NURS 6512 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

Walden University NURS 6512 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT– Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6512 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT 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 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6512 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT 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 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6512 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT 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 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6512 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT 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 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

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 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

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 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT 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 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

Identifying Data 

Ms. Jones, a pleasant 28-year-old lady of African American descent, arrived at the clinic to begin treatment for a recent injury to her right foot. She identified herself as the primary information provider. Throughout the evaluation, she speaks well and coherently while being open with her communication. She maintains amazing eye contact the whole exam. 

General Survey 

The patient is awake and has a good sense of place, time, and other people. As she takes a seat upright, she doesn’t exhibit any indications of concern. She has dressed appropriately for her age and appears to be well-developed, fed, and quite sanitary. 

Subjective Data 

Chief Complaint (CC): A painful wound on the right foot. 

History of Present Illness: An African American woman named Tina, 28, alleges that a week ago while walking, she stumbled over a concrete step and twisted her right ankle, scraping the ball of her foot in the process. She went to a neighboring emergency unit, where an X-ray was ordered and found to be negative. Tramadol was nonetheless provided to her to help with the discomfort. She says she cleans the wound twice daily, applies antibiotic cream, and wraps it in a bandage. Even though the pain and swelling at the location of the injury have fully subsided, she claims that the bottom of her foot is still quite uncomfortable. She describes the discomfort as being weight-bearing, throbbing, and intense. But, the discomfort in her ankle has already subsided. She continues to rate the pain as 7/10 even after a recent dose of tramadol. She gives the pain when bearing weight, a 9 out of 10. She describes a swollen football that has become redder over the last two days. A day before the current appointment, the wound was already dripping with an odorless discharge. She claims that recently, her shoes have been uncomfortable, so she has started wearing slippers instead. Her fever was 1020F last night. She, though, denies having been unwell recently. She reports an increase in hunger and an unintentional 10-pound weight reduction over the past month. She asserts that her diet and energy levels have not changed.  

Medications 

1. Ibuprofen 600mg orally three times each day for menstrual cramps. 

2. Acetaminophen 500-100 mg orally, as needed for headaches. 

3. Tramadol 50 mg orally twice a day if foot pain persists. 

4. Albuterol 90mcg/spray multiple-dose inhalation up to two puffs every 6 hours for wheeze caused by cat allergies. She had last used the medication around three days before the current appointment. 

Allergies 

1. There are no documented latex or food sensitivities. 

2. Penicillin hypersensitivity 

3. Establishes dust and cat allergies 

4. Allergic reaction: runny nose, puffy and itchy eyes, and worsening asthma symptoms. 

Medical History 

• At the age of two and a half years, was given an asthma diagnosis. Two to three times each week, she utilizes an Albuterol inhaler to control her symptoms when she is exposed to dust or cats. She was exposed to cats three days ago, and she used an inhaler, which was quite efficient in controlling the symptoms. She was hospitalized for asthma the last time she was in high school. She, on the other hand, denies ever being intubated. When she was 24, she was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. She had been taking metformin but had discontinued roughly three years ago because of flatulence adverse effects. She also reports that taking the tablets and checking her blood glucose simultaneously has been exhausting. She denies that she has been monitoring her blood glucose levels since then. She claims that the last time her levels of sugar in her blood soared was a week ago at the emergency department.  
• Surgery: None 
• OB/GYN: At the age of 11, she had her first menstrual cycle. heterosexual; first sexual experience occurred at the age of 18. denies ever becoming a mother. Menstrual cycles have been heavy and irregular in the last year, lasting 9 to 10 days every 4 to 8 weeks, with the most recent period starting around 3 weeks before the current appointment. She acknowledges using oral contraceptives mostly in past, but she is now single. denies wearing condoms when engaging in sexual activity. Has no history of STIs and denies ever having had an HIV/AIDS test before. Her previous pap smear exam was roughly four years ago, according to her. 

Health Maintenance 

• Her most recent eye exam was when she was a little child. A few years ago, she had her most recent dental examination. Two years ago, a PPD test turned out to be negative. 
• Physical activity: No physical activity 
• Nutrition: She recalls her nutrition over the previous 24 hours. The day before the current visit, he claims to have skipped breakfast and had a lunch of a sandwich and chicken or steak for dinner. She brings mostly French fries or pretzels as snacks. 
• Vaccination: She had a tetanus booster last year. Her influenza vaccination is out of date. Her human papillomavirus vaccination was not given to her. She received her meningococcal vaccine when she was still attending college and believes she was immunized as a youngster.  
• Safety: Smoke detectors have been put in her home. She admits to wearing a seatbelt in the automobile but denies riding a bike. He denies wearing sunblock. Her father’s firearms are still in the house, but they are locked up in their parents’ room.  

Family History: The mother, who is 50, has high cholesterol. Her Father died in an automobile accident when he was 58 years old. Diabetes and hypertension were present. Her sister suffers from asthma. Brother has no medical issues. At the age of 73, her maternal granny passed away after a stroke. At the age of 78, her maternal grandfather passed away after a stroke. At the age of 65, her paternal grandfather passed away from colon cancer. Her paternal grandmother is still living. There is no history of addiction, mental health problems, headaches, malignancies, or thyroid problems. 

Social History: The patient enjoys going to clubs and drinking alcohol on occasion. Her bachelor’s degree is in accountancy. She has a loving family and friends. There will be no cigarette or marijuana use. He goes to a Baptist church. 

Review of Symptoms (ROS) 

General: Tina is polite, friendly, and well-organized in general. She is also well-groomed, responds well to queries, and is not depressed.  

HEENT: The patient complains of headaches when studying. He has impaired eyesight but does not use glasses. There is no runny nose or ear discharge. There is no swelling or painful throat. 

Neck: There are no lymphatic problems or inflammation around the neck.  

Breasts: There is no nipple discharge or soreness in the breasts.  

Respiratory: No breathlessness, chest pain, or tightness.  

Cardiovascular/peripheral: There are no blood clots in the cardiovascular or peripheral systems. 

Gastrointestinal: No constipation, bowel disturbances, or watery stools. The patient feels thirsty and has an increased appetite.  

Gastrointestinal: No bowel changes, constipation, or watery stool. The patient has an increased appetite and is thirsty. 

Genitourinary: The patient’s periods are irregular. 

Musculoskeletal: No back or muscular discomfort. Psychiatric: There are no signs of depression or hallucinations. 

Neurological: There is no tingling or dizziness. 

Skin: Acne-free skin with no chin hair.  

Hematologic: There is no history of significant bleeding in the patient. There is no sweating, shivers, or fever. 

Objective data 

Vital signs: Wt., 90 kg. BMI 31, HR 86: BP 142/82 RR 19: Pulse oximetry 99%: T 101.1.  

Diagnostic findings: Wound dimensions are 2cm x 1.5cm, with a depth of 2.5mm. Serosanguinous discharge from the right ball of the foot, as well as red wound margins. There was no monitoring and no edema. Erythema around the wound is mild. 

Differential Diagnosis  

1. Asthma: This respiratory disorder develops when the small airways release excessive mucus, making breathing difficult. Breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty sleeping are all symptoms (Nakamura et al., 2020). Flu, colds, and allergens such as dust, pollen, and animal hair can all induce asthma. Drugs can be used to treat the illness. Because the patient is prone to cat dander and dust, asthma is the major diagnosis. She further complains of breathlessness and wheezing, both of which are asthma symptoms. 

2. Local infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the foot: The bacterium staphylococcus aureus is the primary cause of this illness. The disorder develops because of skin irritation generated by wounds or cuts (Polk et al., 2021). When the patient reports a wound on her right leg, she may have this ailment.  

3. Acute pain of the foot: A fall is usually the main reason for this ailment. Pain that comes on suddenly and severely (Chung et al., 2021). The ailment may be temporary or persistent for the sufferer. The patient reported that she is in significant pain, rating it a 7 out of 10.  

4. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: This sickness causes the patient to urinate often and lose weight. She may have unmanaged type 2 diabetes since she had an excessive thirst and quit taking her diabetic medicines three years ago (Pamungkas et al., 2019). Uncontrolled diabetes might result from the same.  

5. Polycystic ovary syndrome: An excessive amount of androgen hormones in one’s system is the root cause of this illness. Period irregularities are a defining feature of the illness (Azziz, 2018). The woman claims to have irregular cycles every three months; thus, she most definitely has this issue. 

Also Read:

LAB ASSIGNMENT: DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS FOR SKIN CONDITIONS

CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT: ASSESSING THE HEAD, EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: FOCUSED EXAM: COUGH

LAB ASSIGNMENT: ASSESSING THE ABDOMEN

DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE: ASSESSING THE HEART, LUNGS, AND PERIPHERAL VASCULAR SYSTEM

ASSESSING MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

CASE STUDY ASSIGNMENT: ASSESSING NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

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

LAB ASSIGNMENT: ASSESSING THE GENITALIA AND RECTUM

References 

Azziz, R. (2018). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 132(2), 321–336. https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000002698  

Chung, C. L., Paquette, M. R., & DiAngelo, D. J. (2021). Impact of a dynamic ankle orthosis on acute pain and function in patients with mechanical foot and ankle pain. Clinical Biomechanics, 83, 105281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105281  

Polk, C., Sampson, M. M., Roshdy, D., & Davidson, L. E. (2021). Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, 35(1), 183–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idc.2020.10.007  

Nakamura, Y., Tamaoki, J., Nagase, H., Yamaguchi, M., Horiguchi, T., Hozawa, S., Ichinose, M., Iwanaga, T., Kondo, R., Nagata, M., Yokoyama, A., & Tohda, Y. (2020). Japanese guidelines for adult asthma 2020. Allergology International, 69(4), 519–548. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alit.2020.08.001 

Pamungkas, R. A., Chamroonsawasdi, K., Vatanasomboon, P., & Charupoonphol, P. (2019). Barriers to Effective Diabetes Mellitus Self-Management (DMSM) Practice for Glycemic Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A Socio Cultural Context of Indonesian Communities in West Sulawesi. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 10(1), 250–261. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe10010020 

Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6512 DIGITAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (DCE): HEALTH HISTORY ASSESSMENT

SUBJECTIVE DATA:

Chief Complaint (CC): ‘My right foot hurts’

History of Present Illness (HPI): The patient in the case study comes to the clinic with complains of a painful, swollen, red, warm scrape on her right foot for the last two days. The patient thought it would heal on its own but has been worsening over time. The patient reports that the pain worsened over the last two days. The patient sustained the injury a week ago while going down the back steps when she tripped and twisted her ankle. She also scrapped her foot on the edge of the step. The patient went to the ER an hour after falling because of the strained ankle. The x-ray performed was normal. She was prescribed pain medications. The patient rates the pain 7/10 in the pain rating scale. She reports that the scrape is infected and worsening. The patient describes the pain as throbbing. It is associated with sharp pain when weight is applied.  The pain radiates to the ankle. The patient reports that the affected foot is non-weight bearing. The patient reports that the wound drains pus, white in color, for the last two days. She has been treating the wound at home by cleaning twice daily and bandaging it. She has been cleaning it with soap, water, and some peroxide if irritated. She has also been applying Neosporin ointment twice daily. The problem has affected her functioning ability since she has missed her work because of the pain. She has also missed her class two days ago. Besides the current problem, she reports losing 10 pounds unintentionally, being thirsty, experiencing oliguria and polyphagia for the past month.

Medications: She currently uses Proventil inhaler if symptoms of asthma persist. She last used her inhaler three days ago. She is prescribed two puffs of inhaler, but at times needs three puffs for symptom management.

Allergies: She develops asthma symptoms when she is near cats. She is also allergic to dust and develops asthma symptoms with intensive physical activity. She is also allergic to penicillin.

Past Medical History (PMH): The patient was diagnosed with diabetes type 2 at the age of 24 years. She is also asthmatic since the age of two and half years. Her last asthmatic attack was when she was in high school. She developed breathing problems three days ago at her cousin’s place.  She has a history of using Metformin, which she took it three years ago. The patient has history of five hospitalizations when she was 16 years because of asthma. She has a history of using nebulizer. She manages asthma by avoiding triggers but uses Proventil inhaler if symptoms persist. She last used her inhaler three days ago. She is prescribed two puffs of inhaler, but at times needs three puffs for symptom management. She has also been using tramadol 100 mg three times a day for pain for the last two days. She takes Advil when her cramps het bad and Tylenol for headache.

Past Surgical History (PSH): The patient denies any history of surgeries

Sexual/Reproductive History: The patient denies history of sexually transmitted infections

Personal/Social History: The patient is a student currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in accounting. She lives with her mother and her sister. She is worried about her right foot. The patient denies barriers in accessing healthcare. Her family and church are her social support systems.

Immunization History: The patient believes that she received her childhood immunizations. She did not get her flu shot this year. Her tetanus booster was a year ago.

Health Maintenance: The patient reports that she started watching her sugar and avoiding regular soda after she found out that she is diabetic. She only drinks diet coke. She rarely checks her sugars, with the last time being a month ago. She does not understand the meaning of blood glucose numbers. She rarely checks her blood pressure. She stopped taking Metformin because of its side effects and feeling overwhelmed remembering to take the pills and checking her blood sugar. Her typical breakfast comprises muffin or pumpkin bread obtained from a nearby café. Her typical lunch is a meal she usually picks from a nearby campus or subway to get turkey sandwich. Her typical dinner is meatloaf, pasta, casseroles, and chicken. Her typical snacks include pretzels and French fries. She does not pay attention to the amount of salt she eats. She drinks about four-diet coke daily. She last took alcohol three weeks ago. She drinks alcohol once or twice a week during night outs. She is exposed to second-hand smoke from her friends. Her last eye and dental examination was when she was a child. She reports doing self-breast examination a couple times. She has never undergone mammography.

Significant Family History: Her mother has high cholesterol and diabetes. Her deceased father had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Grandfather had colon cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Paternal grandmother has high cholesterol and hypertension. Her sister is asthmatic. Her brother and father are overweight. Her uncle has alcohol addiction problem.

 Review of Systems:

Vital signs: Height 170 cm, weight 90kg, BMI 31, Random blood glucose 238, Temperature 101.1F, O2 saturation 99%

General: The patient reports fatigue, fever and chills last night. She denies night sweat or suicidal thoughts.

HEENT: She denies headache, head injuries, changes in hearing, ringing ears, ear pain, and ear discharge. She denies changes in vision, double vision, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and dry eyes. She reports eye pain when she reads for too long. She reports occasional rhinorrhea. She denies sinus pain, changes in sense of smell, nosebleeds, or dental problems. She denies changes in sense of taste, dry mouth, mouth pain, mouth sores, or tongue problems.

Neck: She denies dysphagia, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, voice changes, or neck pain.

Breasts: She denies breast problems, such as pain, lumps, nipple changes, or nipple discharge.

Respiratory: The patient denies wheezing, chest tightness, dyspnea, cough, or chest pain.

Cardiovascular/Peripheral Vascular: The patient denies palpitations, easy bruising, edema, circulation problems, or vascular diseases.

Gastrointestinal: The patient denies nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, changes in bowel movements, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea.

Genitourinary: The patient denies dysuria, urgency, frequency, or history of sexually transmitted infections.

Musculoskeletal: The patient reports right ankle sprain, which is non-weight bearing. She denies fractures.

Psychiatric: The patient denies depression, anxiety, or stress.

Neurological: The patient denies ataxia, numbness, tingling, loss of balance, and difficulties in coordinating movement.

Skin: The patient denies rash. She reports swollen right foot with a wound draining pus.

Hematologic: The patient denies easy bruising or prolonged bleeding

Endocrine: The patient denies heat or cold intolerance. She reports unintentional weight loss, polydipsia, polyphagia, and polyuria.

NURS 6512 Week 2 BUILDING A HEALTH HISTORY COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY TO GATHER APPROPRIATE HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION

Building A Health History: Communicating Effectively To Gather Appropriate Health-Related Information 

Accurate patient history is essential for APRNs to develop appropriate care plans and comprehensively understand their previous health concerns (Ding et al., 2020). The provided case study presents a 33-year-old Caucasian individual who identifies as male despite being assigned female at birth. Three years ago, the individual transitioned from female to male while residing in Florida. Now, he has returned to his home in Texas and is openly sharing his complete transition with his family and social circle. He is currently without employment and lacks access to further hormonal replacement for suppression. The individual has a documented history of depression, is living with HIV, and engages in the use of cannabis. The paper demonstrates my role as the APRN in communicating effectively and building the patient’s health history described above. 

Socioeconomic, Spiritual, Lifestyle, and other Cultural Factors 

The various factors related to a patient’s socioeconomic status, spirituality, lifestyle, and culture can significantly affect their access to healthcare, financial burdens, and decision-making processes. B.C. is currently without employment and lacks access to further hormonal replacement for suppression. Unemployment can impact individuals’ access to healthcare and ability to afford necessary medications or treatments. Transitioning may also incur financial expenses (Sbragia & Vottero, 2020). In addition to his medical history, he has a diagnosis of depression, is living with HIV, and uses cannabis. The patient’s spiritual beliefs can impact their coping mechanisms, support systems, and decision-making regarding healthcare. Individuals who are HIV positive and engage in cannabis consumption may experience effects on their overall well-being, necessitating the need for proper care and assistance. Transitioning from female to male, particularly in conservative regions such as Texas, can pose difficulties concerning acceptance, discrimination, and the availability of transgender-affirming healthcare (Friley & Venetis, 2021). 

Sensitive Issues 

As an APRN, it is crucial to recognize the significance of respectful interactions with B.C. This includes honoring his gender identity, acknowledging his journey, maintaining a non-judgmental attitude towards his HIV status and cannabis use, respecting his privacy and confidentiality, and fostering a safe environment that encourages open communication. It is clear that B.C. is currently facing personal, economic, and emotional challenges, and it is crucial to address these concerns professionally. It is crucial to offer comprehensive counseling and educate patients about appropriate treatment for HIV while ensuring a stigma-free environment (Boyd et al., 2022). Addressing the sensitive issue of hormonal replacement therapy requires respectful consideration, ensuring that the patient’s dosage is appropriate. B.C. should be informed about the health risks associated with smoking marijuana and encouraged to quit. In order to prevent any potential victimization based on B.C. appearing as a male, it is essential to approach the situation professionally and ensure that he feels treated with the same level of respect as everyone else. 

Communication Techniques 

In order to establish effective communication with B.C., it is crucial to utilize affirming language and pronouns that correspond to the patient’s gender identity. Additionally, active listening, empathy, and allowing the patient to lead the conversation are essential. Employing open-ended questions and delivering apparent explanations further contribute to successful communication. It is crucial to employ communication techniques prioritizing respect for identity, cultural sensitivity, a non-judgmental attitude, and empathy (Kronk et al., 2021). It is essential to prioritize the patient’s autonomy by allowing them to guide the conversation, share information at their preferred speed, and employ open-ended questions to delve into their needs and objectives. As a nurse practitioner, it is crucial to communicate with patients clearly and compassionately, avoiding using complex medical terminology. 

Health History Interview 

As an APRN, I will proficiently do a health history interview with B.C. using active listening, open-ended inquiries, reassurance, and cooperation. Active listening entails attentively observing the patient’s reactions, asking more inquiries, and motivating them to divulge further details about their encounters. Open-ended questions promote confidentiality and foster patient engagement in decision-making processes. Here are some specific questions I would ask the patient (Mikulak et al., 2021):  

1. Could you please provide a detailed account of your transition process and highlight any obstacles you encountered during this period? This inquiry recognizes the patient’s progression and offers an understanding of their encounters and requirements. 

1. How are you coping with your HIV diagnosis, and are you now doing treatment? This inquiry evaluates the patient’s ability to effectively manage their HIV condition and adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen while also identifying any obstacles that may hinder their access to healthcare. 

1. Could you elaborate on your use of cannabis and how often you engage in its use? Have you encountered any adverse consequences? This inquiry delves into the patient’s patterns of drug use and the possible health hazards linked to cannabis. 

1. Do you have significant spiritual or cultural beliefs crucial to your health and well-being? This question acknowledges the impact of spirituality and culture on the patient’s healthcare choices and strategies for dealing with difficulties. 

1. What is the specific effect of transitioning on your mental health, specifically about depression? This inquiry pertains to the patient’s psychological well-being and the possible need for assistance or intervention. 

Risk Assessment 

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a risk assessment tool that applies to B.C. since it may evaluate symptoms of depression, track changes in mood over time, and inform treatment choices, thereby making it a significant resource for this patient’s care. The patient has a documented history of depression, is now jobless, openly communicating their complete gender change to both family and society, has tested positive for HIV, and engages in cannabis use, all of which are recognized risk factors for depression. The PHQ-9 is a very accurate and consistent instrument for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder, with a sensitivity rate of 88% and a specificity rate of 88% (Costantini et al., 2021). 

Conclusion 

APRNs rely on precise patient history to formulate treatment plans and get insight into previous medical issues. Age, gender, ethnicity, and living environment influence a patient’s health. Proficient communication and interviewing strategies are crucial for acquiring information. The male patient in the given case study is transitioning from female to male. Several aspects, such as socioeconomic status, spirituality, lifestyle, and cultural background, influence this change. These factors affect the patient’s ability to access healthcare, the financial expenses involved, and the decision-making process. Effective communication requires respectful interactions, the use of affirming words, active listening, empathy, and the use of open-ended inquiries. 

References 

Boyd, I., Hackett, T., & Bewley, S. (2022). Care of Transgender Patients: A General practice Quality Improvement approach. Healthcare, 10(1), 121. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10010121 

Costantini, L., Pasquarella, C., Odone, A., Colucci, M. E., Costanza, A., Serafini, G., Aguglia, A., Murri, M. B., Brakoulias, V., Amore, M., Ghaemi, S. N., & Amerio, A. (2021). Screening for depression in primary care with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 279, 473–483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.131 

Ding, J. M., Ehrenfeld, J. M., Edmiston, E. K., Eckstrand, K., & Beach, L. B. (2020). A model for improving health care quality for transgender and gender nonconforming patients. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 46(1), 37–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjq.2019.09.005 

Friley, L. B., & Venetis, M. K. (2021). Decision-making criteria when contemplating disclosure of transgender identity to medical providers. Health Communication, 37(8), 1031–1040. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2021.1885774 

Kronk, C. A., Everhart, A. R., Ashley, F., Thompson, H. M., Schall, T. E., Goetz, T. G., Hiatt, L., Derrick, Z., Queen, R., Ram, A., Guthman, E. M., Danforth, O. M., Lett, E., Potter, E., Sun, D., Marshall, Z., & Karnoski, R. (2021). Transgender data collection in the electronic health record: Current concepts and issues. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 29(2), 271–284. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocab136 

Mikulak, M., Ryan, S., Ma, R., Martin, S., Stewart, J., Davidson, S., & Stepney, M. (2021). Health professionals’ identified barriers to trans health care: a qualitative interview study. British Journal of General Practice, 71(713), e941–e947. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp.2021.0179 

Sbragia, J. D., & Vottero, B. (2020). Experiences of transgender men in seeking gynecological and reproductive health care: a qualitative systematic review. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 18(9), 1870–1931. https://doi.org/10.11124/jbisrir-d-19-00347