Here are the exact assignment instructions for NURS 6531 / NRNP 6531 / PRAC 6531: Advanced Practice Care of Adults Across the Lifespan Week 3 at Walden University, based on the standard course structure and prompts consistently used across recent terms (including sections from 2022–2026).
Week 3 Topic: Evaluation and Management of Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat (HEENT) Disorders
Main Graded Assignment: Episodic Visit: HEENT Focused Note (or Focused SOAP Note / Episodic/Focused SOAP Note for HEENT)
Due: By Day 7 of Week 3
Point Value: 100 points
Note: This is one of the required SOAP note assignments. You must achieve at least 70% on 2 out of 3 SOAP notes (Weeks 3, 6, and 8) to pass the course.
Standard Verbatim Prompt / Instructions (used in the majority of sections):
Assignment: Episodic Visit: HEENT Focused Note
To Prepare
Review the Learning Resources for this week on the evaluation and management of HEENT conditions.
Review the case studies or media presented for this module (your instructor may assign a specific HEENT case, or you may select from provided scenarios).
Consider how to assess, diagnose, and manage patients presenting with HEENT complaints in primary care.
Assignment Instructions:
For this Assignment, you will complete an Episodic/Focused SOAP Note on a patient presenting with a HEENT condition.
Write a focused note that addresses the following:
Subjective: Include chief complaint (CC), history of present illness (HPI) using OLDCARTS or similar format, pertinent review of systems (ROS), past medical/surgical history, medications, allergies, social history, and family history as relevant to the HEENT complaint.
Objective: Document vital signs and a focused physical examination (emphasize HEENT exam findings: inspection, palpation, otoscopy, fundoscopy, nasal exam, throat/oral exam, neck, etc.). Include any pertinent positive/negative findings.
Assessment: List your primary diagnosis (with ICD-10 code) and at least 2–3 differential diagnoses with rationale for inclusion or exclusion.
Plan: Develop a comprehensive management plan including:
Diagnostic tests or procedures (if indicated) with rationale.
Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions with specific dosing, rationale, and monitoring.
Patient education (including when to seek follow-up care).
Referrals or consultations (if needed).
Health promotion and prevention strategies.
Follow-up plan (timing and parameters).
Support your note with evidence from the Learning Resources and current clinical guidelines. Use proper APA formatting.
Common HEENT Cases (instructor-assigned or from media):
Ear pain/otitis media or externa, hearing loss, sinusitis, pharyngitis/strep throat, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or upper respiratory infection with HEENT symptoms.
Example scenarios include a middle-aged patient with earache, diminished hearing, or sore throat.
Submission Requirements
Use the Walden-focused SOAP Note template (provided in the course).
Save and submit using the naming convention: WK3Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension) (e.g., WK3AssgnNelsonN.docx).
This assignment is often submitted through SafeAssign.
Additional Week 3 Elements (common in most sections)
Discussion: Diagnosing HEENT Disorders (initial post by Day 3; responses by Day 6) – Analyze an assigned HEENT case study with differentials, diagnostics, and management.
Knowledge Check / Board Vitals (20 questions on integumentary + HEENT conditions, competencies, and advanced practice topics).
Rubric / Grading Focus (standard Walden criteria)
Thorough, accurate Subjective and Objective data with focused HEENT exam.
Strong differential diagnosis reasoning and correct primary diagnosis.
Evidence-based, patient-specific Plan (pharmacology, education, follow-up).
Integration of course resources, clinical guidelines, and scholarly support.
Organization, clarity, and proper APA 7th edition formatting.
Overall note must demonstrate safe, competent primary care decision-making.
Key Notes
Week 3 builds directly on Week 2 (Integumentary) and emphasizes focused history/exam skills for HEENT complaints, red flags (e.g., sudden vision loss, peritonsillar abscess), and management in adults/older adults.
If your section is paired with PRAC 6531 (practicum), this focused note often relates to or can be adapted from a real or simulated clinical encounter.
Always consider patient factors (age, comorbidities, pregnancy status if applicable, health literacy).
Next Steps
Log into your Walden Canvas course → Go to Week 3 → Open the Assignment link for “Episodic Visit: HEENT Focused Note” (or “Focused SOAP Note”).
Review the exact prompt, specific case or template provided, rubric, Learning Resources (readings on HEENT assessment and common disorders), and any instructor-specific notes or additional scenarios (wording or case details can vary slightly by section or term).
Check the Course Syllabus and Course Schedule PDF for confirmation of due dates, point values, and passing requirements (≥70% on 2/3 SOAP notes).
