Practicum Journal Entries

Journal Entry# 1

As a disorder, metabolic syndrome is characterized by the grouping of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The disorder is connected to increased susceptibility to some familiar cancers, and its pathophysiology is associated with insulin resistance (Wang et al., 2016). However, there is no concrete evidence that all patients suffering from the syndrome are resistant to insulin. For this reason, the aetiology of the disorder takes into consideration various concepts including adipose tissue disorder and obesity among others. The disorder is prevalent among adults, but also affects children who are obese. Nonetheless, the disorder can also affect lean individuals indicating that obesity is an indicator of the syndrome rather than a cause. For this reason, the paper provides a reflection of my experience while handling a patient who presented with the metabolic disorder during my pediatric experience.

My Experience in Assessing and Managing the Patient and His Family

My experience was not that hectic because the patient and the family members were very cooperative and adhered to every instruction and recommendation I provided. For instance, the patient I was in charge of was a smoker and very inactive when it came to physical exercises. For this reason, it was my duty to help the patient modify his lifestyle so as to manage the disorder. In collaboration with the family members, I educated the patient on the importance of dietary modifications, smoking cessation, and exercise in managing the disease. Besides, I designed a menu plan for the patient. I informed him that he must limit the intake of white rice, white flour, refined sugars, and dietary facts. I encouraged him to eat fish, especially salmon, sardines, and herring because of the omega-3fatty acids. I also advised the patient to take more vegetable and fruits, stop smoking, substitute saturated fats with mono-saturated fats, and reduce alcohol consumption. The family was very helpful in managing the patient care because they ensured that they prepared meals that adhered to the patients’ meal plan. The most difficult part in my pediatric experience was to stop the patient from smoking. The patient was an addict and could not go on for a single day without a cigarette. However, with the help of the family members, I ensured that the patient stopped smoking and adhered to the care plan. In the assessment of the patient’s condition, I had to identify the risk factors of the disorder by obtaining an in-depth history of the patient, checking laboratory findings, and performing a physical examination.

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Explaining How the Experience is Connected to My Classroom Studies and the Real-World Clinical Setting

The primary goal of managing metabolic syndrome is to reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol as well as managing diabetes. Another goal is to prohibit the development of type 2 diabetes. According to Wu et al. (2016), the onset of diabetes coupled with its long-term complications results in a leg amputation, vision loss, kidney, and heart diseases. For this reason, my experience is connected to my classroom studies and real-world clinical setting because they both emphasize on lifestyle changes including quitting smoking, managing stress, being physically active, eating healthy and maintaining healthy body weight (Colado-Simão & Dichi, 2016).

Conclusion

In conclusion, my practicum experience provided me with significant insights on how to manage and assess a patient with a metabolic disorder. It is imperative to take details of the patient’s medical history and involve the family in the design of individual care plan. Lifestyle modification is crucial in managing the disease.

Practicum – Journal Entry# 2

The gastrointestinal system is used to process energy and nutrients from the ingested fluids and food. However, this function is impaired in people with gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation (Aderinto-Adike & Quigley, 2014). These problems might be self-limiting, mild, and temporal or persist for some time resulting in the impairment of one’s health. For example, prolonged constipation results in impaction and diverticular whereas sustained diarrhea leads to low blood pressure which in turn results in heart rhythm abnormalities or fainting. Fluid and nutrient loss due to vomiting or diarrhea results in malnutrition, weight loss, vitamin deficiency, electrolyte imbalances, and dehydration (Reinhard, 2011). Likewise, constipation and indigestion reduce food intake and appetite. Gastrointestinal problems are linked to sedentary lifestyle, stress, diet, allergy, medications, food intolerance, or change in routine. Excessive consumption of dairy products, less fiber intake, and not drinking enough fluids subjects an individual to constipation whereas diarrhea is as a result of an individual intolerance to some types of food.

Describing My Experience in Assessing and Managing the Patient with Gastrointestinal Problems and Her Family

The patient that I was assessing was a pregnant woman and was suffering from constipation. According to Cunningham and Banez (2012), a majority of pregnant women often suffer from a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms including constipation, heartburn, vomiting, or nausea. Most of these problems are caused as a result of motility disturbance triggered by changes in hormones. The management of these symptoms requires simple therapeutic measures including dietary changes and lifestyle modification. The patient’s condition was not severe to warrant medical therapy. In pregnancy, constipation is a common occurrence, and it is caused by the impacts of progesterone on the bowel muscles. Therefore, to manage the condition, I made use of non-pharmaceutical methods including surfactants and bulk laxatives to manage the conditions. To calm the patient and her family members, I informed them that some level of constipation in pregnant women is normal and a reduced frequency in the movement of bowels does not need treatment rather the intake of required amount of roughages.

 Explaining How the Experience is Connected to My Classroom Studies and the Real-World Clinical Setting

Gastrointestinal problems are a common disorder and are a frequent problem among pregnant women. The most common gastrointestinal problems include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Many of these disorders can be managed by lifestyle modification, undergoing screening, and the practice of good bowel habits. For individuals suffering from constipation, laxatives are recommended. However, overuse of these medications might result in rhythmic contraction of the intestines causing an individual to rely on them. Overdependence of these drugs makes them ineffective. Instead of depending on medication to handle constipation, high fiber diet including vegetables, fruits, and grains as well as regular exercise is important.

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal disorders are health problems that can be managed by changing lifestyle and adhering to good bowel habits. For instance, individuals are expected to consume a lot of water, limit the number of dietary products, and intake of recommended amount of fiber. However, in severe cases, medical treatment is necessary such as the tightening of the loose muscles between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent the flow of acid.