65-year-old Caucasian female Cc: my back really hurt The pain started 2 days ago The pain is located in her lower back The pain makes it hard to sleep and get worse when I am walking She hope the pain would not last long cause is horrible She is not taking any meds for the symptom Has not had any significant trauma or injury to the back Has not had this kind of back pain before She was okay until the back pain stated, Mammogram and colonoscopy says are was clean, but I have got thin bone, The last the did that bone test on me they said I ‘T score of 2.5’ whatever that is. Event: I was rearranging heavy table at the restaurant where I work, I do it all the time, I must have move it wrong My job can be back breaking at times, maybe that might be part of it. No problem moving my back The pain is about 7 Pain is sharp Denies stiffness in the back Moving make my pain worse even rolling over in bad or walking Has pain at rest, says it is there all the time Has a history of osteoporosis It has been in my right now also The pain interferes with my sleep, and I find it difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep The pain is inside, deep The pain comes on suddenly No changes in my pain, the pain is continuous Denies Hx of spinal cord injury Denies popping sensation My back muscle are pretty tight No disability issues No change in ability to complete familiar task No difficulties in performing ADL She can get out of bed without assist She has not seen another doctor or visited the hospital Has not been exercising She takes calcium and vit-d bid for bones Does not remember her last physical Pain impact sleep Weight 130lb. BMI 21 Assessment: Normal bulk and tone, No rigidity, No specific spinal process tenderness, no specific paraspinal muscle tenderness, Normal ROM upper extremities, Straight leg raise abnormal at 45degree on the right with pain radiating down anterior leg below the knee. Contralateral straight leg raises also position with elevation of the left leg causing symptoms of the right. Unable to bend at waist without significant pain. Normal stability, Right knee extension strength testing is 4/5, limited by pain Right hip extension strength testing is 4/5 limited by pain All other extremities groups are 5/5 Assignment: i-Human Case Study: Evaluating and Managing Musculoskeletal Conditions Patients frequently present with complaints of pain, such as chronic back pain. They often seek medical care with the intent of receiving drugs to manage the pain. Typically, for this type of pain, narcotic drugs are often prescribed. This can pose challenges for you as the advanced practice nurse prescribing the drugs. While there is a process for evaluating back pain, it can be difficult to assess the intensity of a patient’s pain since pain is a subjective experience. Only the person experiencing the pain truly knows whether there is a need for drug treatments. For this Case Study Assignment, you will analyze an i-Human simulation case study about an adult patient with a musculoskeletal condition. Based on the patient’s information, you will formulate a differential diagnosis, evaluate treatment options, and create an appropriate treatment plan for the patient. Photo Credit: SCIEPRO / Science Photo Library / Getty Images To prepare: Review this week’s Learning Resources. Consider how to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Access i-Human from this week’s Learning Resources and review this week’s i-Human case study. Based on the provided patient information, think about the health history you would need to collect from the patient. Consider what physical exams and diagnostic tests would be appropriate to gather more information about the patient’s condition. Reflect on how the results would be used to make a diagnosis. Identify three to five possible conditions that may be considered in a differential diagnosis for the patient. Consider the patient’s diagnosis. Think about clinical guidelines that might support this diagnosis. Develop a treatment plan for the patient that includes (medications, labs, diagnostic study, and referral) health promotion ( at least 5), and patient education (at least 5) strategies for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. 3 to 5 differential diagnosis, treatment, labs, diagnostic study, Health promotion, Patient education, referral, and disposition. Assignment As you interact with this week’s i-Human patient, complete the assigned case study. For guidance on using i-Human, refer to the i-Human Graduate Programs Help link within the i-Human platform.

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.