NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Walden University NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN– Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN 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 NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN 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 NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN 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 NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN 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 NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

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 NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

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.

Stuck? Let Us Help You

Completing assignments can sometimes be overwhelming, especially with the multitude of academic and personal responsibilities you may have. If you find yourself stuck or unsure at any point in the process, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance. Our assignment writing services are designed to help you achieve your academic goals with ease. 

Our team of experienced writers is well-versed in academic writing and familiar with the specific requirements of the NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN assignment. We can provide you with personalized support, ensuring your assignment is well-researched, properly formatted, and thoroughly edited. Get a feel of the quality we guarantee – ORDER NOW. 

Sample Answer for NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

This is an informative post. Patient assessment was important in establishing the reasons for pain and other possible underlying conditions. Another differential diagnosis I would suggest is lumbosacral muscle strains/sprains. This is a condition associated with traumatic episodes. The pain increases with movement and alleviates with a limited range of motion and rest. The development of low back pain can be associated with the sensitization of nerve endings by releasing chemical mediators, in-growth of neurovascular into the degenerated disk, and alteration in the biomechanical properties of the disk structure (Ma et al., 2019). The development of an effective management plan in this case needs a refined subjective assessment to foster streamlining of physical examination. Interviewing the patient about the behavior of the symptoms and taking the history of the condition is vital in establishing the clinical rationale for the causal factors and causes of symptoms. The management plans frequent observation for regularity or reduction of pain, a sporadic repeat of CT scans and X-rays, and referring the patient to rehabilitation or a physical therapist for exercises (de Oliveira Silva et al., 2020).  

References 

de Oliveira Silva, D., Pazzinatto, M. F., Rathleff, M. S., Holden, S., Bell, E., Azevedo, F., & Barton, C. (2020). Patient education for patellofemoral pain: a systematic review. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy, 50(7), 388-396. https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2020.9400 

Ma, K., Zhuang, Z. G., Wang, L., Liu, X. G., Lu, L. J., Yang, X. Q., … & Liu, Y. Q. (2019). The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain (CASP): consensus on the assessment and management of chronic nonspecific low back pain. Pain Research and Management, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/8957847 

Also Read:

CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT: ASSESSING NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: COMPREHENSIVE (HEAD-TO-TOE) PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

LAB ASSIGNMENT: ASSESSING THE GENITALIA AND RECTUM

Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

This is an insightful and revealing post. Patient assessment was important in establishing the reasons for pain and other possible underlying conditions to facilitate the identification of an effective treatment plan. The other differential diagnosis I would recommend is anterior impingement. This condition characterizes strapped structures at the anterior margin of the tibiotalar joint. It usually manifests with ankle pain and limited movement (Vega & Dalmau-Pastor, 2022). The condition is also associated with significant osseous and soft tissue abnormities. Of these differential diagnoses, I would suggest that lateral ankle sprain is the primary diagnosis in this patient. This condition occurs mainly with the inversion of the ankle and involves the lateral ligamentous complex, which entails the anterior talofibular ligament, and calcaneofibular and posterior talofibular ligament that is damaged in reducing order (Lysdal et al., 2022). People with this condition usually suffer tenderness above the sprained ligament, soft tissue swelling, hematoma, and limited range of motion. These features are consistent with the patient in this case. The “pop” sound is a clear sign of a ligament tear.   

References 

Lysdal, F. G., Wang, Y., Delahunt, E., Gehring, D., Kosik, K. B., Krosshaug, T., … & Fong, D. T. (2022). What have we learnt from quantitative case reports of acute lateral ankle sprains injuries and episodes of ‘giving-way’of the ankle joint, and what shall we further investigate? Sports Biomechanics, 21(4), 359-379. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2022.2035801 

Vega, J., & Dalmau-Pastor, M. (2022). Anterior Ankle Impingement and Ankle Instability. In Foot and Ankle Disorders: A Comprehensive Approach in Pediatric and Adult Populations (pp. 1045-1064). Cham: Springer International Publishing. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-95738-4_47 

Sample Answer 3 for NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Your episodic  note was well crafted and thorough. Your differential diagnosis are appropriate and well explained. It is essential to consider a comprehensive set of differential diagnoses when evaluating a patient with lower back pain to ensure that all potential causes are thoroughly explored. In addition to muscle spasm and avascular necrosis, the following differential diagnoses should also be considered with rationale:

1. Lumbar Radiculopathy: Given the patient’s description of radiating pain to the left leg, which feels like an ice pick, and worsens during specific activities, lumbar radiculopathy, commonly known as sciatica, should be considered. This condition results from compression or irritation of the spinal nerve roots and can cause radiating pain, tingling, or numbness in the lower back and leg (Koes et al., 2007).
2. Spinal Stenosis: The patient’s worsening pain during prolonged sitting, such as during his commute, is consistent with the symptoms of spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord or nerves (Genevay et al., 2010).
3. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can produce symptoms of lower back pain that may radiate to the buttocks and legs, which aligns with the patient’s presentation. This condition is often aggravated by prolonged sitting or standing (Cohen & Vasey, 2016).
4. Facet Joint Syndrome: Facet joint syndrome can cause localized lower back pain that may radiate to the hips and legs, and the pain can be exacerbated by specific movements or positions, such as bending backward, which matches the patient’s description (Cohen & Vasey, 2016).

These additional differential diagnoses expand the scope of potential causes for the patient’s lower back pain and provide a more comprehensive assessment of his condition.

References:

Cohen, S. P., & Vasey, M. W. (2016). The effect of the avoidance-endurance model on acute pain perception: An experimental investigation. The Journal of Pain, 17(11), 1224–1233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2016.08.004

Genevay, S., Atlas, S. J., & Katz, J. N. (2010). Variation in eligibility criteria from studies of radiculopathy due to a herniated disc and of neurogenic claudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis: A structured literature review. Spine, 35(7), 803–811. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181b3f2e1

Koes, B. W., van Tulder, M. W., Peul, W. C., & Jansen, M. J. (2007). Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. BMJ, 334(7607), 1313–1317. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39223.428495.BE

Sample Answer 4 for NURS 6512 ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Patient Information:

Initials: M.D.              Age: 46 years old        Sex: Female    Race: Caucasian

S.

CC (chief complaint): Case 2: Ankle Pain

HPI: The patient is a 46-year-old Caucasian female experiencing pain in both ankles.  She expresses more concern regarding her right ankle due to a “popping” sensation experienced during a recent football match.  She experiences discomfort while putting weight on her right ankle.  The patient reports experiencing intermittent achy and throbbing pain on the outer side of their right ankle.  The patient reports a pain level of 4/10 at rest and 7/10 during ambulation.  After the injury, she applied elevation and ice to her right ankle.  She has used ibuprofen sporadically to alleviate pain, yielding moderate outcomes.  The pain sometimes spreads about 4 inches along the outer side of the right lower limb.  The right ankle experienced immediate swelling following a popping sound.  She occasionally experiences discomfort in her left ankle, with a pain rating of 3-4 out of 10. However, there are currently no sudden changes in the condition of her left ankle.

Location: ankles

Onset: About three days ago, during the weekend.

Character: The pain sometimes spreads about 4 inches along the outer side of the right lower limb.

Associated signs and symptoms: The right ankle experienced immediate swelling following a popping sound.

Timing: All day long

Exacerbating/ relieving factors: Tylenol and ice packs may help lessen the discomfort. With weight on it, it is worse.

Severity: Reports a pain level of 4/10 at rest and 7/10 during ambulation.

Current Medications:

• Pills for birth control
• Effexor 37.5 mg orally once a day for depression
• Ibuprofen 600 mg p.o. OTC Q6H prn, pain

Allergies: No reported allergies to drugs, food, or latex.

PMHx: She undergoes an annual flu vaccination.  She has received the COVID-19 vaccination.  The individual received all childhood immunisations as recommended and received a tetanus booster in 2018. Her depression is effectively managed with Effexor. One caesarean section was performed.

Soc Hx: The patient is married and has a 13-year-old child.  She works as a cashier at a nearby nursery.  She exhibited athleticism during her childhood.  She abstains from smoking, drinking, and using recreational drugs.  She maintains her physical well-being by engaging in regular football matches with friends and weightlifting exercises thrice a week.  She consumes a single cup of coffee daily.  She follows a plant-based diet.  She has maintained a vegetarian diet for a decade.

Fam Hx: The patient’s 80 mother is alive and healthy. Her medical history includes severe arthritis in her joints, depression, and hypertension.  The father, aged 83, is currently in good health despite having a history of malignancy in his prostate, unspecified mental health disorders, hypertension, and high cholesterol.  She has a 54-year-old brother who is alive and in good health, although he has undiagnosed mental health disorders.  Her 14-year-old son is in good health.  The health history of the deceased grandparents includes arthritis, lung cancer, prostate cancer, hypertension, cirrhosis related to alcoholism, and high cholesterol.   

ROS:

GENERAL:  denies experiencing weakness, exhaustion, or fever.

HEENT: denies experiencing headaches or changes in taste, smell, vision, or hearing.

SKIN:  denies rashes, itching, superficial bruises, or inadequate wound healing.

CARDIOVASCULAR:  denies experiencing any chest pressure, pain, or discomfort. No edema or palpitations. Denies orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Denies intolerance for exercise.

PERIPHERAL VASCULATURE: denies having blood clots, calves discomfort, easy bruising, or a history of aneurysms.

MUSCULOSKELETAL: Affirms right ankle edema, trouble bearing weight, and bilateral ankle discomfort worse on the right than on the left. She disputes any previous joint stiffness, bony abnormalities, or restricted range of motion in any joint, including bilateral ankles.

NEUROLOGIC: denies having ever had a CVA, headaches, vertigo, concussion, seizures, numbness, or tremors.

MENTAL HEALTH: reports a history of well-controlled depression. She says her mood is steady. Denies having trouble focusing, mood fluctuations, or disturbed sleep.

O.

Vital signs: BP 129564, HR 71, RR 18, and temperature were all at 97.9 F on room air. Weight- 123 pounds, 5’5″ in height. BMI: 20.5

General: Ankle pain in the right leg is the only source of minor discomfort for this 46-year-old Caucasian woman. She is kind and helpful.

HEENT:  The head appears normal in size and shape, with no signs of injury. The patient’s examination findings include PERRLA and EOMI.

Skin: Warm and dry. No observed skin abnormalities, such as rashes, wounds, lesions, or excessive bruising. The right lateral ankle exhibits bruising.

Neck: Flexible. Complete range of motion.

Chest: Lungs are clear upon auscultation.  The patient does not exhibit any coughing or difficulty in breathing. Normal heart sounds, S1 and S2, are present without abnormal sounds such as murmurs, rubs, or gallops.  No edema was observed except for the right lateral ankle.

Peripheral vasculature: The dorsal pedis pulses on both sides are graded as +2, as are the posterior tibial pulses, popliteal pulses, and femoral pulses bilaterally.

Musculoskeletal System: The right lateral ankle is swollen and exhibits a reduced range of motion, weakness, and tenderness upon palpation of the lower aspect of the fibula and the surrounding ligaments (including the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments, posterior and anterior talofibular ligaments, and calcaneofibular ligament), as well as the lateral malleolus.  The right ankle exhibits bruising on its lateral aspect. The medial aspect of the right ankle is non-tender and does not exhibit any bony deformities or bruising. The left ankle does not exhibit any swelling, bruising, or overt tenderness upon palpation. There were no observed deformities or limitations in the range of motion of the toe, knee, hand, or finger joints.  The spine is in a straight position. The patient exhibits weight-bearing ability on the right foot, albeit with pain. Pain disrupts gait.

Diagnostic results: A right ankle radiograph will be performed if the Ottawa ankle rules indicate it is necessary. An ankle ultrasound will be conducted if it is indicated. Stress tests will be administered to both ankles if they are indicated.  

A.

Differential Diagnoses

• Right ankle inversion sprain: The patient experiences pain and swelling commonly associated with ankle sprains. The patient’s complaint of bilateral ankle pain suggests the possibility of an acute injury to the right ankle and an underlying disorder affecting both ankles (Lee, 2020).
• Peroneal tendon disorders: Bilateral ankle pain in the patient necessitates considering other potential underlying disorders (van Dijk et al., 2019). Differentiating between a lateral ankle sprain and peroneal tendon abnormalities can pose challenges.
• Chronic ankle instability: Patients with a history of multiple ankle sprains may develop chronic ankle instability, increasing their susceptibility to acute inversion injuries (Hertel & Corbett, 2019). A diagnosis can be established when a patient presents with symptoms such as pain, swelling, clinical instability, and a history of injury and re-injury to the lateral aspect of the ankle(s), persisting for at least six months.
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: EDS is a genetic disorder affecting the connective tissues (Malfait et al., 2021). If this is suspected, it would be essential to question the patient’s history of her family members having similar issues or those described below.
• Avulsion fracture of the right ankle: occurs at the site where a tendon attaches to bone, resulting in the detachment of a bone fragment (Morimoto et al., 2023). The bones potentially impacted in the lateral ankle region are the lateral malleolus, the lateral border of the talus, and the fifth metatarsal.

Primary Diagnosis: Right ankle inversion sprain

References

Hertel, J., & Corbett, R. O. (2019). An Updated Model of Chronic Ankle Instability. Journal of Athletic Training, 54(6), 572–588. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-344-18

Lee, J.-H. (2020). Short-Term Effect of Ankle Eversion Taping on Bilateral Acute Ankle Inversion Sprains in an Amateur College Football Goalkeeper: A Case Report. Healthcare, 8(4), 403. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8040403

Malfait, F., Colman, M., Vroman, R., De Wandele, I., Rombaut, L., Miller, R. E., Malfait, A., & Syx, D. (2021). Pain in the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes: Mechanisms, models, and challenges. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part C: Seminars in Medical Genetics, 187(4), 429–445. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.c.31950

Morimoto, S., Tachibana, T., & Tomoya Iseki. (2023). Avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity treated with novel surgical technique using the combination of the side-locking loop suture technique and ring pins: a case report. Journal of Surgical Case Reports, 2023(4). https://doi.org/10.1093/jscr/rjad173

van Dijk, P. A. D., Kerkhoffs, G. M. M. J., Chiodo, C., & DiGiovanni, C. W. (2019). Chronic Disorders of the Peroneal Tendons. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 27(16), 590–598. https://doi.org/10.5435/jaaos-d-18-00623