An understanding of the musculoskeletal systems is a critically important component of disease and disorder diagnosis and treatment. This importance is magnified by the impact that that this system may have on another. A variety of factors and circumstances affecting the emergence and severity of issues in one system can also have a role in the performance of the other.
Effective analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond these systems and their mutual impact. For example, patient characteristics such as, racial and ethnic variables can play a role.
An understanding of the symptoms of alterations in musculoskeletal systems is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment. For APRNs this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.
In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify the elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient health.
This is the case study: Ensure to follow the rubric closely.
A 64-year-old female presents to the clinic with back pain for the last 3 weeks. She reports that she has tried ibuprofen and Tylenol without relief of symptoms. The pain is a 5/10 and is sharp at times. She has noticed a reduction in her ability to perform ADLs. She denies any injury. She denies any burning with urination, numbness to lower extremities, or leg weakness. The patient has a history of osteoporosis and was prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements along with Alendronate 10mg po daily. Patient is 5’6” and weighs 175 pounds. BP is 120/84, pulse is 80, resp 18, regular and non labored, pulse ox 95%, and temp 98.0F. Physical exam reveals no focal motor deficits, DTRs 1+, localized vertebral spinous process tenderness to L2. Xray: Vertebral compression fracture of L2 with anterior wedging of thoracic vertebrae.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific case study scenario for this Case Study Assignment. Please see the “Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
The Assignment (1- to 2-page case study analysis)
In your Case Study Analysis related to the scenario provided, explain the following:
- The musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes that would account for the patient presenting these symptoms.
- Any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
- How these processes interact to affect the patient.
BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 8
Submit your Case Study Analysis Assignment by Day 7 of Week 8.
Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The sample paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templatesLinks to an external site.). All papers submitted must use this formatting.
NURS_6501_Week 8_Case Study_Assignment_Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||||
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis, examining the patient symptoms presented in the case study. Be sure to address the following: Explain the musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes of why the patient presents these symptoms. |
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30 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain how the highlighted processes interact to affect the patient. |
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30 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning. |
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25 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction are provided that delineate all required criteria. |
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5 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – English Writing Standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation |
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5 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. |
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5 pts |
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Total Points: 100 |
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