman et al., 2016). The results of the study revealed, the B-cell exam was the overall best
test when doctors used it as an additional test to confirm early diagnosis and as an overall
diagnostic replacement in at-risk patients (Busiman et al., 2016). The following numbers show
the B-cell test has better health outcomes, one of the lowest cost values, and high prevention
value: B-cell gene expression test sensitivity reads 0.60, specificity reads 0.90, costs on average
is $170—which means the test is not that sensitive to false positive results, it’s about 90 percent
accurate, and is affordable without insurance (Busiman et al., 2016).
Nurse practitioner implementation plan and conclusion
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and Georgia. There are 100
different types of arthritis that affect people of all ages and backgrounds. OA and RA are the
most common types of arthritis, and women are affected more than men. After I graduate, I will
use my knowledge of arthritis and its management to develop a fall prevention strategy for LTC
patients. My program will involve a risk assessment for patients who walk with gaits or who
have been noted to have balance difficulties or a history of falling. The assessment will involve
muscle evaluation for weakness, an orthostatic hypotension check, a full examination of the feet,
and a replacement of inefficient and unsafe footwear. The assessment will evaluate the patient’s
ADL capabilities and use of mobility aids. I will also give patients a questionnaire about fears,
falling, exercise, medication, and health goals. This information will make a difference in how
interventions and treatment plans are executed.
Since arthritis is characterized by pain, stiffness and inflammation in affected joints,
nurse practitioners play a pivotal role in both the early detection of arthritis symptoms in at risk
patients and the pain management of patients with chronic arthritis. The first action I will take is
getting involved in arthritis community programs that educate the general public about non-
pharmaceutical pain management methods. Addiction to pain medication has become a national
concern, and arthritis patients who become addicted to pain medications will only make their
health conditions worse. Next, I will address the physical, psychological and social needs of the
patient by asking questions during patient check-ups about each of these areas then by providing
resources to help resolve any concerns. My goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life, so I
will focus on a holistic approach to alleviating arthritis symptoms that involves a manageable
diet and exercise regimen, participation in a social or spiritual activity, and shared decision
making about treatment options.
References
Bayakly, A. R. (2015). Burden of Chronic Disease in Georgia. Retrieved from Georgia
Department of Public Health website:
https://dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Chronic%20Disease%20Burden_Ran
a_8.13.15.pdf
Buisman, L. R., Luime, J. J., Oppe, M., Hazes, J. M. W., & Rutten-van Mölken, M. P. M. H.
(2016). A five-year model to assess the early cost-effectiveness of new diagnostic tests in
the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 18, 135.
http://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-016-1020-3
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018, February 21). Arthritis basics.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018, August 1). Arthritis-related
statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis-related-
stats.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018, July 18). Arthritis: State statistics.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/state-data-current.htm
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2018, July 18). State statistics. Retrieved
from https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/state-data-current.htm
Martyn, A., Bayakly, A. R., & Bagchi, S. (2013). Georgia Arthritis Burden Report. Retrieved
from Georgia Department of Public Health (Epidemiology Program) website:
https://dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/Arthritis%20B
urden%20Report_2013.pdf
PubMed Health. (2018). Arthritis. Retrieved from NIH – National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024677/
Tavakoli, N., Akwara, C., & Kish, P. (2018). Considerations in the management of rheumatoid
arthritis among older adults in long-term care. Annals of Long Term Care, 26(4), 18-23.
Retrieved from DOI: 10.25270/altc.2018.08.00035
Grading Rubric Guidelines
| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Scholarliness
Demonstrates achievement of scholarly inquiry for professional and academic decisions. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Application of Course Knowledge –
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles and concepts learned in the course lesson and outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations |
|
|
|
|
|
| Performance Category | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Interactive Dialogue
Replies to each graded thread topic posted by the course instructor, by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT, of each week, and posts a minimum of two times in each graded thread, on separate days. (5 points possible per graded thread) |
|
Summarizes what was learned from the lesson, readings, and other student posts for the week. |
|
|
|
| Minus 1 Point | Minus 2 Point | Minus 3 Point | Minus 4 Point | Minus 5 Point | |
| Grammar, Syntax, APA
Note: if there are only a few errors in these criteria, please note this for the student in as an area for improvement. If the student does not make the needed corrections in upcoming weeks, then points should be deducted. Points deducted for improper grammar, syntax and APA style of writing. The source of information is the APA Manual 6th Edition |
|
|
|
|
|
| 0 points lost | -5 points lost | ||||
| Total Participation Requirements
per discussion thread |
The student answers the threaded discussion question or topic on one day and posts a second response on another day. | The student does not meet the minimum requirement of two postings on two different days | |||
| Early Participation Requirement
per discussion thread |
The student must provide a substantive answer to the graded discussion question(s) or topic(s), posted by the course instructor (not a response to a peer), by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT of each week. | The student does not meet the requirement of a substantive response to the stated question or topic by Wednesday at 11:59 pm MT. |
Read Also: NR 503 Week 5: Infectious Disease Paper