Assessment Tools and Diagnostic Tests in Adults and Children

When seeking to identify a patient’s
health condition, advanced practice nurses can use a diverse selection
of diagnostic tests and assessment tools; however, different factors
affect the validity and reliability of the results produced by these
tests or tools. Nurses must be aware of these factors in order to select
the most appropriate test or tool and to accurately interpret the
results.

Not only do these diagnostic tests affect adults, body measurements
can provide a general picture of whether a child is receiving adequate
nutrition or is at risk for health issues. These data, however, are just
one aspect to be considered. Lifestyle, family history, and
culture—among other factors—are also relevant. That said, gathering and
communicating this information can be a delicate process.
 

For this Assignment, you will consider the validity and reliability
of different assessment tools and diagnostic tests. You will explore
issues such as sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative
predictive values. You will also consider examples of children with
various weight issues. You will explore how you could effectively gather
information and encourage parents and caregivers to be proactive about
their children’s health and weight.

To Prepare

• Review this week’s Learning Resources and consider factors that
  impact the validity and reliability of various assessment tools and
  diagnostic tests. You also will review examples of pediatric patients
  and their families as it relates to BMI.
• By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to one of the
  following Assignment options by your Instructor: Adult Assessment Tools
  or Diagnostic Tests (option 1), or Child Health Case (Option 2). Note: Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignments from your Instructor.
• Search the Walden Library and credible sources for resources
  explaining the tool or test you were assigned. What is its purpose, how
  is it conducted, and what information does it gather?
• Also, as you search the Walden library and credible sources,
  consider what the literature discusses regarding the validity,
  reliability, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, ethical
  dilemmas, and controversies related to the test or tool.
• If you are assigned Assignment Option 2 (Child), consider what
  health issues and risks may be relevant to the child in the health
  example.
  • Based on the risks you identified, consider what further
    information you would need to gain a full understanding of the child’s
    health. Think about how you could gather this information in a sensitive
    fashion.
  • Consider how you could encourage parents or caregivers to be proactive toward the child’s health.

The Assignment

Assignment (3–4 pages, not including title and reference pages):

Assignment Option 2: Child Health Case:

Overweight  5-year-old black boy with overweight parents who work
full-time and the boy spends his time after school with his grandmother

Include the following:

• An explanation of the health issues and risks that are relevant to the child you were assigned.
   
• Describe additional information you would need in order to further assess his or her weight-related health.
• Identify and describe any risks and consider what further
  information you would need to gain a full understanding of the child’s
  health. Think about how you could gather this information in a sensitive
  fashion.
• Taking into account the parents’ and caregivers’ potential
  sensitivities, list at least three specific questions you would ask
  about the child to gather more information.
• Provide at least two strategies you could employ to encourage the
  parents or caregivers to be proactive about their child’s health and
  weight.

References:

Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel’s guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

• Chapter 3, “Examination Techniques and Equipment”

This chapter explains the physical examination techniques of
inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. This chapter also
explores special issues and equipment relevant to the physical exam
process.

• Chapter 8, “Growth and Nutrition”

In this chapter, the authors explain examinations for growth,
gestational age, and pubertal development. The authors also
differentiate growth among the organ systems.

• Chapter 5, “Recording Information”  (Previously read in Week 1)

This chapter provides rationale and methods for maintaining clear and
accurate records. The text also explores the legal aspects of patient
records.

Chaudhry, M. A. I., & Nisar, A. (2017). Escalating health care cost due to unnecessary diagnostic testing. Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology,
(3), 569. Retrieved from
https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsdoj&AN=edsdoj.032e1af6f8c54862844d6d418ea62855&site=eds-live&scope=site

Rubric:

In 3–4 pages, address the following:

An explanation of the health issues and risks that are relevant to the child you were assigned. The response clearly, accurately, and in detail explains the relevant health issues and risks for the assigned child.

Describe additional information you would need in order to further assess his or her weight-related health. The
response clearly and accurately describes detailed additional
information needed to further assess the child’s weight-related health.

Identify and describe any risks, and consider what further
information you would need to gain a full understanding of the child’s
health. Think about how you could gather this information in a sensitive
fashion. The response clearly and accurately identifies and
describes in detail any risks to the child’s health.  The response
clearly and accurately identifies and describes in detail further
information needed to gain a full understanding of the child’s health,
with a detailed explanation of how to gather that information in a way
that is sensitive to the child.

Taking into account the parents’ and caregivers’ potential
sensitivities, list at least three specific questions you would ask
about the child to gather more information.The response clearly
and accurately lists three or more specific questions that would gather
more information about the child.
                                                                                                                                                           Specific
questions are carefully worded to clearly demonstrate sensitivity to
the parent(s) or caregiver(s) of the child.

Provide at least two strategies you could employ to encourage
the parents or caregivers to be proactive about their child’s health
and weight. The response clearly describes two or more detailed
strategies to encourage the parent(s) or caregiver(s) to be proactive
about the child’s health and weight.

Written 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. Paragraphs and sentences
follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.  A clear and
comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are
provided that delineate all required criteria.

Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards:
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation. Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.

Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct
APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins,
indentations, page numbers, running heads, parenthetical/in-text
citations, and reference list. Uses correct APA format with no errors.

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