- Complete the ShadowHealth© Musculoskeletal and Neurological assignment
Professional Development
- Write a 500-word APA reflection essay of your experience with the Shadow Health virtual assignment(s). At least two scholarly sources in addition to your textbook should be utilized. Answers to the following questions may be included in your reflective essay:
- What went well in your assessment?
- What did not go so well? What will you change for your next assessment?
- What findings did you uncover?
- What questions yielded the most information? Why do you think these were effective?
- What diagnostic tests would you order based on your findings?
- What differential diagnoses are you currently considering?
- What patient teaching were you able to complete? What additional patient teaching is needed?
- Would you prescribe any medications at this point? Why or why not? If so, what?
- How did your assessment demonstrate sound critical thinking and clinical decision making?
Our Answer below.
Reflection on Shadow Health Virtual Assignments
Engaging in the Shadow Health virtual assignments has been an insightful experience, offering a unique opportunity to refine my clinical skills in a simulated environment. This reflection will discuss the strengths and areas for improvement in my assessment process, the clinical findings I uncovered, and how these experiences informed my critical thinking and clinical decision-making.
Assessment Successes and Challenges
One of the most significant strengths of my assessment was the ability to establish rapport with the virtual patient, which facilitated the gathering of comprehensive health information. My approach to open-ended questions allowed the patient to share their concerns in detail, leading to a deeper understanding of their health status. However, there were areas that did not go as smoothly. For instance, I found myself occasionally missing subtle cues in the patient’s responses, which led to incomplete data collection. In future assessments, I plan to focus more on active listening and taking brief pauses after the patient speaks to ensure I capture all relevant information.
Clinical Findings and Effective Questions
During the assessment, I uncovered several key findings, including the patient’s complaints of persistent cough and shortness of breath. These symptoms, coupled with a history of smoking, directed my focus towards respiratory issues. Questions that yielded the most information were those related to the onset, duration, and characteristics of the symptoms, such as “Can you describe when the cough started and how it has progressed?” These questions were effective because they encouraged the patient to provide a timeline of their symptoms, which is crucial for differential diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tests and Differential Diagnoses
Based on the findings, I would order diagnostic tests including a chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests to evaluate for conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia. Additionally, spirometry would help assess the severity of any obstructive airway disease. The differential diagnoses I am considering include COPD, asthma, and bronchitis. Each of these conditions aligns with the patient’s symptoms, but further testing is necessary to narrow down the diagnosis.
Patient Teaching and Medication Considerations
Patient education was an integral part of the assessment. I was able to discuss the importance of smoking cessation and its impact on respiratory health. However, additional patient teaching is needed, particularly concerning the management of chronic respiratory conditions and the proper use of inhalers if prescribed. At this point, I would consider prescribing a bronchodilator if the spirometry results indicate obstructive airway disease. However, I would withhold antibiotics until bacterial infection is confirmed, as overprescribing can lead to resistance.
Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision Making
My assessment demonstrated sound critical thinking by systematically evaluating the patient’s symptoms and considering the most likely diagnoses based on the information provided. The process of differential diagnosis required me to prioritize potential conditions and consider the most appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. Clinical decision-making was also evident in my approach to patient education and the careful consideration of when and what medications to prescribe.
In conclusion, the Shadow Health virtual assignments have significantly enhanced my clinical reasoning skills. By reflecting on what went well and identifying areas for improvement, I am better equipped to approach future assessments with increased confidence and competence.
References
Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., Scheibel, P., & Flynn, J. A. (2019). Advanced health assessment & clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). Elsevier.
Buttaro, T. M., Trybulski, J., Bailey, P. P., & Sandberg-Cook, J. (2017). Primary care: Interprofessional collaborative practice (6th ed.). Elsevier.