Case Study: 16-year-old with Trouble Concentrating Week 5 Discussion Essay

Case Study: 16-year-old with Trouble Concentrating Week 5 Discussion Essay

Case Study: 16-year-old with Trouble Concentrating Week 5 Discussion Essay

Case Study: 16-year-old with Trouble Concentrating
Initial concerns include the patient’s difficulty concentrating, frail appearance, and requesting diet pills. These signs and symptoms raise the potential of an eating disorder, substance abuse, or underlying medical condition, such as malnutrition or thyroid dysfunction. The next action would be to obtain a comprehensive medical history from the adolescent, do a physical examination, and perform a laboratory analysis (Fenstermacher & Hudson, 2020). Therefore, the history and the physical examination will form the foundation from which it is possible to ascertain the underlying causes of the patient’s symptoms.

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The use of relevant screening instruments, a thorough assessment, and the creation of a complete treatment plan that considers the patient’s physical and mental health requirements are all components of an evidence-based approach to this situation. The laboratory assessment should comprise a complete blood count, a metabolic panel, thyroid function assays, drug screen, and a nutritional status evaluation, including serum albumin and pre-albumin levels. Several screening tools can help guide one closer to the diagnosis. The SCOFF questionnaire, a screening tool for symptoms of the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, may be helpful in this examination (Seferovic et al., 2019). Besides, the 26-object Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) is applicable in evaluating the presentations and concerns of eating disorders through gauging attitudes on eating and body perception (Papini et al., 2022). A drug screening test is also appropriate. Follow-up care should be customized to the patient’s needs and may include routine check-ins with the doctor, continued laboratory monitoring, and specialist referrals as required.
Given the possibility that the patient’s symptoms are connected to an underlying mental health disorder, pharmaceutical therapies may not be suitable in this situation. Nutritional counseling and therapy are non-pharmacological therapies that can address any underlying psychological or emotional issues causing the patient’s symptoms. In addition, family-based therapy (FBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be successful in treating eating disorders (Balasundaram & Santhanam, 2021). If an underlying medical issue is discovered, medication can be required. Only then can pharmacological therapies be used.
The value of a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is one method of health promotion that can be brought up to the patient. It can benefit the patient’s general health and well-being to be encouraged to eat a range of good foods, such as fruits, lean meats, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains (Bullivant et al., 2020). Regular physical activity is also suitable for mental and physical well-being. Reviewing the risks of using diet tablets with the patient is crucial. As a result, instruction should cover the value of sound nutrition, the dangers of diet pills, and methods for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Referrals to experts, such as a licensed therapist or a certified nutritionist, may also be necessary to address particular issues.
 
References
Balasundaram, P., & Santhanam, P. (2021). Eating disorders. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567717/
Bullivant, B., Rhydderch, S., Griffiths, S., Mitchison, D., & Mond, J. M. (2020). Eating disorders “mental health literacy”: A scoping review. Journal of Mental Health, 29(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2020.1713996
Fenstermacher, K., & Hudson, B. T. (2020). Practice guidelines for family nurse practitioners. Elsevier.
Papini, N. M., Jung, M., Cook, A., Lopez, N. V., Ptomey, L. T., Herrmann, S. D., & Kang, M. (2022). Psychometric properties of the 26-item eating attitudes test (EAT-26): An application of Rasch analysis. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00580-3
Seferovic, A., Dianes, G. N., Juan, B., Larsen, D., Oyler, V., & Ragoza, Y. (2019). What is the best screening tool for eating disorders in primary care? Evidence-Based Practice, 22(3), 12. https://doi.org/10.1097/EBP.000000000000018

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As a family nurse practitioner you are working in a rural health clinic. You are evaluating a 16-year-old adolescent patient who comes in complaining of having a difficulty concentrating in school. On exam you also note that the patient is very thin and frail in appearance and is asking you for diet pills.
What are some initial areas for concern? What screening tools can help lead you closer to your diagnosis?
Describe 1 health promotion strategy you can discuss with the patient.
Be sure to address the following in your plan of care: pharmacological and non-pharmacological (OTC) interventions, labs, follow-up, teaching, and referral/s.
Your work should integrate course resources (text/s) as well as a minimum of two (2) other evidence-based guidelines and/or articles published within 3-5 years.
Reference:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Youth risk behavior surveillance
system (YRBSS). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm