NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem Leadership Collaboration Communication Change Management and Policy Considerations
Student Name Capella University NURS 4900 Capstone Project for Nursing Prof. Name Date Family, Patient or Population Health Problem The health problem considered for this capstone project is related to my personal experience. My mother experienced a health condition that connected deeply with my personal and professional life. In the year 2014, my mother suddenly had significant back pain and shortness of breath. After knowing the seriousness of the situation, I quickly brought her to the Houston Methodist Hospital. The medical testing revealed slightly raised troponin levels, indicating a mini-heart attack. This critical incident provided a severe token of the prevalence and importance of a complex health issue. It became clear that several variables had contributed to her situation, including high blood glucose levels, raised cholesterol levels, and excessive triglycerides. All these factors affected her cardiovascular health and were identified in her case because of her less physical activity and the stress of being alone. The stressful situation and limited physical activity led the disease to aggravate, eventually ending up in the hospital. Being a professional nurse, I not only assumed the role of a concerned family member but also utilized my understanding of the broader implications of heart disease and the importance of its effective management. Substantial Relevance of Heart Attack A heart attack happens when a coronary artery is blocked, resulting in a lack of oxygen flow to the heart’s muscles. Symptoms include pain in the chest, breath shortness, and back pain. High blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of cardiovascular problems are all significant risk factors for the disease. Around 610,000 individuals die annually from heart attacks in the U.S., accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths. Moreover, around 2.35 million people are injured in car accidents yearly due to drivers experiencing heart attacks and losing control of their vehicles (Chowdhury et al., 2019). This high prevalence of the disease advocates the need for effective management so that the best possible care and treatment can be provided to people experiencing this health issue. Peer-Reviewed Literature and Professional Sources that Guide Nursing Actions Nurses are critical in managing cardiac disease, guided by peer-reviewed literature and professional sources. They educate patients about self-care practices like healthy lifestyles, diet, and physical exercises. A study by Son et al. (2022) presented the efficacy of nurse-led heart failure self-care education in improving patient outcomes, especially regarding readmissions and mortality. On the other hand, nurses’ constant commitment to supporting patients emotionally enables them to combat their disease and improve stressful situations (Cimmino et al., 2022). The above-cited clinical literature is reliable as it aligns with my nursing experiences. Additionally, data reliability is accessed by journal reputation, methodology, conflicts of interest, peer review status, and transparency. Considering these factors, informed decisions can be made about incorporating evidence into my practice by relying on critical thinking and nursing expertise. Potential Barriers to Evidence-Based Practice and Guiding Frameworks Implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) in heart attack care may encounter various challenges. These include a need for more awareness among healthcare professionals, limited resources, and resistance to change. Little knowledge about evidence-based practices and theoretical frameworks may hinder healthcare professionals from utilizing best practices in their workplaces. This may lead to using traditional measures, leading to several disease treatment and management gaps. NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem Leadership Collaboration Communication Change Management and Policy Considerations Healthcare organizations may need more resources while implementing evidence-based practices, leading to fragmented care. While resistance to change is another crucial barrier that may hinder healthcare professionals in implementing recent and evidence-based practices, patients may also need to show more support in adopting these practices due to the fear of their effectiveness and applicability. Addressing the aforementioned barriers and difficulties requires education, organizational support, resource improvement, and a commitment to quality improvement by implementing evidence-based practice and a guiding framework. State Board Nursing Practice Standards/Organizational or Governmental Policies Many state board nursing practice standards or policies of government impact heart attacks and help heart attack patients. The Nursing Practice Act developed by the Texas Board of Nursing specifies the basic standards for nursing practice, including specific heart attack prevention and treatment requirements. According to the standards, nurses are responsible for assessing high-risk patients, educating them about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and caring for patients with the disease (Texas Board of Nursing, 2021). These nursing standards assist nurses in managing the disease condition, improving patient outcomes, and minimizing the risk of disease aggravation. Health policies influence individuals’ and communities’ overall health and well-being. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) has developed the “Healthy People 2030” policy with carefully chosen objectives. The objectives of this policy put a significant emphasis on ensuring the safety and well-being of people by improving the overall healthcare quality. One of its goals is to improve cardiac health and lower the mortalities of diseases like stroke and heart attack ( Department of Health and Human Services , 2020). NURS FPX 4900 Assessment 1 Assessing the Problem Leadership Collaboration Communication Change Management and Policy Considerations The foundation for health improved across the nation lies in the establishment of well-informed, evidence-based policies that address the diverse health needs of the population. Implementing these policies with clear goals and objectives can improve the healthcare system and patient care for chronic diseases. The policy mentioned above, and the standards of state board have a prominent affect on the scope of nursing practice by giving a clear roadmap to registered nurses for working. Policies and standards aim to ensure patient safety and quality of care by setting guidelines for medication administration, patient assessment, and other critical aspects of healthcare delivery. When registered nurses have a set of standards and clear objectives, they can follow these standards and guidelines to achieve the given goals for a better patient outcome. These policies and standards require nurses to continue their education and professional development, ensuring they stay updated with evolving practices and advancements in healthcare.