Health Promotion, Chronic and Acute Illness Paper
Purpose
The purpose of this Assignment is for you to gain an understanding of health promotion, screening, diagnosis, and management of common women’s health acute and chronic illnesses and to compare and contrast common versus nontraditional treatment modalities.
Directions
- Select one acute and one chronic women’s health issue . ACUTE: VULVOVAGINITIS CHRONIC: UTERINE FIBROIDS
- Describe and outline the issue, prevalence, and significance.
- Describe health promotion and screening for each issue.
- Outline diagnostic tests or laboratories needed for each issue. Elaborate on what you would expect or anticipate in the diagnostic testing with each illness you choose.
- List and describe common treatment or management modalities for each issue.
- Discuss patient education and follow up that is needed for each issue.
- Identify health screening and promotion needs for women across the lifespan specific to the chronic illness.
- For each selected issue, compare and contrast traditional versus nontraditional treatment options.
- Examine how you would collaborate with other members of the health care team for best practice.
- Please save your paper in the following format: Lastname Course Assignment Number. Example: Henry MN576 Unit 9 Assignment
To view the Grading Rubric for this Assignment, please visit the Grading Rubrics section of the Course Resources.
Assignment Requirements
Before finalizing your work, you should:
- be sure to read the Assignment description carefully (as displayed above);
- consult the Grading Rubric (under the Course Resources) to make sure you have included everything necessary; and
- utilize spelling and grammar check to minimize errors.
Your writing Assignment should:
- follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.);
- be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful;
- display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics; and
- use APA 6th Edition format.
- be 5-10 pages in length.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The purpose of this assignment is to gain an understanding of health promotion, screening, diagnosis, and management of common women’s health acute and chronic illnesses. This assignment requires the selection of one acute and one chronic women’s health issue and the comparison and contrast of traditional versus nontraditional treatment options. The paper will outline diagnostic tests or laboratories needed for each issue, describe health promotion and screening for each issue, list and describe common treatment or management modalities for each issue, discuss patient education and follow up needed for each issue, identify health screening and promotion needs for women across the lifespan specific to the chronic illness, and examine how collaboration with other members of the healthcare team impacts best practice.
Answer:
Acute Issue: Vulvovaginitis
Vulvovaginitis refers to the inflammation of the vulva and/or vagina and is a common condition among women of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial or fungal infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or irritants such as soaps and laundry detergents. Approximately 75% of women will experience at least one episode of vulvovaginitis in their lifetime, and it is one of the most common reasons for gynecologic visits.
Health promotion and screening for vulvovaginitis involves educating women about the importance of maintaining good genital hygiene, avoiding irritating products, and using condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent STIs. Women should also be counseled on the importance of promptly seeking medical care if they experience symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, discharge, or pain.
Diagnostic testing for vulvovaginitis includes a physical exam, laboratory tests to identify the causative organism such as a wet mount or gram stain, and culture to identify the specific bacteria or fungus involved. Treatment options can include topical or oral antimicrobial agents, antifungal medications, or corticosteroids. Patient education on proper medication use and symptom management is crucial for successful treatment.
Chronic Issue: Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common pelvic tumors in women, with an estimated 70-80% of women developing them by age 50. Uterine fibroids can be asymptomatic, but they can also cause significant morbidity, including menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, infertility, and bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Health screening and promotion for uterine fibroids involves counseling women on healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Women with a family history of uterine fibroids or who are of African descent are at a higher risk and may need earlier screening.
Diagnostic testing for uterine fibroids typically consists of a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and possibly MRI. Treatment options depend on the patient’s symptoms and reproductive goals, and can range from watchful waiting to medical and surgical interventions. Traditional treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and hysterectomy. Nontraditional treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements have also been explored. Patient education on the risks and benefits of each treatment option is important to facilitate informed decision making.
Collaboration with other members of the healthcare team, such as gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and radiologists, is essential for the effective management of vulvovaginitis and uterine fibroids. A multidisciplinary approach can ensure that the patient receives appropriate testing, accurate diagnosis, and individualized treatment. Communication between providers is also necessary to facilitate coordinated care and prevent potential adverse events.
In conclusion, the effective management of women’s health acute and chronic illnesses requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates health promotion, screening, diagnosis, and management, as well as patient education and follow-up. Collaboration among healthcare providers is crucial to ensure that women receive individualized care that considers traditional and nontraditional treatments.
