Achieving Cultural and Linguistic Competence, Essay Example

A/B. In performing a web search, the example charts are relatively simple to find and are accessible without much difficulty. In performing this type of search, it is most important to recognize the validity of the website and the source of the information that is provided for the chart. Typically, well-recognized organizations and federal agencies providing this type of information serve as valuable resources in this process. For example, the Centers for Disease Control is one of the first resources that is listed on a web search of the phrase “growth charts.” Therefore, nurses should only utilize sources that are derived from reputable organizations in order to apply this knowledge to advanced practice nursing objectives and other considerations.

C/D. In exploring the Healthy People 2010 website, there are many issues of critical importance that are key priorities for the US government in supporting healthy outcomes for Americans. In addition, the US Preventative Services Task Force addresses some of the key objectives that support clinical approaches to disease prevention. With these objectives, it is necessary to develop strategies to promote leadership and guidance in a number of critical health-related areas. For example, the use of depression screening tools and related tools for other mental health disorders represents an opportunity to explore the different dimensions of care and treatment that are available when clinical providers have a clear and concise diagnosis to work with (Swartz). The use of simplistic questions may provide numerous benefits to clinicians and patients alike in order to diagnose depression and to address possible treatment alternatives (AHRQ, 2013). In these cases, if depression is identified, a number of options must be considered to provide support to the patient in managing depressive symptoms more effectively (AHRQ, 2013). When these screening tools are utilized in a timely manner, the potential benefits may outweigh the risks, particularly when patients are treated without additional delays (AHRQ, 2013).

The promotion of breastfeeding as a viable option for mothers should be addressed because it is beneficial in preventing possible complications in the future, such as breast cancer (AHRQ, 2013). In addition, infants benefit in numerous ways, including a lower risk of infection (AHRQ, 2013). Addressing patient histories is likely to play an important role in this process for many mothers (Bickley). For many mothers, the natural response is to begin breastfeeding, while others do not seek this practice for a variety of reasons (AHRQ, 2013). Therefore, it is important to identify these challenges and to address problems that may prevent the choice to breastfeed (AHRQ, 2013). The intervention process must consider the alternatives that are available to convince mothers to make the decision to breastfeed because it provides numerous health benefits for both mother and child (AHRQ, 2013).

From a clinical perspective, the choice to breastfeed is highly personal and should not be conducted in cases involving infectious diseases, including HIV (AHRQ, 2013). However, this option is viable under many other circumstances where for some reason, mothers might not seek this alternative (AHRQ, 2013). Nonetheless, when expectations are addressed early on and any additional guidance is provided, the choice might be easier for mothers to make (AHRQ, 2013). It is important to identify the different approaches to inform mothers regarding this option so that they are able to make an informed decision without difficulty or hesitation. This will also support clinical providers in their efforts to preserve health for their patients by using recommended guidelines in this process. The contributions that clinicians make in this area will support the ongoing need to provide patients with the best possible alternatives for themselves and for their children as they give birth and care for their children in a manner that is consistent with nationally recognized objectives.

In comparing growth for breastfed versus bottle-fed infants, the current standard and preference is breastfeeding, as children are likely to experience greater benefits from this type of feeding rather than formula feeding (Family Education, 2013). The Centers for Disease Control has also developed specific growth charts which track length-for-age, head-circumference-for-age, and weight-for-length for both males and females (CDC.gov, 2013). The CDC has also established weight charts for adults, based upon body mass index (BMI) to identify healthy weight ranges for this population group by entering individual height and weight (CDC.gov, 2013). Finally, maternal pregnancy weight charts have been established to address desired outcomes for a healthy pregnancy and delivery, including BMI, acceptable weight gain during pregnancy, and related risk factors (CDC.gov, 2013).

References

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF): an introduction. Retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/uspstf/index.html

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Section 2: Recommendations for adults (Continued). Retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/guide/section2a.html#Depression

Bickey, L.S. (2012). Bate’s Guide to physical examination and history taking. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Centers for Disease Control (2013). Adult BMI Calculator: English. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html

Centers for Disease Control (2013). Birth outcome and risk factor analysis. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/pednss/how_to/read_a_data_table/prevalence_tables/birth_outcome.htm

Centers for Disease Control (2013). Clinical growth charts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm

Family Education (2013). Breastfeeding benefits: breast milk’s nutrients and how they help  your baby grow. Retrieved from http://life.familyeducation.com/breastfeeding/36049.html

Healthy People 2010. Healthfinder.gov. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2010/healthfinder/

Swartz, M.H. (2009). Textbook of physical diagnosis, 6^th edition. Saunders.