Topic: Chronic disease management
Discuss an acute case scenario that you observed in the clinical setting recently for the adult population ranging 35–65-year old.
Discuss how this case can develop into chronic disease management?
What was the evidence that supported the intended outcomes for this patient scenario?
Note: I am an NP student rotating in a primary care clinic.
APA style. Include at least 3 references no older than 5 years.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This assignment will address a case scenario observed in a primary care clinic involving the management of acute illness for an adult patient ranging between the ages of 35-65 years old. This assignment also aims to discuss the possibility of the acute illness developing into chronic disease management. Further, this paper will explore the evidence supporting the intended outcomes for this patient scenario.
Answer:
Case Scenario: The 55-year old patient presented to the clinic with complaints of chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Upon further examination, the patient was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which requires immediate medical attention as it can progress to a life-threatening condition such as myocardial infarction. After stabilizing the patient’s condition, the healthcare provider focused on developing a long-term management plan to prevent the recurrence of the acute coronary syndrome and the development of chronic heart disease.
Development of acute to chronic disease management: Acute coronary syndrome can develop into chronic heart disease if left untreated, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Proper management of acute coronary syndrome involves counseling the patient on lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and surgery if necessary. The immediate aim is to stabilize the patient’s condition, but long-term management aims to prevent acute coronary syndrome recurrence and halt disease progression, leading to chronic heart disease. Therefore, early interventions during the acute phase can often prevent the development of chronic heart disease.
Evidence supporting intended outcomes for patient scenario: To ensure positive outcomes for ACS patients, evidence-based guidelines exist for optimal treatment. The American Heart Association (AHA) 2020 Guidelines on the management of acute coronary syndrome stipulate lifestyle modifications including diet and physical activity, antithrombotic therapy, antiplatelet agents, and adjunctive pharmacological therapies such as ACEIs/ARBs. These guidelines outline interventions that could prevent ACS from progressing to chronic heart disease. Additionally, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials showed that secondary prevention strategies, like the ones used in ACS management, could prevent the development of chronic heart disease.
In summary, prompt recognition and intervention in acute coronary syndrome can prevent the occurrence of chronic heart disease. An individualized care plan for the patient, based on guidelines, will provide for optimal management of the patient’s condition. Ultimately, the health care team must assure that prescribed interventions reduce risk factors that will prevent the recurrence of acute coronary syndrome and the development of chronic disease.
