Clinical Scenario: Case Study



Clinical Scenario: Case Study

Introduction

Health is the state of complete physical (biological), mental (psychological) and social, not merely the absence of infections or light, strong or severe, as defined by the World Health Organization in its constitution of 1946 (Pender et al, 2001). It can also be defined as the level of functional or metabolic efficiency of an organism at both the micro (cellular) and macro (social). Health care provisions are essential for the survival and well being of any society. In those societies where health care facilities are conveniently accessible to the common men, prosperity and harmony reigns supreme. Nursing plays a central role in delivering health care, and so is critical to any nation's well-being. No other health care professional has such a vast and dynamic role. Nursing is defined as a set of actions that are aimed at providing care to individuals who are ill, mentally incapable, or dying. This is a profession for providing help and assistance to those already suffering. This paper examines the major issues that exist within the provided scenario from a holistic perspective (physiological, psychological, spiritual and social).

Case Summary

The given scenario is the case of 72 year old woman named Joan Gillespie. She moved in to a granny flat with her son and daughter in law after her husband died. She is unable to take care of herself which is the reason why she needs proper nursing care. Joan has been diagnosed with chronic constipation, left facial nerve paralysis, peripheral vascular disease and congestive cardiac failure. Other symptoms include reduced appetite, swollen abdomen, left eye irritation, claudication in both legs, shortness of breath and bilateral swollen lower legs. She needs proper attention in all the four perspectives (physiological, psychological, spiritual and social).

Nursing Care for Joan

Physiological

As Joan has the problem of claudication in both legs, she has to avoid some of the exercises. It is essential for the nurse to make sure that Joan is assisted throughout the appropriate exercises. She also has a reduced appetite which can also be overcome through proper diet and regular exercise. A healthy and varied diet helps to maintain a healthy weight. It also helps in maintaining a relatively stable blood sugar throughout the day, along with a good blood pressure. To do this, eat as much as possible and the 3 meals daily at regular times avoid the excesses of animal fats and added sugars (glucose, fructose, dextrose, etc) and prefer foods that are high in fiber. The regular practice of physical activity will assist Joan in maintaining a healthy weight. It is recommended to be active at least 30 minutes per day and divide the physical activity throughout the week, and the exercises can be brisk walking, yoga, etc (Gulanick & Myers, 2010). The intensity and duration of the exercise timings must be as per the capacity of Joan. She also has chances of being diabetic. This must also be properly taken care of. For diabetes' patients, it is necessary to ...