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.
 

For this Assignment, you will consider the validity and reliability of different assessment tools and diagnostic tests. You will explore issues such as sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. You will also 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.

To Prepare

• Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider factors that impact the validity and reliability of various assessment tools and diagnostic tests. You also will review examples of pediatric patients and their families as it relates to BMI.
• By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to one of the following Assignment options by your Instructor: Adult Assessment Tools or Diagnostic Tests (option 1), or Child Health Case (Option 2). Note: Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignments from your Instructor.
• Search the Walden Library and credible sources for resources explaining the tool or test you were assigned. What is its purpose, how is it conducted, and what information does it gather?
• Also, as you search the Walden library and credible sources, consider what the literature discusses regarding the validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, ethical dilemmas, and controversies related to the test or tool.
• If you are assigned Assignment Option 2 (Child), consider what health issues and risks may be relevant to the child in the health example.
  • Based on the risks you identified, 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.

The Assignment

Assignment (3–4 pages, not including title and reference pages):

Assignment Option 2: Child Health Case:

Overweight  5-year-old black boy with overweight parents who work full-time and the boy spends his time after school with his grandmother

Include the following:

• 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.
• Provide at least two strategies you could employ to encourage the parents or caregivers to be proactive about their child’s health and weight.

References:

Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

• Chapter 3, “Examination Techniques and Equipment”

This chapter explains the physical examination techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. This chapter also explores special issues and equipment relevant to the physical exam process.

• Chapter 8, “Growth and Nutrition”

In this chapter, the authors explain examinations for growth, gestational age, and pubertal development. The authors also differentiate growth among the organ systems.

• Chapter 5, “Recording Information”  (Previously read in Week 1)

This chapter provides rationale and methods for maintaining clear and accurate records. The text also explores the legal aspects of patient records.

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood

Chaudhry, M. A. I., & Nisar, A. (2017). Escalating health care cost due to unnecessary diagnostic testing. Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, (3), 569. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsdoj&AN=edsdoj.032e1af6f8c54862844d6d418ea62855&site=eds-live&scope=site

Rubric:

In 3–4 pages, address the following:

An explanation of the health issues and risks that are relevant to the child you were assigned. The response clearly, accurately, and in detail explains the relevant health issues and risks for the assigned child.

Describe additional information you would need in order to further assess his or her weight-related health. The response clearly and accurately describes detailed additional information needed to further assess the child’s 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. The response clearly and accurately identifies and describes in detail any risks to the child’s health.  The response clearly and accurately identifies and describes in detail further information needed to gain a full understanding of the child’s health, with a detailed explanation of how to gather that information in a way that is sensitive to the child.

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.The response clearly and accurately lists three or more specific questions that would gather more information about the child.                                                                                                                                                            Specific questions are carefully worded to clearly demonstrate sensitivity to the parent(s) or caregiver(s) of the child.

Provide at least two strategies you could employ to encourage the parents or caregivers to be proactive about their child’s health and weight. The response clearly describes two or more detailed strategies to encourage the parent(s) or caregiver(s) to be proactive about the child’s health and weight.

Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization:
Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction are provided that delineate all required criteria. Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.  A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineate all required criteria.

Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards:
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation. Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.

Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running heads, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. Uses correct APA format with no errors.