Choose a global health issue. For this assignment, you will introduce the health issue and discuss the interventions necessary to prevent the issue and promote health.
Some topics to consider may include:
- Anthrax
- Bioterrorism
- Cholera
- Clostridium botulinum infection
- Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
- Ebola virus disease
- Escherichia coli
- Malaria
- Plague
- Severe respiratory distress syndrome
- Small pox
- Suicide
- Tuberculosis
- Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus infection
- West Nile virus
Include the following in your paper:
- Introduction/overview of the health issue and the prevalence in the United States and worldwide
- Contributing factors
- Prevention strategies
- Signs and symptoms
- Diagnostic tests (if applicable)
- Advanced practice nursing role and management strategies
- Medical/pharmacological management (if applicable)
- Follow-up care
- Conclusion
Write a 3–4 page paper following APA format. You must include 2–3 scholarly sources in your citations and references.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The global health issue chosen for this assignment is malaria – a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, and 409,000 deaths caused by it. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the interventions necessary to prevent the spread of malaria and promote health.
Contributing Factors:
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Factors contributing to the spread of malaria include poor sanitation, lack of access to healthcare, and climate change. Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, where the weather is warm and humid, making it easier for mosquitoes to breed and transmit the parasites.
Prevention Strategies:
Preventing the spread of malaria requires a multifaceted approach. Some effective strategies include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial medications. Insecticide-treated bed nets are a low-cost and effective way to prevent the bites of infected mosquitoes. Indoor residual spraying involves spraying insecticides on the inside walls of houses to kill mosquitoes that enter. Antimalarial medications can be used to both prevent and treat the disease.
Signs and Symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, chills, and flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, malaria can lead to anemia, respiratory distress, and organ failure. Symptoms usually appear within 7-30 days after the mosquito bite.
Diagnostic Tests:
The most common method for diagnosing malaria is through a blood test that detects the presence of Plasmodium parasites in the blood. Rapid diagnostic tests are available that can produce results in as little as 15 minutes.
Advanced Practice Nursing Role and Management Strategies:
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) play a crucial role in the prevention and management of malaria. APNs can educate patients about the use of bed nets, the importance of seeking medical care when symptoms appear, and the proper use of antimalarial medications. APNs can also provide preventative care, such as administering vaccines, and can monitor patients for any adverse effects of medication.
Medical/Pharmacological Management:
The treatment for malaria involves the use of antimalarial medications, such as chloroquine, mefloquine, or artemisinin-based combination therapies. Treatment options depend on the type of malaria and the severity of the illness. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
Follow-up Care:
After a patient has been treated for malaria, follow-up care is important to ensure proper recovery. Patients should be monitored for any potential complications and given appropriate support. This can include follow-up testing for the presence of parasites or monitoring for possible anemia.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, malaria is a significant global health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. The prevention and management of malaria requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, preventative measures, and medical treatment. APNs play an important role in malaria prevention, management, and follow-up care. By implementing effective strategies, we can reduce the prevalence of malaria and improve the health outcomes of those affected by it.
