Case Study Analysis
An understanding of the musculoskeletal systems is a critically important component of disease and disorder diagnosis and treatment. This importance is magnified by the impact that that this system may have on another. A variety of factors and circumstances affecting the emergence and severity of issues in one system can also have a role in the performance of the other.
Effective analysis often requires an understanding that goes beyond these systems and their mutual impact. For example, patient characteristics such as, racial and ethnic variables can play a role.
An understanding of the symptoms of alterations in musculoskeletal systems is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment. For APRNs this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.
In this Assignment, you examine a case study and analyze the symptoms presented. You identify the elements that may be factors in the diagnosis, and you explain the implications to patient health.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific case study scenario for this Case Study Assignment. Please see the “Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
The Assignment (1- to 2-page case study analysis)
Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis by answering the questions provided following the case scenario.
By day 7 of Week 8
Submit your Case Study Analysis Assignment by Day 7 of Week 8.
Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The sample paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templatesLinks to an external site.). All papers submitted must use this formatting.
submission information
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To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK8Assgn2_LastName_Firstinitial
Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
Rubric
NURS_6501_Week 8_Case Study_Assignment_Rubric
NURS_6501_Week 8_Case Study_Assignment_Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis, examining the patient symptoms presented in the case study. Be sure to address the following: Explain the musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes of why the patient presents these symptoms.
30 to >27.0 ptsExcellentThe response accurately and thoroughly describes the patient symptoms. … The response includes accurate, clear, and detailed explanations of the musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes of patients who present these symptoms and is supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
27 to >24.0 ptsGoodThe response describes the patient symptoms. … The response includes accurate, explanations of the musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes of patients who present these symptoms and is supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
24 to >22.0 ptsFairThe response describes the patient symptoms in a manner that is vague or inaccurate. … The response includes explanations of the musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes of patients who present these symptoms and is supported by explanations that are vague or based on inappropriate evidence/research.
22 to >0 ptsPoorThe response describes the patient symptoms in a manner that is vague and inaccurate, or the description is missing. … The response does not include explanations of the musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes of patients who present these symptoms, or the explanations are vague or based on inappropriate evidence/research.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain how obesity plays a role in the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joints.
30 to >27.0 ptsExcellentThe response includes an accurate, complete, detailed, and specific explanation of how obesity plays a role in the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joints and is supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
27 to >24.0 ptsGoodThe response includes an accurate explanation of how obesity plays a role in the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joints and is supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
24 to >22.0 ptsFairThe response includes a vague or inaccurate explanation of how obesity plays a role in the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joints, with explanations that are based on inappropriate evidence/research.
22 to >0 ptsPoorThe response includes a vague or inaccurate explanation of how obesity plays a role in the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee joints, with explanations that are based on inappropriate or missing evidence/research.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease.
25 to >22.0 ptsExcellentThe response includes an accurate, complete, detailed, and specific explanation of risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease, and is supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
22 to >19.0 ptsGoodThe response includes an accurate explanation of risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease, and is supported by evidence and/or research, as appropriate, to support the explanation.
19 to >17.0 ptsFairThe response includes a vague or inaccurate explanation of risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease, and/or explanations that are based on inappropriate evidence/research.
17 to >0 ptsPoorThe response includes a vague or inaccurate explanation of risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease, or the explanations are based on inappropriate or no evidence/research.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. Content is supported by current evidence-based sources.
5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. … Content is supported by current evidence-based sources.
4 to >3.5 ptsGoodParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. …Some content is supported by current evidence-based sources.
3.5 to >3.0 ptsFairParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time. … Some content is supported by current evidence-based sources.
3 to >0 ptsPoorParagraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. … No content is supported by current evidence-based sources.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – English Writing Standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation
5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentUses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
4 to >3.5 ptsGoodContains a few (1 or 2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
3.5 to >3.0 ptsFairContains several (3 or 4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
3 to >0 ptsPoorContains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list.
5 to >4.0 ptsExcellentUses correct APA format with no errors.
4 to >3.0 ptsGoodContains a few (1 or 2) APA format errors.
3 ptsFairContains several (3 or 4) APA format errors.
3 to >0 ptsPoorContains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
5 pts
Total Points: 1
Discussion Topic: Week 8 Case studyWeek 8 Case study
Hello everyone,
We have another case study this week. Your case study prompt is below. Ensure that you follow the rubric closely.
CASE STUDY WEEK 8
Case Scenario (8) – Musculoskeletal Disorders
Mrs. Lin Zhang is a 52-year-old Chinese-American woman who presents with chronic lower
back pain, bilateral knee stiffness, and intermittent radicular symptoms in her right leg. She
reports that her back pain has progressively worsened over the past three years and is aggravated
by prolonged standing and walking. The pain radiates down to her calf after long hours on her
feet and is described as a dull, aching pressure with sharp flare pain after activity, with
radiculopathy traveling down to her toes (see dermatome map). She also has difficulty bending,
squatting, and getting up from chairs. Review her areas of concern below and follow the
dermatome to understand better her symptoms and the pathway of pain, numbness, and
weakness.
Mrs. Zhang owns and operates a busy Chinese restaurant where she works long hours, typically
10–12 hours per day—on her feet with limited breaks. She used to walk daily for exercise, but
can no longer tolerate physical activity due to worsening knee pain and lumbar discomfort.
She has gained 25 pounds in the last year. Her BMI is 31.6. She does not currently take any
medications except acetaminophen. She has not seen a specialist due to time and cost constraints.
Her family history includes back problems in her father and knee arthritis in her mother.
On examination, she has decreased lumbar range of motion, paraspinal muscle tightness,
positive straight leg raise on the right, and crepitus in both knees. MRI imaging reveals
lumbar spondylosis with foraminal narrowing at L5-S1, and bilateral knee osteoarthritic
changes, including joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation.
1. Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis, examining the patient’s symptoms
presented in the case study. Be sure to address the following: Explain the
musculoskeletal pathophysiologic processes and why the patient presents these
symptoms. The answers do not have to be precise, but the contents or
explanations must be supported by current evidence.
2. Explain how obesity plays a role in the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee
joints.
3. Explain risk factors that may contribute to the development of the disease.
Learning Resources
- Rogers, J. (2023). McCance & Huether’s pathophysiology (9th ed.). Elsevier – Evolve.
- Chapter 43: Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System
- Chapter 44: Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function
- Chapter 45: Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function in Children
Learning Resources
Required Resources
- Rogers, J. (2023). McCance & Huether’s pathophysiology (9th ed.). Elsevier – Evolve.
- Chapter 43: Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System
- Chapter 44: Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function
- Chapter 45: Alterations of Musculoskeletal Function in Children
Supplementary Resources
Note: Although this resource page displays as an Assignment, it will not be counted towards your final grade. Your progress through the Lecturio resources will be reported as a percentage in the gradebook that will only be used as reference.