As a counselor, being competent and familiar with risk assessment is essential to the therapeutic process; both in giving a client’s context related to treatment of their psychological symptoms and in helping the clinician prioritize short- and long-term treatment outcomes. This assignment contains three parts, as identified and described below. Please complete each part with a combined essay of 950-1,700 words.
Part 1: Write a 300-700-word scenario that involves a client that you believe requires a risk assessment.
Part 2: Write a 150-250-word summary, discussing specific behaviors that lead you to create a risk assessment.
Part 3: Write a 500-750-word summary, discussing how you would assess the client. Include the following in your discussion:
1. Questions you would ask to determine the client’s level of risk
2. Protocol you would follow based on the client’s answers, including documentation
3. Include at least three scholarly references in your paper.
Role of genetics in protein malnutrition
Genetics can play a role in protein malnutrition in a number of ways. For example, some people may have genetic mutations that make it difficult for them to absorb or digest protein. Others may have genetic conditions that increase their risk of developing malabsorption syndrome.
Symptoms of protein malnutrition
The symptoms of protein malnutrition can vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, some common symptoms include:
Physiologic response to protein malnutrition
When the body does not have enough protein, it starts to break down its own tissues, including muscle tissue, to get the protein it needs. This can lead to weight loss, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
The body also tries to conserve fluids when it is not getting enough protein. This can lead to edema, or fluid retention.
Cells involved in protein malnutrition
The cells involved in protein malnutrition include the cells of the digestive system, the cells of the immune system, and the cells of the muscles.
The cells of the digestive system are responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. When these cells are not functioning properly, it can lead to malabsorption syndrome and protein malnutrition.
The cells of the immune system are responsible for fighting infection. When these cells are not functioning properly, it can increase the risk of infection.
The cells of the muscles are responsible for movement. When these cells are not getting enough protein, they can start to break down, leading to muscle weakness.
How another characteristic (e.g., gender, genetics) would change your response
Gender, genetics, and other characteristics can affect the presentation of protein malnutrition. For example, women are more likely to develop protein malnutrition than men. This is because women have a higher body fat percentage, which means they have fewer reserves of protein.
Genetics can also play a role in protein malnutrition. Some people may have genetic mutations that make them more likely to develop the condition.
Characteristic influencing your response
The characteristic that would most influence my response to this scenario is the patient’s age. The elderly are more likely to develop protein malnutrition than younger people. This is because they have a decreased appetite, a decreased ability to absorb nutrients, and an increased risk of chronic diseases that can lead to protein malnutrition.
Race and protein malnutrition
There is some evidence that race can influence the risk of protein malnutrition. For example, one study found that African Americans were more likely to be protein deficient than Caucasians. However, more research is needed to confirm this association.