Given the evolution of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, it is important that we are able to articulate to professional colleagues and the public the purpose and benefits of this advanced degree and how it has changed nursing science and health care practice and delivery. Look at the articles listed under the sessions button to your left for session I and answer the following:

1. Discuss the importance of the DNP role and how the health of the nation and delivery of healthcare has changed over the past decade and may continue to benefit from the DNP.

2. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in your role acquisition as a DNP?

3. What are your thoughts about your title as a “doctor”, and defining it for the public and other professionals? Do you think the AMA position (2011) is justified or not? How will you introduce your professional role with full transparency?

 

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

Case Scenario

Ms. G., a 23-year-old diabetic, is admitted to the hospital with a cellulitis of her left lower leg. She has been applying heating pads to the leg for the last 48 hours, but the leg has become more painful and she has developed chilling.

Subjective Data
•Complains of pain and heaviness in her leg.
•States she cannot bear weight on her leg and has been in bed for 3 days.
•Lives alone and has not had anyone to help her with meals.

Objective Data
•Round, yellow-red, 2 cm diameter, 1 cm deep, open wound above medial malleolus with moderate amount of thick yellow drainage
•Left leg red from knee to ankle
•Calf measurement on left 3 in > than right
•Temperature: 38.9 degrees C
•Height: 160 cm; Weight: 83.7 kg

Laboratory Results
•WBC 18.3 x 10¹² / L; 80% neutrophils, 12% bands
•Wound culture: Staphylococcus aureus

Critical Thinking Questions
1.What clinical manifestations are present in Ms. G and what recommendations would you make for continued treatment? Provide rationale for your recommendations.
2.Identify the muscle groups likely to be affected by Ms. G’s condition by referring to “ARC: Anatomy Resource Center.”
3.What is the significance of the subjective and objective data provided with regard to follow-up diagnostic/laboratory testing, education, and future preventative care? Provide rationale for your answer.
4.What factors are present in this situation that could delay wound healing, and what precautions are required to prevent delayed wound healing? Explain.