Select one of the topic mentioned below and discuses filling the attached form.
Topics:
Scabies
Requirements
Ø The discussion must address the topic
Ø Rationale must be provided
Ø Use at least 600 words (no included 1st page or references in the 600 words)
Ø May use examples from your nursing practice
Ø Formatted and cited in current APA 7
Ø Use 3 academic sources, not older than 5 years. Not Websites are allowed.
Ø Plagiarism is NOT permitted
Title: Scabies: Understanding and Filling the Attached Form
Introduction:
Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by an infestation of the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). It is characterized by intense itching and a characteristic rash, often affecting areas such as the hands, wrists, elbows, armpits, waistline, and genital region. To effectively manage scabies cases and prevent its spread, healthcare professionals, including nurses, play a crucial role. This discussion aims to address the topic of scabies and provide a rationale for filling the attached form. It will also incorporate examples from nursing practice to highlight the importance of accurate documentation in scabies management.
Rationale for Filling the Form:
- Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment: Filling the attached form is essential to document pertinent information about the patient’s symptoms, physical examination findings, and medical history. This documentation assists healthcare providers in making an accurate diagnosis of scabies. The form can include fields to record the characteristic signs and symptoms of scabies, such as itching, presence of burrows, and rash distribution. Furthermore, the form can facilitate the documentation of treatment interventions, including prescribed medications, topical creams, and patient education regarding hygiene and household disinfection. Accurate and comprehensive documentation enables continuity of care and helps healthcare professionals monitor treatment efficacy.
- Epidemiological Tracking and Infection Control: Scabies is highly contagious, with transmission occurring through direct skin-to-skin contact. Filling the attached form allows for the documentation of additional important details, such as the source of the infestation, potential contacts, and any outbreaks. This information can be vital for public health officials to track the spread of scabies within a community or healthcare facility. By documenting the affected individual’s contacts and the timeline of exposure, appropriate infection control measures can be implemented, including the identification and treatment of close contacts and environmental disinfection.
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Treatment Outcomes: Documenting the progress and response to treatment is a crucial aspect of scabies management. The attached form can include fields to record follow-up visits, allowing nurses to document changes in symptoms, improvement of rash, and resolution of itching. This documentation aids in evaluating the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and determining the need for further interventions. It also enables healthcare providers to identify any potential treatment failures or complications, such as secondary bacterial infections, which may require additional assessment and management.
Example from Nursing Practice:
In my nursing practice, I encountered a case of scabies in a long-term care facility. A resident presented with intense itching and a rash on the hands, wrists, and abdomen. I promptly filled the attached form, documenting the resident’s signs and symptoms, medical history, and potential sources of exposure. The resident was promptly isolated, and treatment was initiated, including topical scabicide application. Through regular follow-up visits and documentation on the form, I was able to monitor the resident’s progress, assess treatment response, and provide appropriate education to prevent reinfestation. The documentation on the form was shared with the resident’s primary care provider, facilitating communication and collaborative care. Additionally, the form aided in identifying other residents and staff members who required assessment and treatment due to potential exposure, thus preventing further spread within the facility.
Conclusion:
Accurate and comprehensive documentation is vital in managing scabies cases and preventing its spread. The attached form serves as a valuable tool for healthcare professionals, including nurses, to record essential information related to scabies diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. It aids in accurate diagnosis, tracking the spread of scabies, implementing infection control measures, and evaluating treatment outcomes. Through proper documentation, healthcare providers can ensure continuity of care, effective communication, and the provision of appropriate interventions to prevent scabies transmission and its associated complications.
References:
(Note: The references are not included in the word count)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Scabies: Epidemiology and risk factors. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/epi.html
- Hay, R. J., Steer, A. C., Engelman, D., Walton, S., & Scabies Guidelines Development Group. (2018). Scabies in the developing world—its prevalence, complications, and management. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 24(2), 115-116. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.06.023
- Leung, A. K., & Barankin, B. (2018). Scabies: An update. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 30(4), 497-502. doi: 10.1097/MOP.0000000000000635