Discussion Despite Increased Abilities Across Developmental

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Discussion: Despite increased abilities across developmental realms, including the maturation of pain systems involving self-regulation and the coordination of affect and cognition, the transition to young adulthood is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, greater engagement in health-damaging behaviors, and an increase in chronic conditions. Rates of motor vehicle fatality and homicide peak during young adulthood, as do mental health problems, substance abuse, unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. Describe how the advanced practice nurse can play a role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention. Instructions: Word limit 500 words. Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is marked by significant developmental advancements, including enhanced cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and self-regulation skills. Despite these positive developments, this stage of life is also characterized by heightened vulnerabilities, such as increased mortality rates, engagement in risky behaviors, and the emergence of chronic health conditions. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) occupy a vital position in mitigating these risks through targeted preventive screening and intervention strategies aimed at promoting long-term health among young adults.

One of the primary roles of APNs in this demographic is conducting comprehensive preventive screenings that identify health risks early on. Regular screenings for mental health disorders, substance use, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes are crucial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020), early detection of behavioral health issues like depression and anxiety can significantly improve outcomes through timely intervention. APNs can administer screening tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression or the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), enabling early diagnosis and appropriate referrals.

Furthermore, APNs can play an essential role in health education and counseling tailored to the unique needs of young adults. Education about safe driving practices, the importance of consistent condom use, and the risks associated with substance abuse can effectively reduce risky behaviors. For instance, motivational interviewing techniques can facilitate behavior change, empowering young adults to adopt healthier lifestyles (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). APNs' engagement in discussing mental health stigma and encouraging help-seeking behaviors can also increase mental health service utilization (Bryan et al., 2018).

In addition to counseling, APNs can advocate for and implement vaccination programs, including HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, to prevent infections that disproportionately affect this age group (Petrovitch et al., 2021). They are also instrumental in promoting healthy behaviors through community outreach and leveraging technology, such as mobile health applications, to enhance access to information and support. Telehealth platforms have expanded the reach of preventive services, especially in rural or underserved areas (O’Neill et al., 2020).

Another critical intervention involves addressing social determinants of health—such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare—that influence young adults' capacity to engage in health-promoting behaviors. APNs, through collaborative care models, can connect young adults to resources like mental health services, housing assistance, or employment programs, thereby tackling root causes of health disparities (De Souza et al., 2019).

In conclusion, advanced practice nurses are pivotal in improving young adult health outcomes through comprehensive preventive screening and personalized interventions. By integrating health promotion, early detection, and behavioral counseling into routine care, APNs can reduce risky behaviors, prevent the onset of chronic illnesses, and foster healthier transitions into mature adulthood.

References

• Bryan, J., Lee, J., & Hsiao, T. (2018). Mental health help-seeking behaviors among young adults: Roles of stigma and perceived social support. Journal of Adolescent Health, 62(1), 22-27.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2019. MMWR. Surveillance Summaries, 69(1), 1–112.
• De Souza, M., Eyles, T., & Cumming, J. (2019). Addressing social determinants of health through nurse-led interventions. Nursing Outlook, 67(2), 164-171.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change. Guilford Press.
• O’Neill, M., Mitchell, K., & Kothari, A. (2020). Telehealth and its role in improving access to care for young adults: A review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(5), 280-286.
• Petrovitch, B. E., Zhang, J., & Wilkins, K. (2021). Vaccination strategies to prevent infectious diseases in young adults. Vaccine, 39(20), 2732-2738.