Scenario 1: Peptic Ulcer A 65-year-old female comes to the clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain in the epigastric area. The pain has been persistent for two weeks. The pain described as burning, non-radiating and worse after meals. Denies N&V, weight loss or obvious bleeding. She admits to frequent belching with bloating. PMH: seasonal allergies with Chronic Sinusitis, positive for osteoarthritis, Meds: Claritin 10 mg po daily, ibuprofen 400-600 mg po prn pain Family Hx-non contributary Social history: Separated recently pending divorce; stressful situation with trying to manage two homes. Works as a Legal Assistant at a local law firm. She has 35 PPY of smoking, drinks 1-2 glasses of wine a day, and 6-7 cups of coffee per day. She denies illicit drug use, vaping or unprotected sexual encounters. Breath test in the office revealed + urease. The healthcare provider suspects the client has peptic ulcer disease. Questions: 1.Explain what contributed to the development from this patient’s history of PUD? Scenario 1: Peptic Ulcer A 65-year-old female comes to the clinic with a complaint of abdominal pain in the epigastric area. The pain has been persistent for two weeks. The pain described as burning, non-radiating and worse after meals. Denies N&V, weight loss or obvious bleeding. She admits to frequent belching with bloating. PMH: seasonal allergies with Chronic Sinusitis, positive for osteoarthritis, Meds: Claritin 10 mg po daily, ibuprofen 400-600 mg po prn pain Family Hx-non contributary Social history: Separated recently pending divorce; stressful situation with trying to manage two homes. Works as a Legal Assistant at a local law firm. She has 35 PPY of smoking, drinks 1-2 glasses of wine a day, and 6-7 cups of coffee per day. She denies illicit drug use, vaping or unprotected sexual encounters. Breath test in the office revealed + urease. The healthcare provider suspects the client has peptic ulcer disease. Question: 1.What is the pathophysiology of PUD/ formation of peptic ulcers? Scenario 2: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) A 44-year-old morbidly obese female comes to the clinic complaining of ‘burning in my chest and a funny taste in my mouth’. The symptoms have been present for years but patient states she had been treating the symptoms with antacid tablets which helped until the last 4 or 5 weeks. She never saw a healthcare provider for that. She says the symptoms get worse at night when she is lying down and has had to sleep with 2 pillows. She says she has started coughing at night which has been interfering with her sleep. She denies palpitations, shortness of breath, or nausea. PMH-HTN, venous stasis ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis of knees, morbid obesity (BMI 48 kg/m2) FH:non contributary Medications: Lisinopril 10 mg po qd, Bentyl 10 mg po, ibuprofen 800 mg po q 6 hr prn SH: 20 PPY of smoking, ETOH rarely, denies vaping Diagnoses: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Question: 1.If the client asks what causes GERD how would you explain this as a provider? Scenario 3: Upper GI Bleed A 64-year-old male presents the clinic with complaints of passing dark, tarry, stools. He stated the first episode occurred last week, but it was only a small amount after he had eaten a dinner of beets and beef. The episode today was accompanied by nausea, sweating, and weakness. He states he has had some mid epigastric pain for several weeks and has been taking OTC antacids. The most likely diagnosis is upper GI bleed which won’t be confirmed until further endoscopic procedures are performed. Question: 1.What are the variables here that contribute to an upper GI bleed? Scenario 4: Diverticulitis A 54-year-old schoolteacher is seeing your today for complaints of passing bright red blood when she had a bowel movement this morning. She stated the first episode occurred last week. The episode today was accompanied by nausea, sweating, and weakness. She states she has had some LLQ pain for several weeks but described it as ‘coming and going’. She says she has had a fever and abdominal cramps that have worsened this morning. Diagnosis is lower GI bleed secondary to diverticulitis. Question: 1.What can cause diverticulitis in the lower GI tract?

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.