Case Study: Is A Student Nurse Practitioner Completing Her

Case Studycb Is A Student Nurse Practitioner Completing Her Practic

Case Study: 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 that she is working in has a diverse age group between 56 and 87 years of age, with the majority of the residents being between 70 and 74 years of age. The members of the community are active in the health screenings and clinics and enjoy including the nursing staff in their activities.

Question for the case: 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? Then, continue to discuss the 3 topics listed below for your case: 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.

Paper For Above instruction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases among older adults. The CDC recommends that individuals aged 65 and older engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, which can be divided into 30-minute sessions five days a week. Alternatively, they suggest 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity or an equivalent combination of both. The activities should include muscle-strengthening exercises involving major muscle groups on two or more days per week (CDC, 2020). The quality of exercise focuses on balance and flexibility to help prevent falls, which are a significant cause of injury among the elderly (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). The recommended activities include walking, swimming, cycling, resistance training, and stretching, tailored to the individual’s ability and health status (CDC, 2020). The goal is to promote physical independence, prevent disease, and improve overall quality of life (Paterson & Warburton, 2010).

Screening is a fundamental component of preventive healthcare aimed at early detection of diseases and health conditions before they manifest clinically. The primary goals of screening include identifying individuals at risk for specific diseases, enabling early intervention to improve health outcomes, reducing morbidity and mortality, and minimizing treatment costs (Thacker & Stroup, 2018). Effective screening programs target populations with high prevalence rates and utilize reliable, validated methods to detect conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Early detection through screening allows for timely lifestyle modifications, medical treatments, and health education, ultimately promoting better health and reducing long-term healthcare burdens (Wilson & Jungner, 1968). Moreover, screening can identify asymptomatic individuals, improving their prognosis and quality of life through early management. It also helps in health planning by providing epidemiological data to inform public health policies and resource allocation.

The relationship between economics and nutrition is complex and significant. Socioeconomic status influences dietary choices, access to healthy foods, and nutrition-related health outcomes. Limited financial resources often restrict individuals’ ability to purchase nutritious foods, leading to diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats (Darmon & Drewnowski, 2008). Conversely, higher income levels are associated with better access to fresh produce, whole grains, and other wholesome foods, which are essential for optimal health. Nutritional disparities contribute to health inequalities, with economically disadvantaged populations experiencing higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions (Giskes et al., 2010). Food insecurity— a state of limited or uncertain access to adequate food— can further exacerbate poor nutritional status and health outcomes (Tarasuk et al., 2015). Addressing these disparities requires strategies that improve access to affordable, healthy foods and promote nutrition education tailored to low-income populations.

For individuals of low socioeconomic status, adopting healthy eating habits on a budget is feasible with strategic planning. Budget-friendly nutrition tips include purchasing seasonal produce, which is often less expensive and more nutritious, and buying in bulk to reduce costs (Nicklas et al., 2010). Emphasizing whole foods such as dried beans, lentils, oats, rice, and canned or frozen vegetables and fruits can maximize nutritional value while minimizing expenses (Fransen et al., 2015). Preparing meals at home instead of eating out or relying on processed convenience foods saves money and enables better control over ingredients. Utilizing local food assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and community food banks can increase access to nutritious foods (Grace & Pajer, 2021). Educational initiatives focusing on meal planning, portion control, and cooking skills empower low-income individuals to make healthier choices within their financial constraints (Darmon & Drewnowski, 2008).

In responding to patients with financial restraints limiting their access to food, it is important to approach with sensitivity and empathy. First, assess their specific barriers and work collaboratively to identify alternative resources such as food banks, community gardens, or subsidy programs. Providing education about low-cost nutritious foods, meal planning, and cooking techniques can improve their ability to make healthier choices despite financial limitations (Tarasuk et al., 2015). The use of community resources and social services should be encouraged, and referrals made when appropriate. Additionally, advocating for policies that expand food assistance and improve access to affordable healthy foods is essential (Giskes et al., 2010). Health professionals should also foster a non-judgmental environment that promotes trust and open communication, enabling patients to discuss their challenges openly without stigma.

Potential barriers to patient teaching include low health literacy, language differences, cultural beliefs, fear, and lack of motivation or perceived benefit. To address health literacy barriers, use plain language, visual aids, and teach-back methods to confirm understanding (Nutbeam, 2008). Culturally sensitive education materials and interpreters can help bridge language gaps and respect cultural perspectives. Building rapport and trust encourages patient engagement, while motivational interviewing techniques can enhance motivation and ownership of health behaviors (Rollnick & Miller, 1995). Addressing logistical barriers such as transportation, time constraints, and childcare by providing flexible scheduling or community-based sessions can improve attendance and participation. Recognizing and mitigating these barriers ensures that patient education is accessible, relevant, and effective, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

References

• 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. (2008). Does social class predict diet quality? The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 87(5), 1107-1117.
• Fransen, H., et al. (2015). Food purchasing behavior: A systematic review. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 47(4), 277-287.
• Giskes, K., et al. (2010). Socioeconomic inequalities in food purchasing patterns and their association with dietary intake. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 64(8), 663–668.
• Grace, C., & Pajer, K. (2021). Food insecurity and health outcomes: A review of recent research. Journal of Public Health Policy, 42(4), 520-533.
• Myers, A. J., et al. (2022). Nutritional epidemiology and socioeconomic factors: Implications for health disparities. Advances in Nutrition, 13(2), 450–459.
• Nicklas, T. A., et al. (2010). The role of budget constraints and food environment in dietary patterns among low-income populations. Public Health Nutrition, 13(12), 1894-1902.
• Nutbeam, D. (2008). The evolving concept of health literacy. Social Science & Medicine, 67(12), 2072–2078.
• Paterson, D. H., & Warburton, D. E. R. (2010). Physical activity and functional limitations in older adults: A review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 18(3), 242–251.
• Thacker, S. B., & Stroup, D. F. (2018). Principles of screening. The Annals of Family Medicine, 16(4), 383-385.
• Wilson, J. M., & Jungner, G. (1968). Principles and practice of screening for disease. World Health Organization.