Case 2cb: A Student Nurse Practitioner Completing Her Practi

Case 2cb Is A Student Nurse Practitioner Completing Her Practicum In

Case 2 C.B. is a student nurse practitioner completing her practicum in an office practice. She assists the community with blood pressure and immunization clinics. The primary roles in this setting are education and health prevention. C.B. has completed a population assessment and determined that the community is lacking in organized physical activities. The community she is working in has a diverse age group between 56 and 87 years of age, with the majority of residents between 70 and 74 years. The community members participate actively in health screenings and enjoy including the nursing staff in their activities.

Which are the recommendations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for older adults regarding type, quantity, and quality of exercise per week? Define and describe the primary goals of screening. Discuss your thoughts on the relationship between economics and nutrition. How would you advise people of low socioeconomic status to eat healthy on a budget? How would you respond to patients whose financial restraints limit their access to food? Identify potential barriers to patient teaching and how you would address these barriers. 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive guidelines for physical activity among older adults, emphasizing the importance of both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises. According to CDC recommendations, adults aged 65 years and older should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity like running (CDC, 2020). These activities should be performed in episodes of at least ten minutes and can be accumulated across the week to reach the recommended duration. In addition, older adults are encouraged to incorporate muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups on two or more days weekly. The quality of exercise involves ensuring safety, enjoyment, and appropriateness based on individual health conditions, preferences, and limitations. Emphasizing activities that improve balance and flexibility, such as tai chi or yoga, can significantly reduce fall risk in this population (American College of Sports Medicine [ACSM], 2019). Overall, these guidelines aim to promote functional independence, enhance cardiovascular health, and improve mental well-being among older adults.

Screening serves as a critical primary healthcare tool designed to detect health issues early, facilitate timely interventions, and improve health outcomes. The primary goals of screening include identifying individuals at risk for or existing with a given condition, providing opportunities for early treatment, assessing the burden of disease within a population, and guiding public health actions. For example, cardiovascular disease screening in older adults involves measuring blood pressure and cholesterol levels to identify risks that may require lifestyle modifications or medication therapy (WHO, 2018). Effective screening programs are criteria-based, cost-effective, and designed to acceptably balance benefits and harms, such as false positives or negatives, to optimize health interventions.

The relationship between economics and nutrition profoundly influences dietary choices, especially among economically disadvantaged populations. Socioeconomic status significantly impacts access to nutritious foods, which are often costlier than processed or fast foods. Limited financial resources can compromise the ability to purchase fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains necessary for a balanced diet, leading to increased risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (Darmon & Drewnowski, 2015). To support low socioeconomic populations in eating healthily on a budget, health educators must emphasize strategies like planning meals, buying in bulk, choosing frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, and utilizing local food programs or community gardens. Encouraging the preparation of homemade meals from affordable ingredients is also vital.

Responding to patients with financial restraints requires sensitivity and resourcefulness. Healthcare providers should assess individual circumstances and offer tailored advice that emphasizes cost-effective nutrition options. Connecting patients with community resources such as food banks, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or local food cooperatives can help improve access to healthy foods. Additionally, educating patients about affordable superfoods, nutrient-dense staples, and seasonal produce can empower them to make healthier choices despite financial challenges. Building trust and demonstrating understanding foster motivation and compliance in lifestyle modifications.

Several barriers may hinder effective patient teaching, including low health literacy, cultural differences, language barriers, mobility limitations, and lack of social support. To overcome these obstacles, practitioners should employ clear, simple language, use visual aids, and involve interpreters when needed. Culturally relevant education materials that respect patients’ backgrounds can increase engagement. Moreover, establishing a supportive environment that encourages questions and provides follow-up reinforces learning. Involving family members or caregivers in education sessions can also enhance understanding and adherence. Recognizing these barriers and proactively addressing them ensures that health promotion efforts are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.

References

• American College of Sports Medicine. (2019). ACSM's guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (10th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Physical activity and health: Older adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm
• Darmon, N., & Drewnowski, A. (2015). Income, diet quality, and urban food environments. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(2), 222-229.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Screening for noncommunicable diseases in primary health care. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241514432