Write a paper (2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Refer to “Communicable Disease Chain,” “Chain of Infection,” and the CDC website for assistance completing this assignment.

Communicable Disease Selection

Choose one communicable disease from the following list:

1. Chickenpox

2. Tuberculosis

3. Influenza

4. Mononucleosis

5. Hepatitis B

6. HIV

7. Ebola

8. Measles

9. Polio

10. Influenza

Epidemiology Paper Requirements

Address the following:

1. Describe the communicable disease (causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment) and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence). Is this a reportable disease? If so, provide details about reporting time, whom to report to, etc.

2. Describe the determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.

3. Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. (The textbook describes each element of the epidemiologic triangle). Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?

4. Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collecting, data analysis, and follow-up).

5. Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organization(s) contributes to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.

6. Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Is this disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example.

A minimum of five peer-reviewed or professional references is required.

The case scenario provided will be used to answer the discussion questions that follow.

 

Case Scenario

 

Mr. C., a 32-year-old single man, is seeking information at the outpatient center regarding possible bariatric surgery for his obesity. He reports that he has always been heavy, even as a small child, but he has gained about 100 pounds in the last 2–3 years. Previous medical evaluations have not indicated any metabolic diseases, but he says he has sleep apnea and high blood pressure, which he tries to control with sodium restriction. He current works at a catalog telephone center.

 

Objective Data

 

1.     Height: 68 inches; Weight 134.5 kg

 

2.     BP: 172/96, HR 88, RR 26

 

3.     Fasting Blood Glucose: 146/mg/dL

 

4.     Total Cholesterol: 250mg/dL

 

5.     Triglycerides: 312 mg/dL

 

6.     HDL: 30 mg/dL

 

Critical Thinking Questions

 

What health Risks Associated with Obesity does Mr. C. have?

 

Is Bariatric Surgery an appropriate intervention? Why or Why not?

 

Mr. C. has been diagnosed with Peptic Ulcer Disease and the following medications have been ordered:

 

1.     Magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide (Mylanta) 15 mL PO 1 hour before bedtime and 3 hours after mealtime and at bedtime.

 

2.     Ranitidine (Zantac) 300 mg PO at bedtime.

 

3.     Sucralfate/Carafate 1 g or 10ml suspension (500mg / 5mL) 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

 

The patient reports eating meals at 7 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., and a bedtime snack at 10 p.m.

 

Plan an Administration Schedule that will be Most Therapeutic and Acceptable to the patient.

 

1.     Assess each of Mr. C.’s Functional Health Patterns using the information given. (Hint: Functional Health Patterns include health-perception – health management, nutritional – metabolic, elimination, activity-exercise, sleep-rest, cognitive-perceptual, self-perception – self-concept, role-relationship, sexuality – reproductive, coping – stress tolerance.)

 

2.     What Actual or Potential Problems can you Identify? Describe at Least Five Problems and Provide the Rationale for Each.