Reflective Discussion
Please fallow instruction. I need you to write a reflective Discussion, I need it in APA format with at least 5 references no older than 5 years.
Over the past ten weeks, you have studied a wide range of topics in the field of adult health and gerontology. Write a brief reflection that explains how this course has helped you meet the program objective.
Reflect on the course competencies and explain how the concepts you learned helped you prepare for the transition from your current role to the one you hope to have upon graduation.
To support your work, use your text readings and the text reading in the school Library. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.
Information about the course
Title: Reflective Discussion
Name of class: Adult Gerontology
Course length of time: 10 weeks
Clinical hours or Practicum required for the course minimum of 180 clinical hours
Objective of the Course Name
In this course the student analyzes and provides in depth care of alterations in adult health in non-acute, community-office-outpatient clinic settings. Patient management will be focused upon evidence based practice and the nursing process. A minimum of 180 clinical hours are required for completion of this course.
10 weeks Course overview /Course Summary
Week 1: In Week 1, we reviewed diagnostic reasoning and emphasized the importance of gathering both subjective and objective information when working toward a diagnosis. The roles genetics and immunology play in overall health were explored. We also learned about the aging process and the diseases associated with it. We also had a look at primary disease prevention, geriatric assessment, and prescribing for the geriatric population.
Week 2: In Week 2, we investigated the head: eyes, ears, nose, and throat. It became obvious that with a complaint in any of these areas, all the areas and both sides of each organ should be assessed. As this area is a major area of complaints, many differential diagnoses were discussed.
Week 3: In Week 3, we covered diagnoses and treatments of pulmonary disorders. Assessing the function of the respiratory system on every visit is vital, as lower respiratory diseases are attributed to the fourth leading cause of death.
Week 4: In Week 4, we covered the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States; in fact, cardiovascular diseases were responsible for half of the female deaths in the year 2006.
Week 5: In Week 5, we covered GI diseases. Abdominal pain is one of the top complaints seen in primary care, and knowing the differentials for this complaint will improve patient outcomes.
Week 6: In Week 6, we reviewed genitourinary diseases and male reproductive issues. Asking the questions related these issues is emphasized as sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases are difficult subjects for many patients to bring up.
Week 7: In Week 7, we discussed the very difficult topic of dermatology. Experience, more than anything else, will help you to start identifying the various lesions of the skin. A skin exam with every physical exam while teaching the patient to complete skin examinations will decrease the mortality associated with metastatic skin cancers.
Week 8: In Week 8, we covered the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system covers large portions of complaints that are seen in primary care, and therefore, the best approach is an analytical one. You should conduct the interview in an organized manner. Start with location and onset; followed by quantity and quality, location, or radiation of the pain; then alleviating or exacerbating factors; and, finally, the associated symptoms.
Week 9: In Week 9, we emphasized the recognition of neurological problems in those that are at risk. Early recognition and treatment can preserve functioning and ultimately save lives.
Week 10: In Week 10, we covered the endocrine system. The endocrine system consists of eight glands that are responsible for metabolism, growth and development, mood, sexual function, and reproduction. Although diabetes is the most common example of an endocrine system problem, a problem with any endocrine gland can cause symptoms that must be recognized and potentially treated.
Practicum Expectations
Students must complete 180 direct patient contact hours for the program for each practicum course. This must be documented and will be verified by faculty at the end of the session.
Direct patient contact hours are care that involves assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of real patients including consultation. Direct care must be provided in the population-focused areas of practice in primary care.