Family Selection and Factors Impacting Health and WellnessIn this first assignment for the Project, your small group will provide an outline of your approach to planning, health screening, and health

Project Assignment – Health Screening Across the Lifespan

According to Schub & Cabrera (2018), over the latter half of the 20th century, health screening and wellness has gradually taken a foothold in healthcare. Nurses play an important role in this area of healthcare as they have the front row seats to assess and explore the patient behaviors as well as needs to provide individualized educational guidance on healthcare options and lifestyle changes that can help prevent diseases. As community health nurses, promotion of health is one of the major focus points with the goals of increasing lifespan, reducing health disparities and ensuring access to preventative services (Rector, 2018). In the project paper, the members from the previously selected family will be assessed for any required health screening services. Any challenges to these screening services, disparities and any injury prevention strategies will also be covered.

The first member that will be assessed is the father of the family, who is a 55 year old male. There are standard screening examinations that a male of this age should undergo due to the physiological changes of aging. The first is a cancer screening with a focus on colorectal, prostate, skin and testicular sites. American Cancer society suggests that men over the age of 50 should undergo colonoscopy every 10 years, flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, double-contrast barium enema every 5 years and CT colonoscopy every 5 years (Black, 2017). Many men may be unwilling to undergo these tests, so proper education on its significance as well as potential alternatives should also be provided such as frequent occult blood stool screening (Black, 2017). Assessment of family history of GI issues and colorectal cancer can determine the severity of risk as well to include in the teaching. Prevention of heart diseases and diabetes can begin with adequate monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol screening and weight management; early detection is important. Consistent blood pressure measurements, regular blood tests for LDL and HDL levels as well as blood sugar and A1C levels are recommended for health promotion (Rector, 2018). Other important screenings are associated with dental and vision health. Especially in the case of vision, it is important to ensure wellness to avoid any motor vehicle accidents as well as other traumatic falls or injuries.

In the case of the mother, who is a 54 year old female, some of these health screening measures overlap. For instance, general physical exams, blood pressure monitoring, blood tests for any metabolic imbalances, EKGs etc. should be carried out every year. In addition, her gender does require specific cancer screenings, just like in the case with father. For instance, clinical breast examinations and mammography is recommended for breast cancer screening; pap tests every 3 years as well as annual pelvic exams are also encouraged (Rector, 2018). This mother is also at an age where menopause may occur, if it already hasn’t. Ensuring that the client is well aware of the physiological changes that follow menopause important for the mental and emotional wellbeing; she should specifically be taught of the symptoms of menopause and interventions to manage them. However, changes in the estrogen levels brought forth my menopause can increase the risk for conditions like bone loss and cardiovascular disease (Rector, 2018). So, exercise may be recommended to enforce good heart health as long as safe practices are followed to prevent any bone injuries due to the weak bones associated with bone loss and osteoporosis.

The next member of the family is the first child, who is a young adult male of 21 years of age. Similar to previous two members, there are specific health concerns and subsequent screenings that should be addressed due to the age group of the individual. For instance, use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs is often seen among this age group (Rector, 2018). Due to the specific circumstances of their use, various health screenings may be conducted. For instance, if the client uses chewing tobacco, then conducting oral exams for lesions and masses are important; if intravenous drugs are used, then screening for inflammations, infections, tetanus, etc. should also be conducted. Testing for HIV, hepatitis C, STDs and tuberculosis are recommended. In addition, the young male adults of this age groups tend to be involved in high-risk activities like extreme sports, drag racing, binge drinking, etc. These activities increase the risk for injuries and proper education on their dangers and if necessary, on the use of safety equipment should be provided to reduce injuries (Rector, 2018).

Sexual experimentation and its associated risks for STDs and the potential psychological effects of these changes also shouldn’t be overlooked. Proper STD screenings and adequate knowledge of sexual barrier protections should be provided. Psychological health screening associated with depression, anxiety and mood changes can accompany the professional and social changes of this age (Rector, 2018). Another important factor for this age group is nutritional status. Obesity is a major health concern in the United States (Rector, 2018). Assessment of anthropometric values and BMI calculation can be important in screening for malnutrition and overweight. A very important health concern for this age group is eating disorders. Due to personal perception of beauty and other psychosocial factors, many young adults, especially women, tend to suffer from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, etc. (Rector, 2018). Therefore, proper assessment to determine such risks and anthropometric screenings as well as electrolyte monitoring during physical exams are pivotal. This is especially important for the last member of this family, who is a young adult female of 20 years of age. All the health concerns and screenings mentioned above this age group is relevant for this member but another specific health screening that should be implemented is associated with reproductive health. Pregnancy tests and screening tests associated with determining any risks to pregnancy should be carried out. Pre-conception care and health status should also be identified (Rector, 2018).

Reference

Black, B. (2017). Health screening for men: Why and when you should go to the doctor. Health Library: Evidence-Based Information. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.rasmussen.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nup&AN=2009857987&site=eds-live

Rector, C. (2018). Community and public health nursing: Promoting the public’s health (9th Ed.). [VitalSource file]. Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781496374899/cfi/6/6!/4/2@0:0

Schub, E. R. B., & Cabrera, G., MD. (2018). Pender’s health promotion model: Integration into practice. CINAHL Nursing Guide. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.rasmussen.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nup&AN=T707738&site=eds-live