Reflect on a patient who presented with cardiovascular or genetic disorders (use cardiac murmur) during your practicum experience. Describe your experience in assessing and managing the patient and his or her family. Include details of your ″aha″ moment in identifying the patient′s disorder. Then, explain how the experience connected your classroom studies to the real-world clinical setting. Use peer-review articles no greater than 5 years old Pediatric patients only up to 18 year old Example attached.
Cardiac murmurs are abnormal sounds heard during auscultation of the heart, which can indicate underlying cardiovascular or genetic disorders. During my practicum experience, I encountered a 14-year-old patient who presented with a cardiac murmur. This assignment aims to reflect on my experience in assessing and managing this patient and their family, as well as discuss my “aha” moment in identifying the patient’s disorder. Furthermore, I will explain how this experience connected my classroom studies to the real-world clinical setting.
Assessing and managing a patient with a cardiac murmur requires a systematic approach. Upon encountering the patient, I first obtained a detailed medical history, focusing on any past cardiac issues or family history of cardiovascular or genetic disorders. I also conducted a thorough physical examination, with specific attention to auscultation of the heart using a stethoscope. During auscultation, I identified a systolic murmur, which was louder at the apex and radiated to the axilla. This finding raised my suspicion of a potential valvular abnormality.
After noting the presence of the murmur, I promptly informed the attending physician, who ordered further investigations, including an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram (ECG). The echocardiogram revealed a bicuspid aortic valve, which was causing the cardiac murmur. This was my “aha” moment, as I realized that the patient’s valvular abnormality was the underlying cause of their presenting symptoms. It was crucial to identify this disorder to initiate appropriate management and preventive measures.
The experience of assessing and managing this patient and their family was both challenging and rewarding. Initially, the patient and their family were anxious and uncertain about the nature of the murmur and its implications. It was my responsibility to provide them with clear explanations, reassurance, and support throughout the assessment and management process. I discussed the diagnosis of a bicuspid aortic valve with the patient and their family, explaining its potential complications, such as aortic stenosis or regurgitation, and the need for regular follow-up.
Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, including the attending physician, cardiologist, and genetic counselor, was essential in formulating an effective care plan. The attending physician prescribed prophylactic antibiotics for the patient before dental procedures, as the bicuspid aortic valve placed them at an increased risk of infective endocarditis. The cardiologist provided further guidance on long-term management, including regular echocardiography to monitor the valve function. Moreover, the genetic counselor discussed the potential hereditary nature of the disorder and offered genetic testing for the patient’s family members.
This experience exemplified the direct connection between my classroom studies and the real-world clinical setting. In the classroom, I had learned about congenital heart defects and valvular abnormalities, including bicuspid aortic valves. I studied the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies associated with such conditions. This theoretical knowledge formed the foundation on which I relied during the assessment and management of this patient.
Furthermore, reviewing recent peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years enriched my understanding of the current evidence-based practice guidelines for the assessment and management of cardiac murmurs in pediatric patients. These articles provided insights into the importance of early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention for optimal patient outcomes. I was able to familiarize myself with the latest diagnostic tools, such as echocardiography and genetic testing, which played a crucial role in the management of this patient.
In conclusion, encountering a patient with a cardiac murmur during my practicum experience was an invaluable learning opportunity. Assessing and managing this patient and their family required an integrated approach involving thorough history-taking, physical examination, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Identifying the underlying disorder was a pivotal moment, as it guided the subsequent management and preventive measures. This experience highlighted the connection between my classroom studies and the real-world clinical setting, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practice and staying abreast of the latest research in pediatric cardiology.