Journal Entry Assignment Paper

JOURNAL

CASE: 8 mo old caucasion female with a perforated ear drum (of

which I had

never seen before)

Preceptor Treatment: Prescribed nothing, Will recheck in 2

weeks to see if perforation is healing.

Need at least 3 scholarly references APA Format

Critical reflection of your growth and development during your practicum experience in a clinical setting has the benefit of helping you identify opportunities for improvement in your clinical skills while also recognizing your clinical strengths and successes.

This week, you will write a Journal Entry reflecting on your clinical strengths and opportunities for improvement.

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Journal Entry (2–3 pages):

Based on your experience,

• Describe an interesting case or a case that you have never seen before.
• Explain what you found challenging.
• Explain what you would do differently from your Preceptor.
• Explain the cultural differences you found challenging.

Rubric

PRAC_6541_Week5_Journal2_Rubric

Introduction

During practicum experiences in clinical settings, learners encounter various new and interesting cases daily. The presence of their preceptors in these settings also contributes significantly to their daily experiences and learning. In this journal entry paper, we will explore the case of an eight-year-old Caucasian infant whose eardrum is perforated. Rather than treating the infant, the preceptor gives it two weeks for the condition to heal naturally. The paper comprehensively describes the case, the challenges encountered, what the learner would do differently from the preceptor, and the cultural differences that could be challenging in such a case. Journal Entry Assignment Paper

Case description

During my practicum in a clinical setting, I saw an interesting case of an 8-month-old Caucasian girl with a perforated eardrum. This is a condition I had never seen before. An underlying infection or trauma may have caused the infant’s eardrum to burst, creating a dangerous scenario that needs to be handled carefully. The preceptor’s approach was noticeably conservative by choosing a careful waiting technique over prompt intervention (Ellwood et al., 2020). The decision caught my attention since it highlighted the body’s innate ability to heal and the possibility of the perforation repairing on its own. The significance of patience and reevaluating patients on a regular basis in clinical practice was also emphasized in the case. Although I was originally taken aback by the preceptor’s choice not to recommend any medication, it turned out to be a priceless learning moment. My comprehension of managing such situations has been expanded by meticulously observing the patient’s development over the next two weeks and reevaluating to gauge the healing process. This event served as a reminder of the intricacy of pediatric care and the value of personalized treatment plans based on the needs of each child.

The challenge

Managing the uncertainties surrounding the condition and its treatment was the most difficult part of dealing with the 8-month-old child’s case of a perforated eardrum. Since I had never been in this situation before as a practitioner-in-training, I felt hesitant and uncertain of my ability to decide on the best course of action. Observing the preceptor choose to defer immediate treatment in favour of observation offered another level of complexity. My grasp of clinical decision-making was tested when I had to balance the need to trust the body’s natural healing mechanisms and the temptation to intervene. The problem was further compounded by the need to closely watch the patient’s condition over the next few weeks, waiting for any signs that things were getting better or worse. This experience highlighted how important it is to be humble when admitting when you are unfamiliar with something and how important it is to ask knowledgeable mentors for advice when you are in new clinical settings. Journal Entry Assignment Paper

Differing with the preceptor

Compared to my preceptor, I would approach the case from a somewhat different angle. Although I appreciate the decision to take a cautious approach to management, I would try to include more interventions to speed up the healing process and reduce complications. First, to stop secondary infections and encourage recovery, I would think about prescribing topical antibiotics. By taking this preventive action, the perforation’s chance of worsening might be decreased, and the healing process could quicken (Vohra et al., 2021).

Secondly, I would look into the potential of offering pain management techniques to minimize discomfort and enhance the infant’s quality of life while the healing process is ongoing. This could entail using non-pharmacological techniques like warm compresses or soothing ear drops and prescribing infant-appropriate analgesics. Finally, I would stress the significance of comprehensive patient education, ensuring that the caregivers are aware of the condition, the process of treatment, and any warning indicators that necessitate immediate medical attention. My objective here would be to optimize outcomes while upholding a patient-centred approach by adopting a more proactive and comprehensive strategy.

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The challenging cultural differences

Cultural variations may provide specific challenges in such a case, particularly concerning healthcare beliefs and practices. Different cultural origins may hold different perspectives regarding pediatric healthcare, such as beliefs about the cause of illnesses, preferred treatments, and the significance of traditional cures. To guarantee good communication and collaboration with carers, sensitivity and understanding of these unique cultural characteristics should be addressed (Okoniewski et al., 2022)Journal Entry Assignment Paper. In addition, cultural considerations may affect choices about medical procedures, following treatment regimens, and obtaining healthcare services. Cultural humility, sensitivity, and readiness to modify one’s approach to suit the requirements and preferences of other patient populations are crucial for navigating these differences while maintaining ethical standards and offering culturally competent treatment, as described by Okoniewski et al.(2022).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the case study involving the 8-month-old infant with a perforated eardrum captures many intricate issues that arise in clinical practice. This case serves as a reminder of the value of patient-centred care, the need for guidance, and the humility required to acknowledge exceptional circumstances. Cultural variations create additional challenges that require flexibility and compassion. Finally, managing these conditions requires an integrated approach that combines professional knowledge with cultural sensitivity and a dedication to personalized treatment. Accepting these lessons as future practitioners develops our professional skills, sharpens our clinical judgement, and reaffirms the fundamentals of providing inclusive, moral healthcare.

References

Ellwood, J., Draper-Rodi, J., & Carnes, D. (2020). Comparison of common interventions for the treatment of infantile colic: a systematic review of reviews and guidelines. BMJ open, 10(2), e035405. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035405

Okoniewski, W., Sundaram, M., Chaves-Gnecco, D., McAnany, K., Cowden, J. D., & Ragavan, M. (2022). Culturally Sensitive Interventions in Pediatric Primary Care Settings: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics, 149(2), e2021052162. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-052162

Vohra, S., Punja, S., Jou, H., Schlegelmilch, M., Wilson, B., Spavor, M., Grundy, P., Mackie, A. S., Conway, J., & Hartfield, D. (2021). Comparative Effectiveness of Pediatric Integrative Medicine: A Pragmatic Cluster-Controlled Trial. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 8(4), 311. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040311 Journal Entry Assignment Paper