ANSWER
Cover Page: Applying Nursing Judgement in Practice
[Your Name]
Name of Course, Name of Instructor, Date
Overview
A key component of delivering safe, effective patient care is nursing judgement. To meet the multifaceted requirements of patients, nursing science must be integrated with clinical knowledge and evidence-based procedures. The significance of the nursing process, the fundamentals of infection control and safety, the function of physical evaluation throughout the lifespan, and how I, as a nurse, will apply judgement in practice are all covered in this essay.
Using Evidence-Based Nursing Science to Make Decisions in Practice
Evidence-based practice (EBP), which guarantees that decisions are backed by the best available research, clinical competence, and patient preferences, serves as the foundation for nursing judgements. I will critically evaluate recent research and use proven strategies to enhance patient outcomes in order to make well-informed decisions in my nursing practice.
When providing care for a patient who has chronic heart failure, for example, I would follow evidence-based recommendations, like those issued by the American Heart Association, to make sure that dietary changes, medication schedules, and adequate exercise are followed. In order to make sure that every facet of care—from pharmaceutical to psychosocial—is taken care of, I will also be working with interdisciplinary teams.
My decisions to strike a balance between patient autonomy and the best possible care will be supported by critical thinking and ethical standards. I will incorporate nursing research into practice to lower errors, increase safety, and improve patient outcomes by participating in ongoing learning and keeping up with scientific developments.
Organising, Assessing, and Addressing Patient Needs through the Nursing Process
Assessment, diagnosis, planning, execution, and evaluation are the five key processes that make up the nursing process, which is a methodical way to organising care. A comprehensive and customised approach to meeting patient demands is guaranteed by this framework.
I will collect both objective and subjective information through assessment in order to develop a comprehensive picture of the patient’s state. For instance, I would get data on symptoms, oxygen saturation, and medical history from a patient who was exhibiting respiratory distress. I can determine the main issue, like impaired gas exchange, and create strategies to address it during the diagnosis phase.
Executing evidence-based measures, including giving oxygen treatment or placing the patient for ideal lung expansion, is the main emphasis of implementation. Lastly, the evaluation stage guarantees that the treatments work and allows for any necessary modifications.
Because it fosters critical thinking and guarantees that no facet of patient care is missed, the nursing process is crucial. I can prioritise patient requirements, react quickly to changes, and provide comprehensive treatment by using this approach.
The Value of Safety and Infection Control Principles
Because healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and safety accidents provide serious dangers to patients, infection control and safety are essential components of nursing practice. Reducing HAIs requires an understanding of concepts like sterilisation, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand hygiene.
To stop the spread of infections, for example, I will make sure that hand hygiene guidelines are strictly followed both before and after patient interactions. I will inform patients and their families about infection prevention strategies, like appropriate wound care and immunisation, using evidence-based recommendations, like those provided by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Medication delivery and fall prevention are also covered by safety principles. I can reduce adverse events by using methods like the “five rights” of medicine delivery and fall risk assessments. Vigilance, clear communication, and reporting mistakes to support ongoing progress are all part of upholding a culture of safety.
By implementing these values into my work, I not only safeguard patients but also promote confidence in the medical community.
The Value of Physical Examination Throughout Life
For early abnormality diagnosis and efficient care planning, comprehensive physical examinations of the major body systems—integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular, abdominal, and neurological—are essential.
The integumentary system gives hints about possible illnesses, nutrition, and hydration. An aged patient’s pressure ulcer, for instance, may be a sign of immobility or poor nutrition, necessitating dietary adjustments and repositioning. The respiratory system is evaluated by monitoring oxygen saturation, lung sounds, and breathing patterns in order to detect diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pneumonia.
A cardiovascular evaluation that includes peripheral pulses and heart sounds can identify heart failure, arrhythmias, or hypertension. While neurological exams identify abnormalities in cognition, motor function, or sensory perception, abdominal assessments help discover digestive problems, such as liver malfunction or intestine blockages.
It is essential to comprehend the subtleties of these evaluations across the lifespan. For example, older patients may exhibit unusual presentations of cardiovascular diseases, while paediatric kids may exhibit mild symptoms of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring. Understanding age-specific differences helps me to properly customise evaluations and therapies.
In conclusion
As a student nurse, applying nursing judgement entails incorporating critical thinking, evidence-based procedures, and nursing science into all facets of care. I am ready to provide patient-centered, high-quality care by using the nursing process, putting infection control and safety first, and becoming proficient in physical exams for all age groups. In addition to improving my clinical proficiency, this reflective approach reaffirms my dedication to professional excellence and lifelong learning.
Citations
2015; American Nurses Association. Nursing: Practice guidelines and scope (3rd ed.). ANA: Centres for Prevention and Disease Control. (2022). infection prevention in medical environments. The URL https://www.cdc.gov
Murr, A. C., Moorhouse, M. F., and Doenges, M. E. (2019). Nursing care plans: recommendations for tailoring treatment for patients of all ages (10th ed.). Davis, F.A.
C. Jarvis (2020). Health evaluation and physical examination (8th ed.). Elsevier.
Fineout-Overholt, E., and Melnyk, B. M. (2019). Evidence-based nursing and healthcare practice: A best practice guide (4th ed.). Kluwer Wolters.
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QUESTION
A course outcome assignment is designed to reflect a students’ understanding of a concept that must be applied consistently in nursing practice. Course outcome assignments must achieve an 80% minimum grade for the student to pass the course. Students who do not meet the minimum score on their first submission will be allowed to resubmit the assignment, however they will receive their original score in the final gradebook.
Reflect on the following statement: See Grading Rubric for Expectations.
- How will you as a nurse make judgments in practice, supported by evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care? (300 word minimum)
- Discuss why the nurse uses the nursing process as a method to organize, analyze, and respond to a variety of patient needs. (300 word minimum)
- Why is it important for the nurse to be able to identify critical principles in the maintenance of infection control and safety? (300 word minimum)
- Why is it important for the nurse to be able to discuss concepts of physical assessment of key body systems (integumentary, respiratory, cardiovascular, abdominal, and neurological) across the lifespan? (300 word minimum)
Complete your reflection in APA format, Size 12 Times New Roman font, with a cover page and reference page. A minimum of one reference is required. Please submit 1200-1500 words on what it means to you to use nursing judgment as a nursing student.