NURS 6512 Week 3 Discussion: Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children

In this Discussion, you will consider the validity and
reliability of different assessment tools and diagnostic tests. You will
explore issues such as sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative
predictive values. You will also consider examples of children with various
weight issues. You will explore how you could effectively gather information
and encourage parents and caregivers to be proactive about their children’s
health and weight.

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NURS 6512 Week 3 Discussion: Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children

Title: NURS 6512 Week 3 Discussion: Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children

The rising prevalence of obesity in children has become a major concern in healthcare. According to statistics, the prevalence of obesity in children 2-5 years is 12.7% and 20.7% in children aged between 6 and 11 years (CDC, 2022). Obesity puts children at risk of poor health outcomes in childhood and adulthood. According to Sanyaolu et al. (2019), children who are obese are likely to remain that way even in adulthood, putting them at risk of developing chronic conditions including stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, among other top ten leading causes of death in America. Hence, monitoring a child’s weight is essential in preventing potential obesity. In most cases, obesity is due to lifestyle and living conditions. In the chosen case study, an overweight five-year-old child has parents who are overweight and working all the time, which reveals a great deal of information regarding the child’s socioeconomic circumstances and risk factors for poor health outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the boy’s case and identify the risk factors he is exposed to owing to his surroundings and family lifestyle.

Health Issues and Risks

The child is overweight, which is of great concern because it puts the child at risk of obesity. Obesity is a risk factor for multiple conditions that impact a child’s functioning, growth and development, and overall well-being. Children with overweight and obesity issues are likely to develop sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, gallstones, liver problems and early puberty. In addition, being overweight or obese can also lead to low social competence in children. The likelihood of overweight or obese children being bullied is 63% greater than other children (Sanyaolu et al., 2019). Bullying has sociopsychological effects on children, including isolation, low self-esteem, poor body image, depression, suicide, and anxiety. In the case study, the child is only five years old, and experiences of bullying and its sociopsychological implications can negatively impact his growth and development.

Additionally, the boy’s weight indicates that he is not eating healthy foods and snacks physical activity. Indulging in high sugar content and processed foods more than healthy choices leads to being overweight. Since the parents are working almost all the time, they do not have time to prepare proper meals; hence rely on first food and soft drinks for meals. A lack of healthy meal options means that the boy does not get enough nutritional nutrients that he needs at his stage for proper growth and development (Dains et al., 2019). This puts him at risk of deficiencies and poor health outcomes because of low immunity that cannot sufficiently fight off pathogens causing diseases. For example, he can be susceptible to infections. Moreover, both parents are overweight, which points to the possibility of the overweight being a genetic issue. Nevertheless, whether genetic or not, being overweight puts the patient at risk of obesity and other health issues.

Additional Information

The child’s background suggests that he comes from a low socioeconomic background. Therefore, additional information would be focused on evaluating the child’s social determinants of health and other issues that impact weight. For example, information about the child’s eating habits and availability of basic needs, including healthy meal choices. This information will help to know what the child’s nutrition is like and whether it is the cause of his overweight. Additionally, information on the child’s physical activity will also be an essential part of the assessment (Srinath et al., 2019). For example, asking the child if they enjoy playing out with friends or if he spends most of his time in the house watching television and playing video games. If the child is living a sedentary lifestyle without engaging in physical play, it can contribute to their overweight. The living conditions also can impact the child’s health; for example, if they live in a place with a playing field or have no space for playing, it discourages physical activity while encouraging a sedentary lifestyle (Smith et al. 2020).

Health Risks

The child’s well-being and health are at stake because of being overweight. The first health risk is obesity. I would collect information by measuring the child’s weight and height and then calculating the BMI. Secondly, the child is at risk of developing one or more chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart problems. I would assess this information by asking about the child’s health, including recent hospitalizations, if any. The child may also be at risk of psychosocial development because being overweight affects interaction with peers. Hence, it does not give the child opportunity for proper psychosocial development. Further information would be collected by asking the parents about the child’s social life, interaction with other children, and emotional displays that might point to a problem (Ball et al., 2019).

The physical growth and development of the child are also a concern. For example, according to the development theories, at age five, a child is physically active and should demonstrate better coordination and balance. The boy’s low socioeconomic status is a risk factor for poor health outcomes; for example, unsafe and congested living conditions can lead to injury and infections (Ball et al., 2019). Further information would be gathered by asking about the child’s socioeconomic background. While doing the assessment and health interview, it is essential to observe confidentiality, privacy, and respect for the patient’s culture.

Specific Questions

Does your child have any health issues?

What kinds of meals do you prepare at home?

Do you earn enough to support the family’s needs, particularly the essential needs?

Where do you live?

How many people live in your household?

Does your child like to play and interact with other children?

Strategies for Promoting Healthy Weights

I will use the Health Promotion Model (HPM) to educate the parents and caregivers on the dangers of being overweight and the benefits of maintaining a healthy weight (Narzisi & Simons, 2021). Secondly, I would educate the parents on proper nutrition and suggest foods they can include in their child’s diet, such as plenty of fruits and vegetables, more grains, and less fast-food and processed foods. The parents will also be encouraged to limit snacks and substitute unhealthy snacks with healthy choices such as nuts. Another strategy is to educate the parents on the importance of physical education. If the parents adopt physical activity in their lifestyle, it will influence the child also to become more physically active and lose weight.

Conclusion

Statistics show that childhood obesity is rising, putting more children at risk of poor health outcomes. The child in this case study is a five-year-old boy who is overweight. Both parents are also overweight, and he spends time with his grandmother, as the parents are busy working. The child is at risk of developing obesity, which would make him susceptible to chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, and cancer. The boy presumably lives in a low-socioeconomic neighbourhood, further exposing him to negative health outcomes. To mitigate potential negative health risks, the parents must adjust the boy’s diet to incorporate foods with more nutritional value and avoid processed foods and soft drinks. Additionally, the family need lifestyle adjustment to adopt physical activity to help them maintain healthy weights.

 

References

Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

CDC. (2022, May 17). Childhood Obesity Facts: Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States. Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html#:~:text=Prevalence%20of%20Childhood%20Obesity%20in%20the%20United%20States&text=The%20prevalence%20of%20obesity%20was,to%2019%2Dyear%2Dolds.

Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2019). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

Narzisi, K., & Simons, J. (2021). Interventions that prevent or reduce obesity in children from birth to five years of age: A systematic review. Journal of Child Health Care, 25(2), 320–334. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367493520917863.

Sanyaolu, A., Okorie, C., Qi, X., Locke, J., & Rehman, S. (2019). Childhood and Adolescent Obesity in the United States: A Public Health Concern. Global Pediatric Health, https://doi.org/10.1177/2333794X19891305.

Smith, J. D., Fu, E., & Kobayashi, M. A. (2020). Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity and Its Psychological and Health Comorbidities. Annual review of clinical psychology, 16, 351–378. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-100219-060201.

Srinath, S., Jacob, P., Sharma, E., & Gautam, A. (2019). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Assessment of Children and Adolescents. Indian journal of psychiatry, 61(Suppl 2), 158–175. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_580_18.

Click here to ORDER an A++ paper from our Verified MASTERS and DOCTORATE WRITERS:NURS 6512 Week 3 Discussion: Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children

A Sample Answer 2 For the Assignment: NURS 6512 Week 3 Discussion: Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children

Title: NURS 6512 Week 3 Discussion: Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children

Introduction

Colorectal cancer, often known as colon cancer, is the third most common cancer in men and women. Fortunately, it is detectable and preventable with early screening approaches that may begin as early as age 45. To identify abnormalities in the colon, colonoscopy is the recommended form of colon cancer screening, a sort of imaging examination. The procedure is carried out by introducing a camera-equipped flexible tube into the anus and rectum. Cologuard, a less invasive and more convenient alternative to colonoscopy, has gained popularity. Cologuard’s usage has increased in popularity due to the COVID-19 epidemic, owing to its ease of administration. While the Cologuard screening has some advantages, it also has some disadvantages. A significant worry is its inaccuracy, making it not a substitute for a colonoscopy. This paper will cover the goal of the Cologuard test, how it is administered, the data obtained, and the test’s validity and reliability, among others.

Description of how Cologuard is used in Healthcare

            Cologuard is a rectal and colon cancer screening test. Each day, the colon loses cells from its lining. These cells move through the colon with the excrement. Specific genes in cancer cells may have undergone mutations. Cologuard is capable of detecting the changed DNA. The presence of abnormal cells or blood in faces may suggest the presence of cancer or precancerous tumors. Cologuard is designed to identify DNA markers associated with colorectal neoplasia and detect occult hemoglobin in human faces. A positive result might suggest the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC) or advanced adenoma and should be followed up with a diagnostic colonoscopy (Ned et al., 2011). Cologuard may be used by those with 45 years and above also having an average risk of getting colorectal cancer. Cologuard is not a substitute for colonoscopy monitoring or diagnostic colonoscopy in high-risk people. Colon cancer may be detected with Cologuard since the colon’s lining releases cells daily. These cells eventually end up in the feaces. The feaces may also include abnormal cells from a malignant tumor or precancerous polyp and blood from any ruptured blood vessels. Polyps are benign growths on the surface of the colon that have the potential to develop into cancer.

Cologuard’s instructions are straightforward, and the screening process is completed in a matter of minutes. The test should be completed within five days after obtaining the kit. After obtaining the kit, begin by removing all materials except those required for the sample. The sample of the stool should not exceed the size of the liquid bottle contained in the package. Attempting to avoid getting pee on the sample is critical. This may be accomplished by emptying the bladder first and avoiding contaminating the faces sample with toilet paper or other things. The sample should be obtained when a person knows he or she can return the sample within a day of collection (Ned et al., 2011). After that, the huge sample container is inserted into the toilet bracket using the included instructions. A fecal sample must be taken using the large sample container when one is on the toilet. It is important to remove a sample container from the toilet mount after collecting it, then set it on a flat surface. Place the scraped sample in a small test tube. Before labeling and sealing the tiny and big sample containers, apply the preservative to the larger container. Before delivering the sample to the lab, be sure to follow the included packing instructions to the letter. Cologuard is a stool test that detects DNA and hemoglobin (blood) produced by these aberrant cells.

Validity and Reliability Cologuard Test

Cologuard is a test intended to identify cancer, not prevent it (JAMA , 2014). Cologuard detects just 42% of big polyps, while a colonoscopy detects 95% of large polyps. When polyps are discovered during a colonoscopy, they are simultaneously removed. If polyps are found using Cologuard, they must be removed by colonoscopy. Cologuard cannot identify the majority of big precancerous polyps. This may give patients the erroneous impression that they avoid colon cancer by getting the Cologuard test. In a nutshell, there is no genuine substitute for a colonoscopy. Due to its astounding success rate in diagnosing colorectal cancer early on, the illness has become one of the most preventable types of cancer (Imperiale et al., 2014). While alternative tests, such as Cologuard, are available and may have some advantages, such as little preparation and invasiveness, the findings are less trustworthy. Individuals with abnormal results will still need a colonoscopy for confirmation.

Cologuard testing has several downsides, most notably accuracy, particularly when compared to a colonoscopy. Cologuard has an overall sensitivity of 95.2 percent for colon cancer (Exact Sciences, 2022). Additional studies revealed a sensitivity of 57.2 percent for all advanced precancerous lesions and 83.3 percent for high-grade dysplasia. Colonoscopy detects precancerous lesions and polyps more accurately than stool sample testing, according to Li (2018). Physicians prefer to send patients for colonoscopies rather than a stool test since false positives are more common. The major purpose of screening tests is to rule out illnesses like cancer; therefore, sensitivity is a critical consideration. Imperiale et al. (2014) argue that with an 87 percent overall specificity, the DNA test’s sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions was half that of colorectal cancer.

 

 References

Exact Sciences, (2022). Exact Sciences presents data showing improved accuracy of second-generation Cologuard® test and progress toward an even better colorectal cancer screening solution for patients. https://www.exactsciences.com/newsroom/exact-sciences-presents-data-showing-improved-accuracy-of-second-generation-cologuard-test

Imperiale, T. F., Ransohoff, D. F., Itzkowitz, S. H., Levin, T. R., Lavin, P., Lidgard, G. P., Ahlquist, D. A., & Berger, B. M. (2014). Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(14), 1287–1297.

Li, D. (2018). Recent advances in colorectal cancer screening. Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine, 4(03), 139–147.

Ned, R. M., Melillo, S., & Marrone, M. (2011). Fecal DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening: The ColoSure^TM test. PLoS Currents, 3.

A Stool DNA Test (Cologuard) for Colorectal Cancer Screening. (2014). JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 312(23), 2566. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.15746