week 11

41529Endocrine and musculoskeletal conditions, especially when left untreated, can have a significant impact on women’s health. Many of these conditions present unique challenges for women, making risk assessments and routine screenings an important part of primary care. As an advanced practice nurse, you must identify signs and symptoms of these conditions and educate at-risk patients so they can also monitor themselves. For this Discussion, consider how you would diagnose, treat, and educate the patients in the following three case studies:
Case Study 1
A 33-year-old Caucasian female presents with concerns about a four-month history of diffuse musculoskeletal pain and stiffness associated with fatigue and dry eyes. The pain varies with the weather and is worse in the morning. Her menstrual periods are irregular and she has frequent dyspareunia. Physical exam is remarkable for pain at different points all over the body, including neck, back, chest, elbows, hips, buttocks, and knees