For this assessment, you will develop a Word document or an online resource repository of at least 12 annotated professional or scholarly resources that you consider critical for the audience of your safety improvement plan to understand or implement to ensure the success of the plan

Introduction

Communication in the health care environment consists of an information-sharing experience whether through oral or written messages (Chard & Makary, 2015). As health care organizations and nurses strive to create a culture of safety and quality care, the importance of interprofessional collaboration, the development of tool kits, and the use of wikis become more relevant and vital. In addition to the dissemination of information and evidence-based findings and the development of tool kits, continuous support for and availability of such resources are critical. Among the most popular methods to promote ongoing dialogue and information sharing are blogs, wikis, websites, and social media. Nurses know how to support people in time of need or crisis and how to support one another in the workplace; wikis in particular enable nurses to continue that support beyond the work environment. Here they can be free to share their unique perspectives, educate others, and promote health care wellness at local and global levels (Kaminski, 2016).You are encouraged to complete the Determining the Relevance and Usefulness of Resources activity prior to developing the repository. This activity will help you determine which resources or research will be most relevant to address a particular need. This may be useful as you consider how to explain the purpose and relevance of the resources you are assembling for your tool kit. The activity is for your own practice and self-assessment, and demonstrates course engagement.

References

Chard, R., & Makary, M. A. (2015). Transfer-of-care communication: Nursing best practices.AORN Journal, 102(4), 329–342.Kaminski, J. (2016). Why all nurses can/should be authors. Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, 11(4), 1–7.

Professional Context

Nurses are often asked to implement processes, concepts, or practices—sometimes with little preparatory communication or education. One way to encourage sustainability of quality and process improvements is to assemble an accessible, user-friendly tool kit for knowledge and process documentation. Creating a resource repository or tool kit is also an excellent way to follow up an educational or in-service session, as it can help to reinforce attendees’ new knowledge as well as the understanding of its value. By practicing creating a simple online tool kit, you can develop valuable technology skills to improve your competence and efficacy. This technology is easy to use, and resources are available to guide you.

Scenario

For this assessment, build on the work done in your first three assessments and create an online tool kit or resource repository that will help the audience of your in-service understand the research behind your safety improvement plan pertaining to a specific patient safety issue and put the plan into action.

instructions

Using Google Sites, assemble an online resource tool kit containing at least 12 annotated resources that you consider critical to the success of your safety improvement initiative. These resources should enable nurses and others to implement and maintain the safety improvement you have developed.It is recommended that you focus on the 3 or 4 most critical categories or themes with respect to your safety improvement initiative. For example, for an initiative that concerns improving workplace safety for practitioners, you might choose broad themes such as general organizational safety and quality best practices; environmental safety and quality risks; individual strategies to improve personal and team safety; and process best practices for reporting and improving environmental safety issues.Following the recommended scheme, you would collect 3 resources on average for each of the 4 categories focusing on a specific patient safety issue. Each resource listing should include the following:

• An APA-formatted citation of the resource with a working link.
• A description of the information, skills, or tools provided by the resource.
• A brief explanation of how the resource can help nurses better understand or implement the safety improvement initiative pertaining to a specific patient safety issue.
• A description of how nurses can use this resource and when its use may be appropriate.

Remember that you must make your site “public” so that your faculty can access it. Check out the Google Sites resources for more information.Here is an example entry:

• Merret, A., Thomas, P., Stephens, A., Moghabghab, R., & Gruneir, M. (2011). A collaborative approach to fall prevention. Canadian Nurse, 107(8), 24–29.
  • This article presents the Geriatric Emergency Management-Falls Intervention Team (GEM-FIT) project. It shows how a collaborative nurse lead project can be implemented and used to improve collaboration and interdisciplinary teamwork, as well as improve the delivery of health care services. This resource is likely more useful to nurses as a resource for strategies and models for assembling and participating in an interdisciplinary team than for specific fall-prevention strategies. It is suggested that this resource be reviewed prior to creating an interdisciplinary team for a collaborative project in a health care setting.

  Additionally, be sure that your plan addresses the following, which corresponds to the grading criteria in the scoring guide. Please study the scoring guide carefully so you understand what is needed for a distinguished score.

• Identify necessary resources to support the implementation and continued sustainability of a safety improvement initiative pertaining to a specific patient safety issue.
• Analyze the usefulness of resources to the role group responsible for implementing quality and safety improvements focusing on a specific patient safety issue.
• Analyze the value of resources to reduce patient safety risk related to a specific patient safety issue.
• Present reasons and relevant situations for use of resource tool kit by its target audience.
• Communicate in a clear, logically structured, and professional manner that applies current APA style and formatting.

Example Assessment: You may use the following example to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like but keep in mind that your tool kit will focus on promoting safety with medication administration. Note that you do not have to submit your bibliography in addition to the Google Site; the example bibliography is merely for your reference.

• Assessment 4 Example [PDF] Download Assessment 4 Example [PDF].

To submit your online tool kit assessment, paste the link to your Google Site in the assessment submission box.Example Google Site: You may use the example found on the Assessment 4: Google Sitesreading list, Resources for Improved Heparin Infusion Safety, to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the scoring guide would look like for this assessment but keep in mind that your tool kit will focus on promoting safety with medication administration.Note: If you experience technical or other challenges in completing this assessment, please contact your faculty member.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Analyze the elements of a successful quality improvement initiative.
  • Analyze the usefulness of resources to the role group responsible for implementing quality and safety improvements focusing on a specific patient safety issue.
• Competency 2: Analyze factors that lead to patient safety risks.
  • Analyze the value of resources to reduce patient safety risk related to a specific patient safety issue.
• Competency 3: Identify organizational interventions to promote patient safety.
  • Identify necessary resources to support the implementation and continued sustainability of a safety improvement initiative pertaining to a specific patient safety issue.
• Competency 5: Apply professional, scholarly, evidence-based strategies to communicate in a manner that supports safe and effective patient care.
  • Present reasons and relevant situations for resource tool kit to be used by its target audience.
  • Communicate resource tool kit in a clear, logically structured, and professional manner that applies current APA style and formatting.

Tom Lee

he/him/his

10/26/23, 9:26 PM NEW

Maintaining appropriate nutrition levels is crucial for older adults as it promotes overall health and well-being. However, there are various dietary concerns and barriers that older adults may encounter, which can lead to inadequate nutrition. Reduced physical mobility can make grocery shopping and meal preparation challenging. Older adults live longer, which means ailing health status and increased immobility as they try to maintain their autonomy and self-sufficiency. Access to nutritious foods may be limited, leading to reliance on convenience or processed foods, which are often less healthy. Loneliness or living alone can contribute to poor dietary choices and meal skipping. Eating alone can also reduce the enjoyment of meals. Limited income may lead to difficulty affording nutritious foods, forcing older adults to make compromises on food quality.

Educate the older adult and their caregivers about meal planning and preparation. Encourage them to plan balanced meals and provide assistance or resources for grocery shopping. Meal planning can mitigate some of the limiting factors associated with decreased mobility. Connect the older adult with community resources such as Meals on Wheels or senior meal programs that provide adequate meals. Encourage older adults to increase their social circle if possible. Integrating peers can reduce loneliness and encourage physical and mental activity. Provide them with resources to community centers and assist with activity searches. These teachings and collaborative efforts from the client can improve nutritional health.

Angela Antonczak

10/24/23, 11:24 PM

Top of Form

Nutrition is essential for the body so when older adults have dietary problems and barriers it is very difficult to maintain a healthy diet. The dietary concerns and barriers for an older adult to maintain appropriate nutrition levels are physical difficulties and medical conditions are two examples that are extremely difficult for older adults. Elderly people age and so does the immune system so when it weakens they get more prone to health issues. Obesity is a big problem for elderly people with diabetes type 2 because they are overweight. They might have to limit their sugar intake so they don’t have to take insulin shots. Another is osteoporosis when an older person has calcium deficiency or low calcium levels in their diet. My aunt had this disease and it hurt when she walked. She was told to take a calcium supplement, but she refused to take anything. Maintaining an healthy diet in general is extremely difficult for elderly people because they might be set in their own ways of eating which is a difficult thing like my family was. If older patients do not take consideration for their health and nutrition then they are at risk for many health related complications like heart disease from high fat content consumption. The two client teaching and nursing interventions for prevention of nutritional deficits as well as the consequences of inadequate nutrition and hydration are for nurses to teach the patient about their nutritional needs as far as a strict diet if they are suffering high blood pressure or eating way too much sugar. They should promote physical activity in their ADLs or some form of exercise to help maintain a healthy weight balance. The fluid intake should be limited if a person is suffering from pneumonia or edema which can result to more fluid intake especially if they are having renal failure. The kidneys are at risk because they can’t function normally and filter the blood properly and maintain normal urine. Staying hydrated is essential for the body but for some elderly they must reduce their fluids due to complications. When an older person has inadequate food they are can be at risk for malnutrition which is harmful for the body since an elderly can find it difficult to eat food properly or skip meals due to lack of appetite or no flavor in their meals. 

Bottom of Form

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My main post in response to each of the following: 

1. Explain the agonist-to-antagonist spectrum of action of psychopharmacologic agents, including how partial and inverse agonist functionality may impact the efficacy of psychopharmacologic treatments.

The agonist-to-antagonist spectrum of action is a concept used in psychopharmacology to describe the various ways to interact with receptors to control the neurotransmitter activities in the nervous system. These interactions can have different effects influence behavior and mood. To understand this spectrum, it’s important to grasp the concepts of agonists, antagonists, partial agonists, and inverse agonists:

Agonists are substances that activate or stimulate a receptor when they bind to neurotransmitters, leading to an increase in neurotransmitter activity. For example, drugs that function as serotonin agonists can mimic the effects of serotonin in the brain, potentially resulting in improvements in mood and anxiety.

Antagonists are substances that bind to receptors but do not activate them. Instead, they block or inhibit the action of neurotransmitters. Antagonists can be used to reduce the effects of certain neurotransmitters. For example, Naloxone is an antagonist. It is an opioid receptor antagonist. it rapidly reverses the effects of opioids, such as heroin, and morphine by competitively binding to opioid receptors. This action can rapidly reverse the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose in emergencies. it can be a life-saving intervention when used promptly.

Partial agonists are substances that activate a receptor to a lesser extent compared to a full agonist. They have a moderate effect on receptor activity. Partial agonists are often used in psychopharmacology to achieve a more subtle or balanced effect. For example, a partial serotonin agonist might provide some mood improvement without inducing extreme mood swings.

Inverse agonists are substances that produce the opposite effect of an agonist. They bind to a receptor and reduce its baseline activity. They can turn down the activity of a receptor even in the absence of an agonist. Depending on the receptor system targeted, inverse agonists may have a sedative or calming effect, which can be useful in treating conditions associated with over-activity in specific neurotransmitter systems.

1. Compare and contrast the actions of g couple proteins and ion-gated channels.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion-gated channels are both essential components of neurotransmission in the nervous system. There are two distinct types of cell membrane proteins involved in signal transduction and the regulation of cellular responses. They play different roles in the process. They both are activated by the binding of neurotransmitters to their receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron.

GPCRs work indirectly by activating intracellular signaling pathways. When a neurotransmitter binds to a GPCR, it triggers a cascade of events that involves the activation of G proteins. These G proteins then interact with other signaling molecules, leading to various intracellular responses. GPCRs can regulate a wide range of cellular responses, including changes in gene expression, modulation of enzyme activity, and second messenger production. They have a broad and diverse range of functions.

Ion-gated channels, also known as ligand-gated ion channels, work directly by allowing the flow of ions across the cell membrane upon neurotransmitter binding. When a neurotransmitter binds to the channel’s receptor site, the channel opens, allowing ions to pass through, which can result in changes in the membrane potential and cellular excitability. Their function is more focused on altering the electrical properties of the neuron.

GPCRs are versatile and can modulate various intracellular pathways, while ion-gated channels directly control ion flow and cellular excitability. The choice between these mechanisms depends on the specific needs of the synaptic signaling and the desired cellular response.

1. Explain how the role of epigenetics may contribute to pharmacologic action.

Epigenetics involves alterations in gene expression or cellular phenotype. Epigenetic modifications can influence how genes are turned on or off, and these modifications can be influenced by pharmacological agents. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can impact the accessibility of genes to the cellular transcriptional machinery. Pharmacological agents can influence these epigenetic marks, either directly or indirectly, to regulate gene expression. Epigenetic changes can affect the expression of enzymes involved in drug metabolism. Understanding and harnessing the epigenetic aspects of drug action can lead to more effective and personalized therapeutic interventions.

1. Explain how this information may impact the way you prescribe medications to patients. Include a specific example of a situation or case with a patient in which the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner must be aware of the medication’s action.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), comprehending the implications of psychopharmacologic actions can profoundly shape my approach to prescribing medications for patients. The PMHNP’s knowledge of psychopharmacology plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes.

Imagine a patient, with a history of major depressive disorder. The patient has tried multiple antidepressant medications over the years with limited success and is currently experiencing a severe depressive episode with significant impairment in her daily life. As a PMHNP, I have learned psychopharmacology would be well-versed in the mechanisms of action of different antidepressant classes. For example, I would know that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake. I would also be aware that other classes like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and atypical antidepressants target different neurotransmitters.

By tailoring the medication choice to patient-specific needs, monitoring for side effects, and maintaining open communication, I can increase the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome for a patient’s depression.

Reference:

Mental Health TV. (2022, Oct 7).  Psychopharmacology-Module fourLinks to an external site. [Video]. YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Ioy6SSta4&t=89sLinks to an external site.

Mental Health TV. (2022, Oct 7).  Psychopharmacology-Module five [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ynTQB59KW0&t=16s

Stahl, S. M. (2021). Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practical applications (5th Ed.) Cambridge University Press.

The University of British Columbia. (n. d.). Neuroanatomy videosLinks to an external site.. http://neuroanatomy.ca/videos.htmlLinks to an external site.