NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion

Chamberlain University NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion– Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Chamberlain University  NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion  assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion                        

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Chamberlain University  NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion  depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion                        

The introduction for the Chamberlain University  NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion      is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion                        

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion      assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion                        

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion                        

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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Sample Answer for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion

By 2035, it is projected that the number of older persons in the United States will surpass the number of children and young adults, as around 10,000 individuals reach the age of 65 each day (Kennedy‐Malone & LaManna, 2023). The greying of America necessitates an increased need for healthcare personnel capable of aiding the elderly population in coping with the persistent ailments and functional impairments associated with the aging process. The objective of this discussion is to facilitate the professional development of nurse practitioners in their role of ensuring the safety of older patients within their present living conditions.

Assessment

Two evaluations that may be used to ascertain the safety of clients in their present living surroundings are the Home Safety Self-Assessment for Older Adults and the Katz Independence in Activities of Daily Living (Zonsius et al., 2019). Utilizing the Home Safety Self-Assessment, one can ascertain whether a patient’s present living environment is secure. This process facilitates the identification of potential dangers and enables the implementation of modifications and suggestions to enhance their level of safety. Compiling a comprehensive inventory of potential dangers inside the patient’s residence, such as slick flooring, loose carpets, or exposed cables, might facilitate the establishment of a more secure domestic setting. The Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living is a useful tool for assessing the functional capabilities of older individuals. This assessment may assist us in ensuring that dependent elderly individuals get the necessary assistance in their homes. This includes questions on grooming, eating, using the restroom, transferring, bathing, and continence. Subsequently, the patient is asked to indicate whether they can carry out these tasks alone or with assistance, and their cumulative score is calculated at the conclusion.

Additional Assistance Or A Transition In The Care Environment

Indicators of the client’s need for further support include recurrent falls, inadequate cleanliness, inability to manage medicines, cognitive impairment, and unintended weight loss. When we see signs of forgetfulness or memory loss, we may use cognitive tests and instruments like BCAT to measure the extent of the condition’s severity (Zonsius et al., 2019). I have seen a lot of usage of this instrument in assisted living and memory care environments to assess whether a patient needs to be in one of these facilities. Another method for detecting cognitive impairment is the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

NP’s Role

During a patient’s and their family’s transition of care, a nurse practitioner’s job is to make sure that treatment is easily available and to help cut down on unnecessary trips to the emergency department and hospitalizations. The nurse practitioner encourages compliance with the treatment plan established by the patient, nurse practitioner, and family. Liu et al. (2021) state that their services include medication reconciliation, barrier identification, enhancement of overall health, and referral of patients to community resources. The ultimate objective is to enhance patient health and diminish healthcare expenses.

Referrals

When discussing the transfer of a patient to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility, the necessary recommendations would typically include a social worker, physical therapist, and case manager. If it is judged that rehabilitation or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) is necessary, the social worker will help in organizing the placement for the individual. Physical therapists would provide their assessment on areas where the patient might improve after being discharged from the hospital. Prior to hospital release, the patient’s requirements would be evaluated by the case manager. Another instance is when the patient is undergoing a transition to hospice care, in which case the main referral would be for hospice care. The NP must make all necessary orders, add any necessary information, and ensure the patient is ready for the transition (Liu et al., 2021). The nurse practitioner facilitates the participation of all members of the multidisciplinary team and minimizes the likelihood of any conflicts or disagreements.

Resources/Conclusion

Two services that are accessible for older clients with little means in my targeted practice region are Helping Hands Senior Care and visiting nurse organizations. The visiting nurse association offers a range of services to patients at their homes, therefore reducing the need for frequent visits to the doctor. The nurse may evaluate the patient’s condition at home and decide whether a visit to the doctor is necessary while also communicating with the healthcare provider.  Assistance Elderly care services include 24-hour live-in assistance, food preparation, bathing, laundry, and housekeeping (Kennedy-Malone & LaManna, 2023). Assistance from carers may enable patients to continue living in their own homes, thus prolonging their feeling of autonomy before eventually transitioning to assisted living.

References

Kennedy‐Malone, L., & LaManna, J. B. (2023). Delivering nurse practitioner care in the decade of healthy aging. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 19(1), 104541. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2023.104541Links to an external site.

Liu, P., Chilatra, J. a. H., & Phelan, A. (2021). Examining nurses’ role in Adult Protective Services related to safeguarding older people. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(5), 2481–2497. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14792

Zonsius, M. C., Miller, J., & Lamb, K. (2019). An innovative course to prepare advanced practice registered nurses to spearhead quality and safety initiatives for older adults. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 33(1), 57–65. https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000314Links to an external site.

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Sample Answer 2 for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion

Hello Erica. Thank you for your post. I appreciate your ability to provide succinct and precise answers to the discussion prompts. Nevertheless, I would like to propose an additional assessment approach called the Home Safety Assessment. This method involves a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s living environment to identify potential hazards and safety issues. The evaluation includes a comprehensive analysis of elements such as ease of access, potential hazards related to falls, fire safety measures, and the effective operation of utilities (Cotte et al., 2022). This evaluation aims to verify that the client’s residence is appropriate and secure for their particular requirements and capabilities.

Regarding care transitions, it is important to note that NPs serve as primary healthcare providers and care coordinators throughout these events, which could include shifting from a hospital to a home or between various healthcare facilities. The nurse practitioner facilitates uninterrupted communication among healthcare professionals, cooperates with the client’s primary care physician, and engages family members in care planning (Österlind et al., 2020). The professionals evaluate the client’s physical and mental requirements, enlighten them and their families on the transition process, and provide customized care strategies to enhance their well-being throughout this crucial phase.

References

Cotte, F., Mueller, T., Gilbert, S., Blümke, B., Multmeier, J., Hirsch, M. C., Wicks, P., Wolanski, J., Tutschkow, D., Brittinger, C. S., Timmermann, L., & Jerrentrup, A. (2022). Safety of Triage Self-assessment using a symptom assessment app for walk-in patients in the emergency care setting: an observational prospective cross-sectional study. Jmir Mhealth and Uhealth, 10(3), e32340. https://doi.org/10.2196/32340Links to an external site.

Österlind, J., Gerhardsson, J., & Myrberg, T. (2020). Critical care transition programs on readmission or death: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, 64(7), 870–883. https://doi.org/10.1111/aas.13591

Sample Answer 3 for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion

. Identify at least TWO assessments that can be used to determine whether a client is safe in their current living environment.

The Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) algorithm is one of the assessment tools used to determine the safety of a patient’s living environment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). This tool, which includes a fall risk screening, assessment, and intervention, is intended to give guidelines for measuring fall prevention for adults 65 years of age and older.

The second evaluation instrument is known as the Katz Activities of Daily Living. It is the most widely used instrument for assessing functional status when older patients move from the hospital to their homes. This aids in monitoring the progressive loss of abilities observed in hospitalized patients, and its original purpose was to track the development of hip fracture patients. Assessing additional chronically ill patients 40 years of age and older proved to be beneficial. The six items are feeding, dressing, using the restroom, transferring, and bathing (Liebzeit et al., 2018).

b. Discuss results that indicate the client may require additional assistance or a transition in the care environment.

Determining whether these patients require extra help at home is made easier by the findings of these two evaluations. It assists in anticipating risk factors so that they can lessen the likelihood of injury during the hospital-to-home transition. The lack of grab bars, the raised toilet seat in the shower, and the slick carpeting in the area are among the risk factors. Orthopediatric patients, for example, might struggle at home if they live in two-story homes and must use stairs frequently to carry out daily tasks. Preventing these risks ahead of time will reduce the likelihood of falls, which will decrease the likelihood of being readmitted to the hospital.

c. Describe the NP’s role in working with the client and family to assist with care transitions.

It is imperative for nurse practitioners to take into account their living environment. For reasons of safety, it is crucial to evaluate their living arrangements. Acquiring comprehensive histories and surroundings does affect the prognosis of patients and illness prevention.

d. Identify at least TWO appropriate referrals for a client who requires a transition in the care environment. How does the NP ensure coordination of care during transitions?

1. Home health care service: A home health care nurse visits a patient’s living space to assess the safety of the home and to offer nursing care, physical therapy, and other services. Social workers may also be referred by the home care nurse if the patient’s surroundings are impoverished.
   1. Coordination of care with other medical staff: It is essential for nurse practitioners to coordinate care with other specialties. Patients can continue to take care of their health and receive the best care possible by asking for referrals to appropriate providers. Make sure patients’ insurance covers enough for NP to see specialists or get diagnostic tests. To ensure seamless transitions from the hospital to the patient’s home, the NP should play a crucial role as a link between healthcare services.

e. Identify at least TWO public or private resources that are available for clients with limited resources in your intended practice area.

• OC healthcare agency: My county offers a range of public health services, including clinical care, health promotion, and assistance with service access. These services are free of charge and available to all Orange County residents (Orange County Health Care Agency, 2024).
  • Community Health Centers: The centers offer social services, food, translation, and transportation. According to a survey, patients who receive high-quality care can afford private practices and medical services. These federally funded programs support health equity. It lessens the likelihood of tragedy for those without insurance (National Association of Community Health Centers, 2023).

References

Centers for Disease Prevention and Control. (2019). Algorithm
for fall risks of screening, assessment, and intervention. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/steadi-algorithm-508.pdf.Links to an external site.

County of Orange California. (2024). PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES. https://www.ochealthinfo.com/about-hca/public-health-services.Links to an external site.

Liebzeit, D., King, B., & Bratzke, L. (2018). Measurement of function in older adults transitioning from hospital to home: an integrative review. Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.), 39(3), 336–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2017.11.003Links to an external site.

National association of community health centers. (2023). WHAT IS A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER? https://www.nachc.org/community-health-centers/what-is-a-health-center/.Links to an external site.

Sample Answer 4 for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion

I also use the HOME-fast tool for my home health care job. This allows us to check whether the patient has a grab bar in the bathroom, numbers of stairs, clutter of rugs, and is accessible by wheelchair. Based on the total number, healthcare workers come up with a decision about whether the patient is at low, mid, or high risk of falling. Although it is a great tool, there are a few downsides to it. It can be subjective, meaning that visiting a patient’s home just once will not always provide a thorough understanding of all potentially dangerous environments. Elderly home safety interventions could include teaching patients or caregivers how to identify fall hazards and how to walk safely. The second issue descends from this point. At least during the transition from a hospital or other facility to their home, patients should have a caregiver in order to reduce the risk of falling. In actuality, a large number of elderly people live alone, and this number will only rise as the number of elderly people increases. (Davis and Davis, 2023). 

Reference

Davis, K., & Davis, D. (2023). Home Safety Techniques. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560539/.Links to an external site.

Sample Answer 5 for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion

Thanks for your response to the discussion! I have heard of both the STEADI and the Katz tools but have no experience using the STEADI tool. Regardless, both tools would be useful in assessing if a patient is safe to be in their home environment, so good job! The Katz in particular has proven to be both valid and reliable and is also quick and easy to administer! 

Two referrals: Home health is an option, just be aware that home health is quite expensive and has limited coverage with insurance. For example, a patient with dementia would need around the clock care until death and would likely not qualify for home health (or be able to afford it). What could be done for a patient like this?

Also, where is the second referral? Coordination of different specialties is an expectation as the primary care provider, not a referral. 

Sample Answer 6 for NR 601 Week 4 Safety for the Older Adult Discussion

Thank you for the insightful feedback on my discussion post. The second referral would be other medical staff like orthopaedicians or neurologists for those dementia patients after a fall injury. As a primary care provider, coordination with other specialty medical doctors is essential to enabling our patients’ continuity of care. To close the gap between acute inpatient services and community services, discharge planning and post-discharge care is crucial, and the primary healthcare provider holds the key. As a nurse practitioner, the search for cost-effective care is essential. To allow a smooth transition of care, good communication between the hospital, the patient and family, and the providers of follow-up care is crucial to the success of discharge planning (Donald et al., 2020).

References

Donald, F., Kilpatric, K., Reid, K., Carter, N., Bryant-Lukosius, D., Martin-Misener, R., Kaasalainen, S., Harbman, P., Marshall, D., & DiCenso, A. (2020). Hospital to community transitional care by nurse
practitioners: A systematic review of cost-effectiveness. https://globalhealth.duke.edu/sites/default/files/event-attachments/binder1_0.pdfLinks to an external site.