Child Health Case
17 year old normal weight female high school student with anxiety who lives in a dorm with her normal weight roommate who has depression.
When seeking to identify a patient’s health condition, advanced practice nurses can use a diverse selection of diagnostic tests and assessment tools; however, different factors affect the validity and reliability of the results produced by these tests or tools. Nurses must be aware of these factors in order to select the most appropriate test or tool and to accurately interpret the results.
Not only do these diagnostic tests affect adults, body measurements can provide a general picture of whether a child is receiving adequate nutrition or is at risk for health issues. These data, however, are just one aspect to be considered. Lifestyle, family history, and culture—among other factors—are also relevant. That said, gathering and communicating this information can be a delicate process.
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.
Based on the risks you might identify consider what further information you would need to gain a full understanding of the child’s health. Think about how you could gather this information in a sensitive fashion.
Consider how you could encourage parents or caregivers to be proactive toward the child’s health.
An explanation of the health issues and risks that are relevant to the child you were assigned.
Describe additional information you would need in order to further assess his or her weight-related health.
Identify and describe any risks and consider what further information you would need to gain a full understanding of the child’s health. Think about how you could gather this information in a sensitive fashion.
Taking into account the parents’ and caregivers’ potential sensitivities, list at least three specific questions you would ask about the child to gather more information.
Sample Solution
Patient: 17-year-old female high school student, normal weight
Living Situation: Lives in a dorm with her roommate who has depression
Concerns: Potential for anxiety and depression to negatively impact health and well-being
Possible Health Issues and Risks:
Full Answer Section
- Anxiety: Anxiety can lead to various physical and mental health problems, including:
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested
- Changes in appetite: Increased or decreased appetite, leading to weight fluctuations
- Gastrointestinal problems: Stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea
- Headaches and fatigue
- Muscle tension and pain
- Social isolation and withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks
- Increased risk of substance abuse and suicidal ideation
- Depression: Depression can also manifest through various physical and mental health symptoms, including:
- Persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Fatigue and decreased energy levels
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Living with a roommate with depression: Witnessing a roommate's depression may exacerbate the student's own anxiety and increase her risk of developing depression. Additionally, the roommate's depression may impact the overall dorm environment, making it more challenging to maintain healthy habits.
Additional Information Needed:
- Detailed medical history: This includes information about any current or past medical conditions, medications, allergies, and immunizations.
- Family history of mental health disorders: Knowing if there is a family history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions can help to assess the patient's risk.
- Dietary habits: Assessing the student's typical daily intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can identify potential nutritional deficiencies or unhealthy eating patterns.
- Physical activity level: Understanding how much and what type of physical activity the student engages in can help determine if she meets the recommended guidelines for her age group.
- Sleep patterns: Evaluating the student's sleep quality and duration can identify potential sleep disturbances related to anxiety or depression.
- Coping mechanisms: Assessing how the student copes with stress and anxiety can help determine if she has healthy coping mechanisms in place.
- Social support network: Understanding who the student has for social support can help to assess if she has a strong support system in place to help her manage her emotions.
- Academic performance: Changes in academic performance may be a sign of underlying emotional distress.
- Living situation: Obtaining more information about the dorm environment, roommate dynamics, and access to resources can help identify potential challenges and opportunities.
Gathering Information in a Sensitive Fashion:
- Open and non-judgmental communication: Creating a safe and trusting environment where the student feels comfortable sharing her thoughts and feelings is crucial.
- Active listening skills: Paying close attention to the student's verbal and nonverbal cues and asking clarifying questions to fully understand her experience.
- Empathy and compassion: Showing understanding and support can help to reduce the student's anxiety and encourage her to be open about her concerns.
- Collaborative approach: Working together with the student to develop a plan to address her anxiety and promote her overall well-being.
- Utilizing standardized screening tools: Assessing for anxiety and depression using validated tools can provide objective data to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Encouraging Parents/Caregivers to be Proactive:
- Providing education: Sharing information about anxiety and depression, their symptoms, and treatment options can empower parents/caregivers to better understand and support their child.
- Addressing concerns: Offering a safe space for parents/caregivers to express their worries and concerns without judgment.
- Connecting them to resources: Providing information about support groups, therapy options, and other relevant resources can help parents/caregivers find additional support.
- Developing a collaborative plan: Working together with parents/caregivers to create a plan to manage the student's anxiety and depression at home and in the dorm setting.
- Celebrating successes: Recognizing and celebrating the student's progress can motivate her to continue working towards her goals.
Specific Questions for Parents/Caregivers:
- Has your child ever been diagnosed with anxiety or depression?
- Have you noticed any changes in your child's behavior, mood, or sleep patterns?
- What are some things your child enjoys doing?
- What types of supports do you have in place for your child?
- **What are your concerns regarding your child