Complete Health Assessment of an older patient

Complete Health Assessment of an older patient

Introduction

Chronically ill patients and older people are often very demanding, unhappy, poorly able to cope with problems, and have difficulties in adapting to new conditions. The specificity of the elderly patients requires individualized care and pursuit of empowerment, in order to; increase the level of satisfaction and general wellbeing. The aim of this study was a subjective and complete health assessment of elderly people.

Discussion

A complete health assessment needs to take into consideration a family's risk factors by exploring their lifestyle, biological and environmental factors, social, psychological, cultural and spiritual dimensions that all impact their health care (Moos 1990).

Epidemiological studies indicate that with age, the number of people with disabilities, especially in terms of physical, performance in carrying out daily tasks, and psychological and social issues. The WHO data shows that in 2010, the population of older people can achieve one sixth of the total world's population, i.e. more than 1 billion. In United States of America, unfortunately falling birth rates and rising life expectancy presents an increased burden on society (Eades 2000). Changes in demographic structures within societies will make the population of older people much larger than younger people. Nevertheless, the situation of older persons in the period of social transformation in the country has unfortunately deteriorated, and related actions are not sufficient. With age, the observed reduction in physical fitness, which is a consequence of aging, injuries and diseases, and adaptation present an ever growing dilemma in the field of biological and psychosocial sciences.

Chief Complaint

The patient - Ms. MC is suffering from obesity, constipation, and lung complications.

Historical Background of the patient

Family health assessment helps to collect information on different aspects of life of a family and recognizes the risk factors before it progresses into a complication. Gordon's 11 functional health models is a tool used in collection and organization of health data of families so that an accurate authentication and communication can be established.

In regards to the data collect on Ms MC, it is noted that she has a long family history of smoking. MC also has history of smoking cigarette and a history of congestive obstructive pulmonary disease, which will result in failure to nourish tissues.

Pediatric and Cultural Variations

MC is a 62 years old Caucasian, born into the Smith family with both parents and grandparents laid to rest. The Smith family are devoted Catholic, they believe strongly in their Christian faith. MC family has history of diabetes, hypertension, constipation, alcoholism and long history of smoking. MC has history of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a long history of smoking cigarette, chronic back pain, insomnia, depression and she weighs 300lbs and height 4.5ft tall.

Nutrition and Metabolic data collected on Ms. MC indicated a history of being obese and diabetes. The patient has problem of insufficient fund which makes it difficult for her to purchase food that are recommended for diabetic client and also she is unable to make good selection of food choices, with this ...