Complete the Shadow Health Reflection © Musculoskeletal and Neurological assignments

Professional Development

• Write a 500-word APA reflection essay of your experience with the Shadow Health virtual assignment(s). At least two scholarly sources in addition to your textbook should be utilized. Answers to the following questions may be included in your reflective essay:

Engaging with the Shadow Health virtual assignments for the musculoskeletal and neurological systems provided an invaluable learning experience that honed my clinical assessment and critical thinking skills. This reflection evaluates my performance, identifies areas for improvement, and explores the clinical insights gained during these assignments.

• • What went well in your assessment?

One significant strength during my assessments was the systematic approach I employed in collecting patient history and conducting physical examinations. Utilizing the assessment techniques from the course textbook, I maintained a structured sequence, ensuring all major musculoskeletal and neurological systems were evaluated. I was particularly effective in building rapport with the virtual patient, Tina Jones, which facilitated open communication and accurate responses. Questions aimed at uncovering symptoms such as pain, weakness, or sensory deficits yielded detailed information, enhancing the quality of my findings.

• • What did not go so well? What will you change for your next assessment?

Despite these successes, there were moments where my assessment could have been more thorough. For example, I occasionally failed to probe deeper into vague responses, such as when Tina reported intermittent numbness in her extremities. Next time, I will use more targeted follow-up questions to clarify the frequency, duration, and triggers of such symptoms. Additionally, I overlooked the need to fully evaluate Tina’s gait and coordination, which are critical components of a neurological assessment. Future assessments will incorporate these elements to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

• • What findings did you uncover?

The findings included joint stiffness, muscle weakness in the lower extremities, and diminished reflexes, suggestive of possible neurological involvement. Based on these findings, I would order diagnostic tests such as:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to evaluate potential nerve compression or disc herniation.
• Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle and nerve function.
• Blood tests, including inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP, to rule out autoimmune causes of joint and muscle symptoms.

• • What questions yielded the most information? Why do you think these were effective?

The most effective questions were open-ended, such as, “Can you describe the type of pain you experience and when it occurs?” These questions encouraged the patient to provide detailed narratives, offering insights into symptom patterns and potential triggers. Additionally, targeted questions like, “Do you feel any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet?” helped identify neurological symptoms. These questions were effective because they allowed for both exploration and specificity, crucial in differential diagnosis.

• • What diagnostic tests would you order based on your findings?

Based on the findings, the differential diagnoses include peripheral neuropathy, lumbar radiculopathy, and early-stage osteoarthritis. At this point, prescribing medications may not be necessary until further diagnostic testing confirms the underlying condition. However, over-the-counter analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could be recommended for symptomatic relief if pain is significant.

• • What differential diagnoses are you currently considering?

Patient teaching focused on lifestyle modifications, including ergonomic practices to reduce strain, the importance of regular exercise to maintain joint and muscle health, and strategies to monitor symptoms. Additional teaching is needed on recognizing red flags such as worsening numbness or loss of motor function, which would warrant immediate medical attention.

• • What patient teaching were you able to complete? What additional patient teaching is needed?

This assessment demonstrated sound critical thinking by integrating patient history, physical findings, and evidence-based practices to develop a diagnostic and management plan. By prioritizing patient concerns and systematically addressing each symptom, I was able to make informed clinical decisions. Future efforts will focus on refining these skills through ongoing practice and reflection, ensuring improved accuracy and patient outcomes.

• • Would you prescribe any medications at this point? Why or why not? If so, what?

At this point, prescribing medications may not be necessary until further diagnostic testing confirms the underlying condition. However, over-the-counter analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could be recommended for symptomatic relief if pain is significant.

• • How did your assessment demonstrate sound critical thinking and clinical decision making?

This assessment demonstrated sound critical thinking by integrating patient history, physical findings, and evidence-based practices to develop a diagnostic and management plan. By prioritizing patient concerns and systematically addressing each symptom, I was able to make informed clinical decisions. Future efforts will focus on refining these skills through ongoing practice and reflection, ensuring improved accuracy and patient outcomes.