Using The Classroom Resources Or South University Online Lib

Using The Classroom Resources Or South University Online Library Rese

Using the classroom resources or South University Online Library, research the tympanic membrane and the thyroid gland. In a Microsoft Word document of 4-5 pages formatted in APA style, address each of the following criteria. Two focused health assessment histories One assessment related to the tympanic membrane and the other focused on the thyroid gland. The assessments can be hypothetical patients or patients you have had in the past (remember HIPAA if you are describing a previous patient). A description of the normal and abnormal findings of the tympanic membrane.

Information on how to examine the thyroid gland using both the anterior and posterior methods. A concise note in the subjective, objective, assessment (be sure to include the NANDA diagnosis as well as the medical diagnosis), and plan (SOAP) format with each patient's encountered findings. For a review of SOAP notes: SOAP Documentaion Information about laboratory/diagnostic tests used for screening clients with tympanic membrane or thyroid gland issues. Include the expected normal results for each test. On a separate references page, cite all sources using APA format.

Helpful APA guides and resources are available in the South University Online Library. Below are guides that are located in the library and can be accessed and downloaded via the South University Online Citation Resources: APA Style page. The American Psychological Association website also provides detailed guidance on formatting, citations, and references at APA Style. • APA Citation Helper • APA Citations Quick Sheet • APA-Style Formatting Guidelines for a Written Essay • Basic Essay Template Please note that the title and reference pages should not be included in the total page count of your paper. Submission Details: Name your document SU_NSG3012_W2_Project_LastName_FirstInitial.doc. Submit your document to the Submissions Area by the due date assigned.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The detailed examination of the tympanic membrane and thyroid gland is a vital component of comprehensive health assessments. Proper understanding of their normal and abnormal findings facilitates early detection of pathology and timely intervention. This paper explores assessment techniques, findings, and relevant diagnostic tests, supported by hypothetical patient case histories, emphasizing clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice in nursing assessments.

Assessment 1: Tympanic Membrane

Patient History

In assessing the tympanic membrane, a patient presents with complaints of ear discomfort and decreased hearing. The subjective history reveals a recent upper respiratory infection, ear fullness, and occasional tinnitus. The patient reports no history of trauma or previous ear surgeries. These symptoms suggest possible middle ear pathology.

Normal and Abnormal Findings

The normal tympanic membrane appears translucent, pearly gray, with a cone-shaped light reflex in the anteroinferior quadrant. The membrane is intact without perforation or bulging. Abnormal findings include signs of infection such as erythema, bulging, perforation, or retraction pockets. Otitis media often presents with a dulled, opaque membrane, decreased mobility, and possible swirling or purulent discharge visible through the membrane.

Assessment 2: Thyroid Gland

Patient History

The second assessment involves a patient with symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. The subjective history notes a family history of hypothyroidism. Past medical history includes depression and dry skin. These symptoms suggest possible thyroid dysfunction.

Thyroid Examination Techniques

The thyroid gland is examined by visual inspection and palpation using both anterior and posterior approaches. The anterior approach involves tenderness assessment and palpation while the patient swallows to feel the gland’s movement. The posterior approach allows better palpation of the lobes, especially in obese patients, by standing behind the patient and palpating lateral to the trachea, gently feeling for enlargement or nodules during swallowing.

Assessment Findings and SOAP Notes

For the hypothetical patient with hypothyroidism, subjective complaints include fatigue and cold intolerance. Objective findings include an enlarged, non-tender, firm thyroid gland without nodules. The assessment concludes with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism (medical) and NANDA diagnosis of "Ineffective health management" related to chronic illness management. The SOAP note records the findings, diagnoses, and initial plan, including thyroid function testing.

Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing

The primary diagnostic test for thyroid function is the serum Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level. Normal TSH levels range from 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L, with elevated levels indicating hypothyroidism. Free thyroxine (T4) levels help further confirm the diagnosis. For the tympanic membrane, otoendoscopy or pneumatic otoscopy assesses membrane mobility, with normal findings reflecting proper mobility and no signs of infection or perforation.

Conclusion

Comprehensive assessment of the tympanic membrane and thyroid gland enables early detection of otologic and endocrine disorders. Familiarity with normal and abnormal findings, proper examination techniques, and relevant diagnostic testing are essential skills in nursing practice. Utilizing SOAP documentation ensures systematic patient evaluation and promotes effective communication among healthcare providers.

References

  1. Bickley, L. S. (2017). Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  2. Hockenberry, M. J., & Wilson, D. (2019). Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children (11th ed.). Elsevier.
  3. Jarvis, C. (2016). Physical Examination & Health Assessment (7th ed.). Saunders.
  4. NANDA International. (2015). Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification. NANDA International.
  5. Lewis, S. L., et al. (2020). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems (10th ed.). Elsevier.
  6. McGee, S. (2018). Evidence-Based Physical Examination: A Systematic Approach. Elsevier.
  7. American Thyroid Association. (2020). Thyroid function tests. https://www.thyroid.org.
  8. American Association of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. (2019). Otoscopic Examination Techniques. https://www.entnet.org.
  9. Gowen, N. (2021). Otolaryngology Examination Secrets. Elsevier.
  10. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA.

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