NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics

NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics is a vital course designed for nurse practitioner (NP) students, particularly those pursuing a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) specialization. The course focuses on developing clinical competence in the primary care of pediatric patients, from newborns to adolescents.

NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics Course Overview and Objectives

The main goal of NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive, evidence-based pediatric care. This includes the ability to conduct age-appropriate assessments, diagnose common childhood conditions, interpret diagnostic data, and implement effective treatment plans. Students also explore child development, health promotion, and disease prevention within the context of family and community.

Interactive iHuman Case Studies

One of the most engaging and educational elements of NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics is the use of iHuman virtual patient simulations. These case studies challenge students to think critically, apply diagnostic reasoning, and create care plans based on clinical guidelines. Some commonly used cases include:

• Katherine Harris (HEENT) – Focuses on ear, nose, and throat assessments.
• Mia Zavarro (Cardiovascular) – Covers congenital heart conditions.
• Tommy Acker (Comprehensive Exam) – Involves a complete pediatric check-up.
• Timothy Adams (Neurology) – Highlights pediatric neurological assessment and seizure disorders.

These simulations prepare students for real-life clinical settings by mimicking the diagnostic process, from history taking to physical examination and documentation.

Weekly Discussion Assignments

Each week, students participate in discussion board activities that center around pediatric case scenarios. They are expected to respond to prompts with scholarly, evidence-based insights, demonstrating an understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient-centered care. Peer responses are also required to encourage collaboration and deeper understanding. Topics often include:

• Pediatric asthma management
• Growth and development tracking
• Immunization schedules and vaccine hesitancy
• Gastrointestinal infections in children
• Behavioral and developmental concerns

SOAP Note and Growth Chart Assignment (Week 7)

A major assignment in NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics is due in Week 7, where students must submit a detailed SOAP note and growth chart based on an iHuman pediatric case. This assignment tests the student’s ability to:

• Conduct a focused pediatric assessment
• Document subjective and objective findings
• Develop a problem list and differential diagnoses
• Formulate an evidence-based management plan
• Interpret and record growth chart data

This project reinforces the importance of thorough clinical documentation and the use of standardized pediatric growth and development tools.

Key Pediatric Conditions Covered

Throughout the course, students study a wide range of common pediatric conditions, which may include:

• Respiratory disorders: Croup, bronchiolitis, asthma
• HEENT issues: Otitis media, strep throat, conjunctivitis
• Neurological concerns: Seizures, developmental delays
• Gastrointestinal infections: Rotavirus, parasitic infections
• Hematologic conditions: Sickle cell anemia
• Psychosocial and behavioral issues: ADHD, anxiety, family stressors

The course emphasizes both acute care management and long-term health promotion strategies.

Importance of Developmental and Family-Centered Care

NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics trains students to view the child within their family and developmental context. Nurse practitioner students learn to:

• Evaluate developmental milestones using tools like the Denver II or ASQ
• Understand the role of family, culture, and environment in pediatric care
• Advocate for vulnerable populations and identify social determinants of health
• Promote wellness through parent education, safety counseling, and early screening

Preparing for Clinical Practice and Board Exams

Completing NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics provides a strong foundation for clinical rotations and certification exams such as the FNP or PNP boards. The course emphasizes guidelines from authorities like the CDC, Bright Futures, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Students develop confidence in managing pediatric patients and are better prepared to transition into practice.

NSG 6435 Family Health III Pediatrics – Weekly Discussion Guidelines

Week 1 Discussion: Pediatric Health-Care Services

This discussion provides a platform to explore essential topics related to pediatric health care, aligned with the course competencies. Your initial post must be submitted to the Discussion Area by the assigned due date.

To complete this assignment, refer to your course textbook readings and use the South University Online Library. As with all academic work, it is important to cite your sources properly and format your references using APA style.

Begin engaging with your classmates’ posts as early in the week as possible. You are required to respond to at least two classmates’ initial posts. Your replies should contribute meaningfully by asking relevant questions, offering clarifications, presenting alternative viewpoints with rationale, or drawing connections between different arguments in the discussion. Cite any sources you use in your responses.

For this week, conduct research on the following areas:

• Sources of pediatric primary care in the United States
• The current status of pediatric health-care services in the United States
• Barriers to health care access for children in the United States

After completing your research, respond to the following prompts:

1. What are the sources of pediatric primary care in the United States? Are these sources sufficient to meet the health-care needs of the pediatric population? Explain why or why not.
2. Are there specific pediatric populations that experience limited access to health-care services? What factors contribute to this disparity?
3. What are the major barriers to health-care access for children in the United States, and why do these barriers exist?

Week 2 Discussion: iHuman Case Study – Developmental Assessment and Biological Functioning

This week’s discussion focuses on developmental assessment and biological functioning in pediatric care. You are expected to post your initial discussion by the due date provided.

Use your assigned textbook and the South University Online Library to support your responses. Always cite your sources and use APA formatting for your references.

Actively participate in the discussion throughout the week. Respond to at least two of your peers’ initial posts. Your replies should include thoughtful engagement, such as asking questions, clarifying content, offering different perspectives, or comparing reasoning. Ensure your responses are supported by evidence or appropriate references.

For this assignment, complete the iHuman case study titled “Buddy (Theodore, Jr.) VE”. These interactive case studies are designed to enhance your clinical reasoning skills and support the development of evidence-based care plans. The material may also appear in your quizzes, midterm, or final exams.

Apply what you have learned from the iHuman case study and respond to the following questions:

1. Why is developmental assessment crucial in primary care for infants, children, and adolescents? What are the key components of this assessment based on a child’s age?
2. Which assessment tools would you use to evaluate specific developmental domains such as motor skills, speech, and social behavior? Which tools do you consider the most reliable and accurate, and why?
3. What factors should be included in assessing the basic biological functioning and overall well-being of pediatric patients? Why are these elements important in delivering primary health-care services to children?

Week 3 Discussion: Aquifer Case Study – Developmental Evaluation and Screening

This week’s discussion centers on developmental screening and evaluation in infants and young children. Submit your initial discussion post by the assigned due date.

Support your discussion with information from your textbook and the South University Online Library. Remember to cite sources in APA format.

Engage with your peers by replying to at least two of their initial posts. Your participation should include asking relevant questions, clarifying statements, offering alternative perspectives, or relating different lines of reasoning. Reference your sources in all responses.

For this assignment, you are required to complete the Aquifer case study titled “CLIPP Case 2: Infant Well-Child (2, 6, and 9 Months) – Asia.” Aquifer cases are designed to develop core competencies in primary care, focusing on clinical reasoning, diagnostics, and evidence-based care planning. Content from Aquifer cases may also be used in assessments throughout your nurse practitioner program.

After completing the case study, respond to the following prompts:

1. What history would you obtain for this child in preparation for a well-child visit? Include developmentally appropriate questions related to growth and milestones for her age.
2. Identify the developmental screening tool used for Asia. Discuss its reliability and validity. How did Asia score, and is her developmental progress appropriate for her age?
3. What immunizations should be administered during this visit? What education and follow-up instructions should be provided to the caregiver?

Week 4 Discussion: iHuman Case Study – HEENT and Respiratory Infections

This discussion provides a platform for engaging with course content based on the weekly competencies. Ensure your initial response is posted in the Discussion Area by the assigned deadline.

To support your responses, refer to the course textbook and resources from the South University Online Library. All citations must follow APA formatting guidelines.

Begin reviewing and responding to your classmates’ posts as early as possible during the week. Respond to at least two of their initial posts. Your responses should include a question, clarification, differing perspective with rationale, a challenge to part of the discussion, or a connection between multiple ideas. Be sure to include appropriate references in APA format.

This week’s assignment involves completing the iHuman case study titled “Katherine Harris V3.1 PC.” The iHuman case studies are aligned with evidence-based primary care curricula and aim to develop your clinical reasoning, diagnostic abilities, and care planning.

Discussion Questions:

• Do you recommend a limited or involved use of antibiotics in the treatment of respiratory infections and other unconfirmed bacterial illnesses? Provide justification for your choice.
• What are the current standards for antibiotic use in the pediatric population?
• What assessment findings would support prescribing antibiotics for asthma-related symptoms?
• Based on national guidelines and evidence-based literature, develop an Asthma Action Plan for this patient.
• Does the etiology, diagnosis, and management of wheezing differ based on a child’s age? Why or why not?
• Which clinical findings are most relevant in forming your diagnosis?
• When is a chest X-ray indicated in pediatric patients with respiratory symptoms?

Week 5 Discussion: iHuman Case Study – Cardiovascular and Hematologic Disorders in Children

This discussion focuses on key themes from this week’s course objectives. Your initial post must be submitted by the assigned due date.

Support your work using the course textbook and South University Online Library. Cite all sources in APA format.

Engage with your classmates’ posts early in the week and provide at least two responses. Offer insights, clarifications, contrasting views with rationale, or link multiple ideas. Ensure all responses are properly referenced.

This week, complete the iHuman case study titled “Mia Zavarro V4.” These interactive assignments reinforce your diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills with evidence-based guidelines.

Discussion Questions:

• How would you evaluate and manage a pediatric patient presenting with painful swelling of the hands and feet, fatigue, or fussiness?
• What diagnostic tests would you recommend and why?
• What physical exam findings or diagnostic results would concern you?
• What are three possible differential diagnoses in this case?
• Considering that the spleen is often dysfunctional in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), what treatments are appropriate for Miah, and what educational information should be shared with the family?

Week 6 Discussion: iHuman Case Study – Common Pediatric Illnesses

This discussion explores pediatric illnesses aligned with weekly course objectives. Your initial post is due by the deadline stated in your course.

Use your textbook and the South University Online Library to support your responses. Cite all information using APA guidelines.

Participate early and respond to at least two classmates’ posts. Your contributions should include thoughtful questions, clarifications, new perspectives, or logical connections between ideas, all supported with scholarly citations.

Complete the iHuman case titled “Samantha Graves V3 PC” for this week. These case studies help enhance your clinical assessment and care planning skills.

Discussion Questions:

• What are the essential questions to ask a pediatric patient or caregiver when bloody diarrhea is the presenting concern?
• Do these questions vary depending on the child’s age? Explain.
• Which historical or clinical findings indicate the need for diagnostic studies, and why?
• What initial diagnostic tests would you order, and for what reasons?
• What are three differential diagnoses you would consider?
• How do the causes of vomiting vary between infants, children, and adolescents?
• What clinical or historical factors would prompt the need for diagnostic studies, and which tests would you begin with?

Week 7 Discussion: Comprehensive Case Study

This week’s task involves a comprehensive evaluation of a pediatric iHuman case. You will go beyond a standard SOAP note by researching and discussing the disease process in depth.

Your SOAP note should use the approved Pediatric SOAP Note Template. Submit your completed note and a growth chart in the designated Submissions Area by the due date. Name your document following this format: SU_NSG6435_W7_A1_lastname_firstinitial.doc.

The case for this week is “Tommy Acker V3.”

Your evaluation should be 3–4 substantive paragraphs and supported by at least five evidence-based scholarly sources (excluding your course texts). Web sources such as Medscape or UpToDate must be traced back to the original literature; secondary sources are not accepted.

Week 8 Discussion: iHuman Case Study – Neurological Disorders and Cognitive-Perceptual Problems in Children

This discussion addresses course objectives related to pediatric neurological and cognitive disorders. Submit your initial post by the due date.

Support your participation with readings from your textbook and the South University Online Library. Use APA format for all citations.

Respond to at least two classmates’ posts. Offer thoughtful feedback, alternative views with justifications, or connect concepts within the discussion. Cite all responses properly.

Complete the iHuman case titled “Timothy Adams V3 PC.” These simulations support your growth in clinical reasoning and evidence-based care planning.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the most appropriate course of action for this patient’s appointment?
• Which historical or clinical findings justify the need for diagnostic testing?
• Which tests would you order first and why?
• What three differential diagnoses should be considered?

Week 9 Discussion -Infectious Diseases in Children

This discussion covers pediatric infectious diseases in the context of course objectives. Post your initial response in the Discussion Area by the assigned deadline.

Cite references from your course readings and scholarly sources accessed through the South University Online Library. Format all citations using APA guidelines.

Engage with at least two classmates by contributing questions, clarifications, perspectives, or related reasoning to enhance discussion. Cite all supporting literature.

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