How the advanced practice nurse can play a role in improving the health of young adults

Despite increased abilities across developmental realms, including the maturation of pain systems involving self-regulation and the coordination of affect and cognition, the transition to young adulthood is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, greater engagement in health-damaging behaviors, and an increase in chronic conditions. Rates of motor vehicle fatality and homicide peak during young adulthood, as do mental health problems, substance abuse, unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. Describe how the advanced practice nurse can play a role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention.    

Sample Solution

  The role of the advanced practice nurse (APN) in improving the health outcomes of young adults is multifaceted and important, as it involves both preventive screening and targeted interventions. As primary care providers for many young adults, APNs are well-placed to screen for health risks associated with this age group, such as mental health issues, substance abuse,
motor vehicle fatalities, sexual promiscuity and its associated risks (including pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections), and other potential health impacts from hazardous behaviors. Early identification can lead to timely treatment or intervention that can avert more serious consequences. In order to effectively prevent negative outcomes related to young adulthood behavior patterns, APNs must employ a comprehensive approach that includes evidence-based screenings on physical and mental health issues. This should include assessments of developmental stage (physical/emotional maturation) as well as risk factors including violence exposure, drug use/abuse history or peer influences. Therefore general physical examinations may include an evaluation for alcohol/substance abuse along with questions regarding risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or use of firearms in recreation activities. Additionally mental status evaluations which assess communication skills, judgment/decision making capabilities should be performed in order to identify any deficits or symptoms indicative of depression/anxiety disorders which may be present but not yet reported by the patient directly due to stigma concerns about disclosing a mental illness diagnosis; either due to social implications or confusion about available services aimed at addressing these types of disturbances. APNs must also recognize that there is often higher levels within this age group concerning access barriers to healthcare services whether through lack insurance coverage limitations or fear of professional judgement which can impede their seeking medical attention when necessary; therefore efforts should be made by APNs during initial visits not only provide information regarding available services but also reassurance that they will receive nonjudgmental care when needed especially if pertinent problems arise during regular checkups visits going forward.. Likewise efforts may need been undertaken in order understand how recent changes such school attendance requirements may impact individual’s ability access routine healthcare appointments while working around competing academic priorities if needed although providing valid excuses why certain exams have been missed would be useful from time to time establish trust between provider patient relationships over extended periods time . When appropriate further interventions maybe warranted beyond traditional medical treatments depending on population risk factors involved such referrals educational support systems specialty counseling organizations designed address specific challenges faced by adolescents transitioning into adulthood . Such collaborations among professionals outside realm direct healthcare delivery are essential overall success promoting positive public health terms establishing psychological safety nets around vulnerable populations who may otherwise fall repeat patterns adverse lifestyle choices due lack knowledge availability resources needed overcome them . For example referral centers offering free STI testing STD counseling could reduce likelihood transmission serious diseases like HIV promote awareness contraception options preventing unwanted pregnancies promotion healthy sexuality across board . Additionally linking teenagers former victims domestic violence shelters increase chances escaping harmful home environments impacting future behavioral decisions throughout lives eventually leading less reliance medical services down line costs savings system level itself all goes back importance early prevention set up those entering adulthood prepared handle whatever world throws them way without falling too far behind self-care obligations maintaining wellbeing both physically mentally along journey life

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