Assignment Question
Instructions: Choose one passage from the list below and perform a close reading of the writing. Break down the writing into its various parts for the purpose of understanding how and why it is put together. You may include information from sources (properly cited, of course), but emphasis should be placed on your own close and careful reading and analysis of the passage. You will need to understand how the passage works in the context of the larger text. Thesis Question: The thesis question is the main question you are trying to answer throughout your entire essay. Your thesis should be a direct response to this question, and your essay should provide support for that answer. How do the choices made by the writer in constructing this passage help the passage contribute to the meaning of the writer’s larger text and argument? Select one from the following list of passages from our course readings: Equiano, The Interesting Narrative¸ Chapter I, par. 18 beginning with “As to the difference of colour. . .” and ending with “the Portuguese language” General Description of the Process of Close Reading: Break down the writing into its various parts for the purpose of understanding how and why it is put together. To do this well, you will need to identify the purpose of the passage (what does it seem that the author is trying to do?), the audience of the text (what specific people does the author seem to have in mind?), and the specific geographical, historical, and cultural contexts (what circumstances influenced the writing?) in which it was produced. Then, consider the strategies the writer uses to convey the message to the audience. Consider what literary devices are used and why they are used. Consider what imagery is used and why. Consider word choice, which is the writer’s choice of certain words instead of their synonyms because of the connotations or associations. Consider allusions to specific events, people, or other texts. What meaning do any of these elements contribute to the text? How do these elements help the writer shape the opinions of the audience? This is not a list of things you must discuss in your essay. This is your prewriting BEFORE you begin to plan and draft your essay. Suggestions for Organization: You should begin your essay with an introduction that identifies the author of the passage, the title of the larger text, the location of the passage within the larger text (not just page numbers but where in the chain of narrative events it occurs), and your thesis about the passage. The body of your essay may be organized in chronological order (discuss the details in the order in which they appear in the passage and so on), or you can organize your essay around particular topics (i.e. imagery, characterization, etc.). Other organizational strategies are possible, but these are the two that have worked best for students in the past. Each body paragraph should be about the specific passage you have chosen. You should end with a conclusion that, at minimum, restates the thesis, but you can also indicate the implication or application of your argument. Format: Your essay must be a minimum of 3 full pages and will probably need to be longer. For additional formatting guidelines, see the syllabus. This means your essay should be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point size Times New Roman font. Your first and last name, my last name (Hakima), the course section and number, and the date should be placed (on separate lines and in that order) at the top left of your first page. The date should be formatted with the date first followed by the month and year (ex. 17 August 2018). Your last name and a page number should appear at the top right of every page. Each essay should include a title that helps to advance the topic and purpose of your essay.
Assignment Answer
Introduction
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a prevalent medical condition that affects millions of Americans. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to a range of severe health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues. Understanding the consequences of untreated hypertension is essential for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care and patient education. Furthermore, it’s crucial to examine the case of “Asthmatic Pediatric Patient: Court Upholds Jury’s Verdict Finding Nursing Negligence” to highlight the importance of patient safety and medication administration in healthcare settings. This paper will explore the health problems resulting from untreated hypertension, identify the group at the highest risk of acquiring hypertension, discuss the medications albuterol and corticosteroids, and review the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG).
Consequences of Untreated Hypertension
Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually presents with no symptoms in its early stages. However, if left untreated, it can lead to a myriad of serious health problems. The primary health complications associated with untreated hypertension include:
Cardiovascular Diseases: Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms. Prolonged high blood pressure puts additional stress on the heart, leading to cardiac damage over time.
Stroke: High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes. It can cause blood vessels in the brain to weaken and rupture, or it can lead to the formation of blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke.
Kidney Damage: The kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively.
Eye Issues: Hypertension can lead to retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels in the eyes become damaged. If left untreated, it can result in vision problems and even blindness.
Aneurysms: High blood pressure can lead to the formation of aneurysms, which are weakened, bulging areas in the arteries. These can rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
Peripheral Artery Disease: Untreated hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the legs, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to pain, infections, and tissue death.
Dementia: Chronic hypertension is associated with cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Metabolic Syndrome: Hypertension is often part of a cluster of conditions that make up metabolic syndrome, including obesity, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid profiles. These increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Group at Greatest Risk of Acquiring Hypertension
A specific group at a higher risk of acquiring hypertension is African Americans. According to the American Heart Association, African Americans are more likely to develop hypertension than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. This health disparity is a complex issue influenced by various factors:
Genetic Predisposition: Genetics can play a significant role in the development of hypertension. African Americans are more likely to have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure.
Lifestyle Factors: Socioeconomic factors, such as access to healthcare, diet, and physical activity, can influence the risk of hypertension. African Americans are more likely to face social determinants of health that contribute to hypertension.
Stress: Experiences of racism and discrimination can lead to chronic stress, which is a known risk factor for hypertension.
Obesity: Higher rates of obesity in the African American community can increase the risk of developing hypertension.
Salt Sensitivity: Some individuals, particularly those of African descent, are more sensitive to the effects of salt, which can lead to increased blood pressure.
Medication Importance: Albuterol and Corticosteroid
In the case of the “Asthmatic Pediatric Patient,” two medications, albuterol and corticosteroid, were administered. Albuterol is a bronchodilator, while corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications. Their mechanisms of action are as follows:
Albuterol: Albuterol works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, which allows the air passages to open up. This bronchodilation helps in relieving acute symptoms of asthma by making it easier for the patient to breathe. It acts on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the airway muscles, leading to muscle relaxation.
Corticosteroid: Corticosteroids, in the context of asthma, help reduce inflammation in the airways. Inflammation is a key feature of asthma, and corticosteroids work by suppressing the inflammatory response. They inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances and reduce swelling in the airway walls, leading to improved breathing.
Common Side Effects of Albuterol
Patients taking albuterol may experience some common side effects, which include:
Tremors: Albuterol can cause fine tremors, typically in the hands.
Rapid Heartbeat: Some patients may notice an increase in heart rate or palpitations.
Nervousness: Albuterol can cause feelings of restlessness or nervousness.
Headache: Headaches are a relatively common side effect.
Dizziness: Some individuals may feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Nursing Negligence in the Asthmatic Pediatric Patient Case
The case of the “Asthmatic Pediatric Patient” highlights nursing negligence in the care of a pediatric patient with asthma. The negligent actions of the hospital staff included:
Failure to Administer Medication as Prescribed: The hospital staff failed to administer the prescribed medications, albuterol and corticosteroid, in a timely manner, which could have worsened the patient’s condition.
Lack of Monitoring: There was a lack of continuous monitoring of the patient’s vital signs and respiratory status, which is critical in managing an asthmatic patient.
Poor Communication: The healthcare team did not communicate effectively, leading to delays in the patient’s care.
What Could Have Been Done Differently
To prevent nursing negligence in the case of the “Asthmatic Pediatric Patient,” several steps could have been taken:
Timely Medication Administration: The nursing staff should have ensured that medications were administered promptly as prescribed.
Continuous Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the patient’s vital signs, oxygen saturation, and respiratory status should have been performed.
Effective Communication: Improved communication among the healthcare team is essential for ensuring timely and appropriate care.
Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG)
The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) are designed to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care in healthcare organizations. NPSG.03.05.01 focuses on the safe use of medications and is critical in preventing medication errors. The rationale for NPSG.03.05.01 is to reduce the risk of harm associated with the use of medications by focusing on several key aspects, including:
Standardizing Medication Processes: NPSG.03.05.01 aims to standardize medication administration processes to reduce errors, such as incorrect dosing or administration routes.
Patient Education: It emphasizes the importance of patient and family education regarding their medications, including understanding their purpose, potential side effects, and how to take them.
Communication: Effective communication among healthcare providers regarding medications is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the right medications at the right time.
Patient and family education should include topics such as medication names, purposes, dosages, potential side effects, and how to store and administer the medication. Ensuring that patients and their families are well-informed about their medications is vital in preventing adverse events.
In conclusion, untreated hypertension can lead to severe health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney damage. African Americans are at the greatest risk of acquiring hypertension due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. The medications albuterol and corticosteroid are essential in the management of asthma, and their mechanisms of action are well-documented. Nursing negligence in the case of the “Asthmatic Pediatric Patient” could have been prevented with timely medication administration, continuous monitoring, and improved communication. The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals, particularly NPSG.03.05.01, focus on the safe use of medications and underscore the importance of standardizing medication processes and patient education. Patient safety and medication administration are critical aspects of healthcare, and it is imperative for healthcare professionals to continuously strive for improvement in these areas to provide the best possible care to patients.
References
American Heart Association. (2019). About High Blood Pressure.
Joint Commission. (2023). National Patient Safety Goals.
Workman, M., & LaCharity, L. (2016). Understanding Pharmacology: Essentials for Medication Safety (2nd Edition). Elsevier.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the health problems associated with untreated hypertension?
Untreated hypertension can lead to a range of serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney damage, eye problems, aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, dementia, and metabolic syndrome.
Why are African Americans at a higher risk of acquiring hypertension?
Several factors contribute to the higher risk among African Americans, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, stress, obesity, and salt sensitivity.
How do albuterol and corticosteroids work in asthma treatment?
Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles, while corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation in asthma.
What are some common side effects of albuterol medication?
Common side effects of albuterol may include tremors, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, headache, and dizziness.
What is the rationale for Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goal NPSG.03.05.01?
NPSG.03.05.01 aims to enhance patient safety by focusing on the safe use of medications, standardizing medication processes, and emphasizing patient and family education regarding medications.
