Write a detailed one-page narrative (not a formal paper) explaining the health assessment information required for a diagnosis of your selected patient (include the scenario number).

Scenario 2. A 12-year-old has been seen for a routine examination and is yet to receive the HPV vaccine. The family of the 12-year-old girl is extremely religious, and they believe that the HPV vaccine will encourage sexual behavior before marriage.

For a patient to make an educated decision about HPV, diagnostic and health tests are required. In this scenario, a comprehensive health assessment should include information on the patient’s sexual history, including any previous sexual activity or potential risk factors for HPV. In this age range, diagnostic tests like a Pap smear and HPV test can be recommended.

As an advanced practice nurse, it is important to respect the family’s religious beliefs while also promoting the patient’s health. Guidelines based on evidence support giving the HPV shot to males and girls between 9-26 to help prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. Although the HPV vaccine does not encourage sexual behavior before marriage, it’s important to inform the patient and family about safe sexual practices.

It may be useful to discuss with the family their religious beliefs, and any possible concerns that they have regarding the HPV vaccination. Advanced practice nurses can give evidence-based advice about the efficacy and safety of the HPV vaccine, and stress the importance of reducing cervical cancer risk and preventing HPV transmission. Prior to administering a vaccine, the family and patient must give their informed consent.

In conclusion, as an advanced practice nurse, it is important to balance the patient’s health with respect for cultural and religious beliefs. It is recommended that the HPV vaccination be administered in accordance with evidence-based guidelines. Patients and their families should also be educated about its benefits and any possible concerns. When making decisions regarding the HPV vaccination, ethical considerations like informed consent and respecting autonomy must be considered.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HPV vaccination recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html
2. American Nurses Association (2015). Code of ethics with interpretations for nurses. Silver Spring MD Author.
3. World Health Organization. (2014). The ethical considerations of vaccine programmes during acute humanitarian emergencies Downloaded from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/112818