Category: Nursing

  • Health Education Session Planner Example

    Health Education Session Planner Example

    Health is an essential part of living and its status determines the lifespan of virtually all human beings. This paper is a brief essay that provides a session planner in relation to a provided topic of interest.

    Topic of focus for the Essay:
    Mental Health and how it Impacts on Nursing in Rural Australia.

    Body of the Essay

    Section One

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    Aim: What is the overall purpose of this session?

    Outcomes

    This session aims at educating the public on the importance of mental health with specific focus on rural Australia. The participants will be taught how to identify, assess and evaluate a child who is suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD (Cross et al, 2016). The people will be expected to carry out an intelligence test that can rate how much a child can focus. This is expected to last for at least 30 minutes since the session only has one outcome. Health Education Session Planner Example.

    Where will you be holding the session? Is there anything you need to consider when using this location?

               
    The venue of this session shall be the Queensland plenary hall since it is large enough to accommodate all interested participants. In addition, its location is strategic and accessible from all parts of the town.

    Who is your audience? Describe them in terms of their demographics. What needs do they have?

    The main audience for this session are people within the nursing fraternity, parents and medical students. Their demographics in terms of age is that they are above 20 years and clearly understand issues of mental health (Gulliver et al, 2010). They are also expected to be residing in rural parts of Australia where matters of mental health have taken center stage (Atkins et al, 2014). The audience will also consist of both males and females so as to encourage participation from both genders. Health Education Session Planner Example.

    Demographics of culture, behaviors and attitudes of this people are expected to be evaluated briefly prior to the session. The requirements for every person should include a previous background knowledge in mental health and nursing, must have lived in rural Australia and also should have known someone suffering from a mental disorder so that the session can be deemed successful (McGorry et al, 2007).

    Time frame

    The session is anticipated to last for 30 minutes during which each aspect of the topic is to be covered in brief.

     

    Provide an outline of how the session will run.

    Content

    Activity

    Resource

    Time

    Section 1

    Introduction.

    Myself

    3 minutes

    Section 2

    Overview of the mental health issues

    PowerPoint Presentation

    5 minutes

    Section 3

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in rural Australia: Facts and statistical updates.

    PowerPoint Presentation

    10 minutes

    Section 4

    Open discussion

    Social interaction

    10 minutes

    Section 5

    Closing session

    Myself

    2 minutes

    What resources will you need for this session?

    The resources to be used include:

    Laptops and computers

    Projectors

    Incentives

    Time

    Session chair.

    How will you evaluate your session?

    Session one shall be evaluated based on a questionnaire that will seek to determine if the program was successful.

    Section Two: Evaluation Question Section

    How would you rate the status of mental health among children in your community?

    Very Poor

    Poor

    Average

    Good

    Very good

    1

    2

    3

    4

    5

     

    Are you satisfied with the services you receive from your nearest mental health clinic? (Tick appropriately in the box). Health Education Session Planner Example.

    Yes

    No

    Do you think that
    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is an issue of concern in rural Australia? (Tick appropriately in the box).

    Yes

    No

    What is your personal understanding on the role of nursing practices in rural Australia in fighting mental diseases?

    Have you been a victim of stigma in your community because of a mental disease?

     

    References

    Atkins D, Heller SM, DeBartolo E, & Sandel M. (2014). Medical-Legal Partnership and Healthy Start: integrating civil legal aid services into public health advocacy, Journal of Legal            Medicine; 35(1): 195-209.

    Cross, S. P., Hermens, D. F., Scott, J., Salvador‐Carulla, L., & Hickie, I. B. (2016). Differential    impact of current diagnosis and clinical stage on attendance at a youth mental health service. Early intervention in psychiatry.

    Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010). Perceived barriers and facilitators to        mental health help-seeking in young people: a systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 10(1),        113.

    McGorry, P. D., Purcell, R., Hickie, I. B., & Jorm, A. F. (2007). Investing in youth mental health             is a best buy. Medical Journal of Australia, 187(7), S5-S7. Health Education Session Planner Example

  • Differential Diagnosis Essay – Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

    Differential Diagnosis Essay – Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

    Case 2

    Differential Diagnosis

    Secondary Syphilis

    Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium (Fantasia, 2017).  If untreated, this infection can lead to severe systemic diseases and or death (Fantasia, 2017).   Syphilis can present in different stages such as primary, secondary, tertiary, early latent, and late latent.  Characterizations of primary syphilis are lesion or chancre that begins with a painless papule at the inoculation site (Fantasia, 2017).  The lesion then progresses to a non-tender, shallow, indurated, clean ulcer (Fantasia, 2017).  The chancre is most commonly found on the genitalia (Fantasia, 2017).  The portrayal of secondary syphilis incorporates a wide-spread, symmetrical maculopapular rash of the palms of hands and bottom of feet and lymphadenopathy (Fantasia, 2017).  Condylomata lata may also develop.  Symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, headache and myalgias (Fantasia, 2017).  Cardiac, neurologic, ophthalmic, auditory, or gummatous lesions can develop in the tertiary stage (Tharpe, Farley, & Jordan, 2017).  Characterizations of the latent phase include a positive test with no clinical appearances (Tharpe et al., 2017). Differential Diagnosis Essay – Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

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    Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

    Genital herpes is painful vesicular eruptions of the skin and mucosa of the genitals (Fantasia, 2017).  This infection is a recurrent and incurable viral infection (Fantasia, 2017).  HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains can both cause genital herpes.  Although, HSV-2 typically is more commonly associated with genital lesions and are sexually transmitted (Fantasia, 2017).  Herpes can cause mucoid vaginal discharge, burning, and itching (Dains, Baumann, & Scheibel, 2016).  Vesicles are grouped on a red base and erode into an ulcer (Dains et al., 2016).  Exudates form on mucous membranes (Dains et al., 2016).  Crusts form on the skin (Dains et al., 2016).  Redness, edema, and tenderness to inguinal lymph nodes can also occur (Dains et al., 2016).

    Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

    Genital Warts result from sexual transmission of the HPV.  They typically involve the vagina, cervix, perineum, or perianal areas (Dains et al., 2016).  Lesions can be flat or raised moist pink verrucous lesions (Dains et al., 2016).  Itching and leukorrhea can accompany clinical manifestations (Dains et al., 2016).

    Most Likely Differential

    The most likely diagnosis for the patient in case two is secondary syphilis.  She had a non-tender sore on her labia that resolved with no treatment.  The syphilitic chancre begins with a painless papule and evolves into a non-tender ulcer.  The lesion can heal in 3-6 weeks without treatment (Dains et al., 2016).  This process occurs in the primary stage of syphilis.  A rash can develop during the healing stage of the primary lesion or weeks after it has healed.  This patient had a normal gynecologic exam but has maculopapular lesions to her trunk, neck, palms, and soles of her feet.  The portrayal of secondary syphilis incorporates a wide-spread, symmetrical maculopapular rash of the palms of hands and bottom of feet (Fantasia, 2017). Differential Diagnosis Essay – Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

    Treatment and Management

    Penicillin G is the drug of choice for all stages of syphilis (Pastuszczak & Wojas-Pelc, 2013).  Secondary syphilis requires a single dose (Fantasia, 2017).  Those with secondary syphilis will also require serologic testing at six and 12 months (Fantasia, 2017).  Partner management depends on the stage of the woman’s infections and timing of exposure (Fantasia, 2017).  Studies show that up to 60% of sexual contacts of patients with syphilis may be infected (Pastuszczak & Wojas-Pelc, 2013).  If exposure to secondary syphilis is less than 90 days, the partner should receive treatment regardless of test results (Pastuszczak & Wojas-Pelc, 2013).  Treatment is as follows:

    Penicillin G Benzathine 2.4 milliunits IM x one dose.

    Strategies for Educating Patients

    First, it is essential to educate the patient on syphilis and the consequences of going without treatment.  It is also vital to discuss preventions of new infections, reinfection, and risks for infecting others.  Educate patient on the importance of partner notification.  In Texas, Partner Services maintains confidential partner notification.  If chancre is present, the patient must refrain from sexual contact with others.  Inform patient that they must use a condom until testing at six months follow-up (Fantasia, 2017).  The risk for acquiring HIV through sexual intercourse is three to five times higher in those infected with syphilis (Mutagoma et al., 2016).  Therefore it is crucial for providers to stress HIV testing (Fantasia, 2017).

    References

    Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2016).
    Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care
    (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.

    Fantasia, H.C. (2017). Sexually Transmitted Infections. In Schuiling, K. D., & Likis, F. E. (2017).
    Women’s  gynecologic health
    (3rd ed.). (pp. 465-508). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett  Publishers.

    Mutagoma, M., Remera, E., Sebuhoro, D., Kanters, S., Riedel, D. J., & Nsanzimana, S. (2016). The Prevalence of Syphilis Infection and Its Associated Factors in the General Population of Rwanda: A National Household-Based Survey. Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 2016, 4980417. http://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4980417

    Pastuszczak, M., & Wojas-Pelc, A. (2013). Current standards for diagnosis and treatment of syphilis: selection of some practical issues, based on the European (IUSTI) and U.S. (CDC) guidelines.
    Advances in Dermatology and Allergology/Postȩpy Dermatologii I Alergologii
    ,
    30
    (4), 203–210. http://doi.org/10.5114/pdia.2013.37029

    Tharpe, N. L., Farley, C., & Jordan, R. G. (2017).
    Clinical practice guidelines for midwifery & women’s health
    (5th  ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

    Pastuszczak & Wojas-Pelc, 2013 Differential Diagnosis Essay – Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

  • NRS311: Health Education Session Planner

    NRS311: Health Education Session Planner

    Aim:
    What is the overall purpose of this session?

    Outcomes: 
    What specifically do you want the participants to be able to do? i.e. To “Be able to take a BGL”, or “Will be able to describe the benefits of regular exercise and how regular exercise can improve blood glucose control”. For a session of 30 minutes you should only have 1 or 2 outcomes.

    Where will you be holding the session? Is there anything you need to consider when using this location?

    Who is your audience? Describe them in terms of their demographics. What needs do they have?

    You have 30 minutes for your session. Keep this in mind as you plan your session outline. NRS311: Health Education Session Planner.

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    Provide an outline of how the session will run For example, will there be expert instruction or demonstration (and who will do it?). Will there be group discussions, hands-on activities, or individual questions? Identify the number of sections, the content of each and the length of time you anticipate each will take. At this stage you do not need to provide any detailed content, just an overview of how you plan to structure your presentation.

    Content

    Activity

    Resource

    Time

    e.g. Section 1

    Introduce yourself and the aim of the session.

    Just Me

    1 minute

    e.g. Section 2

    Overview of the health issue

    PowerPoint

    2 minute

     

     

    NRS311: Health Education Session Planner

     

    What resources will you need for this session? List them here. Remember that you will be required to create a handout for assessment 2b.

    How will you evaluate your session?

     

    EVALUATION QUESTION SECTION (100 WORDS)

    Provide a draft of your 5 question evaluation form. You will need to include 3 or 4 4 close-ended questions, such as a likert scale, and at least 1 open ended questions. You will find information about writing evaluation questions on
    interact2
    in the
    assessment toolbox
    for NRS311: Health Education Session Planner

  • NURS 6551 Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion

    NURS 6551 Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion

    Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion

    HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in America, infecting over six million people each year (Schuiling & Likis, 2017).  The purpose of this discussion is to discuss the women’s health issue, HPV vaccinations.  The impact of political, social, and sociocultural factors will also be explained.  A detailed explanation of how personal perceptions of providers might influence the willingness or ability to provide care to patients in relation to the HPV vaccine.

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    Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

    HPVs are a group of more than 200 viruses which encompass over forty types that are directly spread via sexual contact, through the skin, or mucous membranes.  HPVs are categorized into two categories, low-risk and high-risk.  Examples of low-risk HPV types are 6 and 9, and are noncancer-causing viruses; however, they do cause genital and anal warts.  High-risk HPV types are 16 and 18, and they can cause cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, vaginal, or penile cancers (National Cancer Institute, 2015). NURS 6551 Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion.

    The HPV vaccine was developed in 2006 as a preventative measure to decrease the incidence of HPV, genital warts, and anal dysplasia (Islam et al., 2018).  There are three types of vaccines, bivalent, quadrivalent, and 9-valent, and all protect against strains 16 and 18 (Schuiling & Likis, 2017).  These vaccines have a high efficacy rate, show a high degree of clinical effectiveness, and are cost-effective among adolescent males and females (Islam et al., 2018).  The targeted age for these vaccines are adolescents that are 11 and 12 years old, but it can be given as early as 9 years old and up to the age of 26.  It is also recommended for ones that have a preexisting HPV infection to protect against other strains (Schuiling & Likis, 2017),

     The Impact of Political, Social, and Sociocultural Factors on this Issue

               
    There are many factors that come into play with HPV vaccines.  Despite the desired vaccination rates, the United States remains at a suboptimal rate for vaccination uptake rates.  First, is the political factor regarding the mandation of HPV vaccinations.  When the HPV vaccine was introduced many states lobbied for legislation for the mandation; however, it created much controversy.  A study showed that when political parties shared controversy towards the HPV vaccines through the news media, there were negative consequences against the vaccine.  Furthermore, this study states that liberals and conservatives were more aware of the vaccine and its benefits compared to moderates (Gollust, Attanasio, Dempsey, Benson, & Fowler, 2013). NURS 6551 Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion.

    There are social and psychological factors that influence HPV vaccine uptake.  These factors are influenced by ones’ beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions.  A highly studied reason why adolescents are not getting vaccinated against HPV is parental acceptance.  The HPV vaccine administration rate is significantly lower at 39% compared to than other routine vaccines such as Tdap and meningococcal conjugate.  It has been studied that most parents refuse the vaccine due to lack of education (Islam et al., 2018).

    Sociocultural factors are another issue that affects uptake rate of the HPV vaccine.  It is noted that HPV vaccine awareness is higher among those in a higher socioeconomic class as compared to their counterparts (Gollust et al., 2013).  In a rural area of Kentucky, it is documented that there are barriers for females such as lack of transportation, constrained budget, and living in areas that are hard to reach a clinic to follow up with subsequent vaccines (Mills, Head, & Vanderpool, 2013).  Areas of the United States with prominent levels of poverty have a higher incidence of HPV-associated cancers.  There are also racial/ethnic disparities that are documented with higher rates of HPV-associated cancers.  African American women are less likely to initiate the HPV vaccine and compete the series when compared to their counterparts (Okafor, Hu, & Cook, 2015). NURS 6551 Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion

    Personal Perceptions of Providers

    Provider recommendations and personal perceptions and attitudes are key factors in HPV vaccine uptake.  Prior research has documented providers’ personal perceptions drive recommendation for the vaccines.  Examples of reasons that can impede vaccination rates in relations to providers are some providers believe that there are potential side effects since the vaccine is relatively new, and they are reluctant to give multiple vaccines on the same day.  Some providers also believe that HPV is not a significant health issue, that cervical cancer can be prevented with Pap tests, they find it difficult to have the conversation with parents, and they forget to offer it since it is not a mandated vaccine (Perkins & Clark, 2013).

    In conclusion, HPV is a preventable STI that can be prevented with the proper education, screening, and vaccines.  There are political, social, and sociocultural factors that impede HPV vaccination rates in the United States.  Providers are in a position to offer and provide education on this vaccine without pondering upon their perceptions and attitudes.  It is of the utmost importance that all providers educate and offer vaccines and treatment for this treatable disease by using the most up-to-date evidence-based practice and by providing the proper education without allowing their own personal perceptions impede the process.

    References

    Gollust, S. E., Attanasio, L., Dempsey, A., Benson, A. M., & Fowler, E. F. (2013). Political and news media factors shaping public awareness of the HPV vaccine. 
    Women’s Health Issues: Official Publication of The Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health
    , 
    23
    (3), e143-e151. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2013.02.001

    Islam, J. Y., Khatun, F., Alam, A., Sultana, F., Bhuiyan, A., Alam, N., & … Nahar, Q. (2018). Knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine in Bangladeshi women: A population based, cross-sectional study. 
    BMC Women’s Health
    , 
    18,
    1-13. doi:10.1186/s12905-018-0510-7 NURS 6551 Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion

    Mills, L. A., Head, K. J., & Vanderpool, R. C. (2013). HPV vaccination among young adult women: A perspective from Appalachian Kentucky.
    Preventing Chronic Disease, 10
    , 2-8. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2013/pdf/12_0183.pdf

    National Cancer Institute. (2015). HPV and cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet

    Okafor, C., Hu, X., & Cook, R. L. (2015). Racial/ethnic disparities in HPV vaccine uptake among a sample of college women.
    Journal of Racial and Ethic disparities, 2
    , 311-312. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs40615-014-0074-7.pdf

    Perkins, R. B., & Clark, J. A. (2013). What affects human papillomavirus vaccination rates? A qualitative analysis of providers’ perceptions. 
    Women’s Health Issues: Official Publication of The Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health
    , 
    22
    (4), e379-e386. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2012.04.001

    Schuiling, K. D., & Likis, F. E. (2017).
    Women’s gynecologic health
    (3
    rd
    ed.). Burlington,

    MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. NURS 6551 Discussion 1: Women’s health and Health Promotion

  • NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

    NRS311:  Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

     Mental Health and how it Impacts on Nursing in Rural Australia

    Word count: 2050

     

    The mental health of school going children aged between 8 – 12 years has received limited research attention in Australia. There is some acknowledgement by researchers in Australia that, despite the absence of data, it is probable that psychiatric disorder rates are higher in rural areas as compared to metropolitan areas. With respect to young school going children, data have for some years shown that Australia has the highest levels of suicide across the globe, especially among rural young males (Sawyer, et al. 2012). NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

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    Department of Social Services (2014) points out that recent statistics show that the death levels as a result of suicide for males aged 8- 12 years tend to rise with rising remoteness to the extent that the degree of suicide for remote regions, (43 per every 100 000 children) is double as high as in metropolitan areas (24 per every 100,000 children). With respect to other mental health issues, rural children are thought to experience more troubles with coping and stress when compared with urban children. Although rural children have shown general higher levels of depression, this has not been studied systematically in Australia according to DoHA (2013).

     

    Mental Health Associated With A Primary School Aged Child between 8-12 Years

    Results from a survey carried out in 2013 – 14, revealed that almost 1 in every 7 youth (14 percent) of children and adolescents aged between 8 – 12 years were assessed as to have mental health problems for the period ranging from 2013 to 2014, which is equal to 560,000 children (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2015). Among the most common forms of  mental health problem among Australian children was the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – representing a little over 7 percent or about 300,000 children- followed closely by anxiety disorders – slightly below 7 percent- major depressive disorder – 3 percent- and conduct disorder – 2 percent as cited by Patel et al. (2010). Almost a third of the 8 – 12 year olds with a mental health disorder had two or more mental problems at some time between 2013 and 2014. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

    The statistics revealed that male children (16 percent) were more likely to experience mental health disorder than females (12 percent) (Chia, et al. 2013). The prevalence of mental illness among slightly higher for females aged between 10 to 12 (13 percent) than young females aged between 8 to 10 (11 percent) as asserted by Atkins, Heller, DeBartolo, Sandel (2014). The prevalence of the mental illness among males, however, did not differ significantly with age. Mental health disorders also comprise low prevalence situations. This group comprises psychotic disorders and a wide range of other conditions including severe personality disorder and eating disorders as McGorry, Purcell, Hickie & Jorm (2007) explained. Notably, mental health problems are characterized by profound distortions of perception, emotional and thinking response (Venning, et al. 2013).

     

    The Extent and Impact of Mental Health on Nursing Practice in Rural Australia

    Mental illnesses can vary in severity and be persistent or episodic in nature. According to Gulliver, Griffiths & Christensen (2010), a review that was conducted recently revealed that 2- 3 percent of children in rural Australia experienced a severe mental illness, as judged by degree of disability caused, duration and intensity of symptoms as well as diagnosis. This data is not confined to children with psychotic illnesses, who represent approximately a third of individuals with severe mental problems; it also comprises children with disabling and severe forms of anxiety and depression. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

    Behavioural and mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression are important drivers of morbidity and disability among rural children in Australia. For rural Australia, mental illnesses are estimated to be responsible for about 12. 9 percent of the total disease burden in 2010, ranking third as a broad disease group after cardiovascular and cancer disease (McGorry, Bates & Birchwood, 2013). According to a study conducted in 2013, anxiety and depression disorders among rural children were linked with a rising danger of suicide and ischaemic heart disease.

    Due to the absence of health professionals in Australian rural areas with specialized mental health illness, there have been efforts to up-skill practitioners in the primary care segment in order to deliver mental illness care (McGorry, Bates & Birchwood, 2013). Consensus on the fruitfulness of this strategy in terms of improved patient outcomes and consumer satisfaction remains in doubt. A study that was conducted in the rural Australia established that despised the rising need for nurses in rural regions to offer mental illness care, they actually provide, in reality, less mental illness care compared with urban nurses (McGorry, et al. 2007). With respect to child mental illness services, it is not evident how successful the delivery of mental health services in primary health care may be when a family structure approach to the treatment of children living at home is regarded good clinical practice. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health..

    Conclusively, it is unclear presently whether the stigma of mental health is more predominant in rural Australian communities than urban areas, or if the stigma experience is more crucial in rural setups as a result of social proximity. Availability of transport and cost is a substantial issue encountered by parents of children attempting to access specialist mental illness services. young individuals who do not car or do not driving license are required to travel regional facilities to access professional assistance, and in the same line, access to public transport structures in rural setups is non- existent or poor (Atkins, Heller, DeBartolo, & Sandel, 2014). Various efforts at alternative structures of mental illness service delivery to overcome the challenge of distance have been pursued in the Australian context with restrained success. These include visiting/ mobile services, satellite services and tele psychiatry (Rickwood, Van Dyke & Telford, 2015).

    The mental illness is influenced by a number of factors including workplace, life experiences or other aspects and the economic and social conditions that influence day- to- day lives. These economic and social conditions are called referred to as the social determinants of health and are some of the crucial aspects that influence on physical and mental health. Studies indicate that the social determinants of health can be more significant than lifestyle choices or health care in influencing health. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.. In Australia, the social determinants of health comprise: aboriginal status, early life, education, health services, food insecurity, race, sexual orientation, social safety net, and income distribution, gender identity, working conditions, job security and unemployment (Rickwood, et al. 2014). Three social determinants of health are fundamentally important for mental health: social inclusion, access to economic resources as well as freedom from violence and discrimination.

    Children experiencing mental health are, by the nature of their disease, possibly the most vulnerable and politically powerless group within society. The revelations of mental disorder frequently include withdrawal, distortions in thinking, self- doubt and low self- esteem (Venning, Wilson, Kettler & Eliott, 2013). As a result, this group of individuals finds it difficult to achieve autonomy and experiencing challenges advocating for themselves. Ethical concerns associated with mental illness, and the nursing practice in rural areas is confronted often with the need for making ethical decisions. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health..

    Mental health issues refer to a range of behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders that affect with the productivity and lives of children. However, there is no single definition of mental health across various professions and jurisdictions. In determining the suitable definition of mental disorder for this assignment, the mental health act of 1990 that defines mental disorder as a condition that is characterized by the presence of conditions such as hallucinations, a severe mood disturbance, repeated or sustained irrational behaviour. It also goes further and states that it is a serious thought disorder that seriously mars, or either permanently or temporarily, the mental functioning of an individual (Cross, et al. 2016). It is worth acknowledging that common mental disorder such as depression and anxiety disorder. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health..

     

    W.H.O. – Social determinants of health:  PHC and the nurses’ role, responsibilities and governing legislation in Australia

    Nurses in remote areas general live and work in isolated regions – among indigenous society, on islands, interment centres, refugee camps, or fishing groups. In addition, they work in specialist outreach, emergency retrieval services, as well as in remote regional areas in quality improvement, management, professional support, public health, education, research or strategic development (Chia, et al, 2013). For numerous isolated remote areas in Australia, registered nurses offer the first point of contact for a wide range of PHC care functions that, in urban areas, would normally be offered by general practitioners, allied health professionals and suitably trained specialists. In more remote areas in Australia, nurses frequently act as the only PHC providers and are often required to extend their skills as a result of community demand and the absence of any other aspect of nursing support. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health..

    In this situation, the expert remote regions nurse practices in a holistic, collaborative and comprehensive manner, offering advanced care to families and individuals across the lifespan. As a result, they offer care for children who are chronically and/ or acutely ill and also illness prevention programs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2015). The expert remote region nurse in conjunction with colleagues on site uses the tools of communication, health education, advocacy, clinical decision making, for groups they are managing. Moreover, they employ/practice public health and advanced nursing practice, hands on care, surveillance and prevention to manage disease and illness, as well as promote improve health results for the groups in which they are practicing, which may be isolated and disadvantaged. Rural nurses offer care across the lifespan (Sawyer, et al 2012).

    Consequently, they require knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas such as child and in fact health – including in chronic illness management and communicable diseases. They utilize best management protocols and practice treatment to offer and co- ordinate the various range of care that is necessary in remote areas. All nurses practicing in isolated and rural areas are required in order to develop their competency and knowledge so that they can perform at an advanced degree. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health..

    In Australian traditions, significant emphasis has been placed on primary care instead of primary health care. While these terms have been applied interchangeably, generally, they represent two varied philosophical approaches to rural health care. PHC main focuses on improving the general health of individuals and communities. Importantly, nurses in the rural areas acknowledge that improving health via PHC can only be realized by placing heath care in its cultural, economic, environmental, social and political context (Patel et al. 2010). The wellbeing and health of school-aged children is seen as a crucial aspect in the child’s ability to achieve their maximum potential as humans. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health..

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, mental health among rural school aged children in Australia has received limited attention in the world of academia. However, despite this acknowledgement, psychiatric disorder rates are higher in remote areas. Children in rural areas are thought to experience more troubles with coping and stress in as far as mental disorder is concerned. Available statistics indicate that there is a wide discrepancy between females suffering from mental disorders of varied ages. Among the males, this variation was evident. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.. Mental health problems are characterized by profound distortions of perception, emotional and thinking response. Behavioural and mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression are important drivers of morbidity and disability among rural children in Australia.

    Due to the absence of health professionals in Australian rural areas with specialized mental health illness, there have been efforts to up-skill practitioners in the primary care segment in order to deliver mental illness care. Studies indicate that the social determinants of health can be more significant than lifestyle choices or health care in influencing health. In Australia, the social determinants of health comprise: aboriginal status, early life, education, health services, food insecurity, race, sexual orientation, social safety net, and income distribution, gender identity, working conditions, job security and unemployment .Nurses in rural areas general live and work in isolated regions – among indigenous society, on islands, interment centres, refugee camps, or fishing groups. In addition, they work in specialist outreach, emergency retrieval services as well as in remote regional areas in quality improvement, management, professional support, public health, education, research or strategic development. In most instances, nurses in rural areas offer the first point of contact for various PHC care functions. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health..

     

    References

    ~ Atkins D, Heller SM, DeBartolo E, & Sandel M. (2014). Medical-Legal Partnership and Healthy Start: integrating civil legal aid services into public health advocacy, Journal of Legal Medicine; 35(1): 195-209.

    ~ Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2015). Mental health services—in brief 2015. Cat. no. HSE 169  Canberra: AIHW.

    ~ Chia, A., Assan, B., Finch, E., Stargatt, R., Burchell, P., Jones, H., & Heywood-Smith, J. (2013). Child & Adolescent Mental Health: Innovations in practice: Effectiveness of specialist adolescent outreach service for at-risk adolescents. Youth Studies Australia, 32(3), 61-62.

    ~ Cross, S. P., Hermens, D. F., Scott, J., Salvador‐Carulla, L., & Hickie, I. B. (2016). Differential impact of current diagnosis and clinical stage on attendance at a youth mental health service. Early intervention in psychiatry.

    ~ Department of Social Services (DSS) (2014). Characteristics of Disability Support Pension Recipients, June 2013. Canberra: DSS. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

    ~ DoHA (2013). National Mental Health Report 2013: tracking progress of mental health reform in Australia 1993–2011. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia

    ~ Gulliver, A., Griffiths, K. M., & Christensen, H. (2010). Perceived barriers and facilitators to mental health help-seeking in young people: a systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 10(1), 113.

    ~ McGorry, P. D., Purcell, R., Hickie, I. B., & Jorm, A. F. (2007). Investing in youth mental health is a best buy. Medical Journal of Australia, 187(7), S5-S7.

    ~ McGorry, P. D., Tanti, C., Stokes, R., Hickie, I. B., Carnell, K., Littlefield, L. K., & Moran, J. (2007). headspace: Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation-where young minds come first. Medical Journal of Australia, 187(7), S68.

    ~ McGorry, P., Bates, T., & Birchwood, M. (2013). Designing youth mental health services for the 21st century: examples from Australia, Ireland and the UK. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(s54), s30-s35.

    ~ Patel V, Lund C, Hatheril S, Plagerson S, Corrigall J, Funk M, et al (2010). Mental disorders: equity and social determinants. In: Blas E, Kurup AS, editors. Equity, social determinants and public health programmes. Geneva: World Health Organization; p. 115-34.

    ~ Rickwood, D. J., Telford, N. R., Parker, A. G., Tanti, C. J., & McGorry, P. D. (2014). Headspace—Australia’s innovation in youth mental health: who are the clients and why are they presenting. Med J Aust, 200(2), 108-11.

    ~ Rickwood, D., Van Dyke, N., & Telford, N. (2015). Innovation in youth mental health services in Australia: common characteristics across the first headspace centres. Early intervention in psychiatry, 9(1), 29-37.

    ~ Sawyer, S. M., Afifi, R. A., Bearinger, L. H., Blakemore, S. J., Dick, B., Ezeh, A. C., & Patton, G. C. (2012). Adolescence: a foundation for future health. The Lancet, 379(9826), 1630-1640.

    ~ Venning, A., Wilson, A., Kettler, L., & Eliott, J. (2013). Mental health among youth in South Australia: A survey of flourishing, languishing, struggling, and floundering. Australian Psychologist, 48(4), 299-310. NRS311: Life-stage Considerations: Child, Adolescent and Family Health.

  • Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample

    Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample

    Assignment Three—Changing the Social Determinants of Health 
    40%

    In Part Two of the course, we studied how our health is affected by what we eat, where we live, how we work, and our exposure to violence. In Part Three of the course, we will study the political economic context through which our health, or lack of health, is organized. In this Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample, you will write a short synthesis for each of
    week five to week twelve
    . Below are guiding questions listed by the corresponding week number:

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    What are some of the inherent problems with capitalist food production? How does our social location affect our access to good food?

    How does inadequate housing negatively impact our health? What other aspects of our surroundings should we consider? Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    How does the organization of work affect our health? What changes might we make to the way our work is organized to make it safer and healthier for all?

    How does violence affect our health? What are some of the forms of violence that affect people locally and/or globally?

    What are some policies and practices of settler colonial states toward Indigenous peoples? What are some ways that colonialism affects people’s health locally and/or globally?

    How does the capitalist economy affect our health? How does the capitalist economy affect healthcare?

    What might medicine look like if it were organized based on human need rather than capitalist imperatives? How might our ideas of health and illness change if we base our society on equity? Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample

    What political interventions are needed to improve people’s health locally and/or globally, especially those who are socially ‘disadvantaged’? What are some challenges to organizing for change?

    Assignment Three—The Social Determinants of Health

    This paper is an essay that provides answers to several questions related to the study of social determinants of health. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    Discussion

    What are some of the inherent problems with capitalist food production? How does our social location affect our access to good food?

    The system of capitalist food production is centered on obtaining food based on a person’s economic and financial capabilities. This means that one’s ability to eat a given meal is particularly pegged on their level of income and standard of living. Capitalist food production poses a lot of problems to the present generation since it denies the poor and underprivileged the chance to enjoy a healthy diet (Varcoe et al, 2016). v

    This is because those who have plenty continue to enjoy it at the expense of those who cannot be able to buy a decent meal. The social location is an important factor that determines how people are able to access good and quality food. People who reside in affluent or wealthy neighborhoods are able to enjoy the best quality meals. Additionally, they are able to eat healthy meals because they have the access of all the nutritious food. This is in stark contrast to people living in impoverished places where accessibility to good food is highly limited.

    How does inadequate housing negatively impact our health? What other aspects of our surroundings should we consider?

    Housing and accommodation is considered an important determinant to health because it provides shelter against harsh and unfriendly weather. Additionally, good housing is able to offer people the amenities that they need to lead a comfortable life. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample. People who live or reside in poor or inadequate housing structures often jeopardize their health because they cannot be able to protect themselves in the right manner (Global Health Watch, 2017).For instance, people who live in homes that are poorly roofed or adequately wired with electricity stand a higher chance of contracting different forms of disease and infections.

    In fact, this people are at a higher risk of developing serious illnesses such as breathing complications or even respiratory failure. The opposite is true for people who live in decent housing where they get to be sheltered from all forms of health risks. This is why it is important to live in a decent home where people can be protected from harsh weather and unpredictable climate. It is also crucial for surroundings to be clean so as to maintain good hygiene standards for the benefit of one’s health. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

     How does the organization of work affect our health? What changes might we make to the way our work is organized to make it safer and healthier for all?

    Work is an integral pillar of living that provides people the chance to improve their standards of living. However, there are certain professions that increase the risk of people falling ill based on whether they come into contact with health hazards. For instance, people that work with factory emissions, chemicals or even toxic materials are at a higher risk of contracting serious diseases. Similarly, people that work in an office environment all day also lead a sedentary lifestyle that can negatively impact on health (Global Health Watch, 2017).

    The organization of work ought to be done in such a manner that it is both safe and healthy for the employee and employer. This means that protective equipment should be given to people working with health hazards while those who work passively should engage in active exercises for their own personal merit. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    How does violence affect our health? What are some of the forms of violence that affect people locally and/or globally?

    The eruption of violence of any form or design is a serious threat to the health of people. This is because violence affects economic stability and it becomes difficult for people to access health care. additionally, violence is known to cause a lot of injury and suffering to its victims such that some of them are left with lifetime scars (Global Health Watch, 2017). Politically instigated violence is one classic example of violence that affects people both locally and globally. This form of violence is known to have a lot of casualties where people are either injured, harmed or even maimed for life. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample. Ethnic and tribal clashes are another form of violence that is common in the African continent and it affects the health of people in a myriad of ways. Political and national leaders have the mandate to shun violence since it is a deterrent to the enjoyment of good health.

     What are some policies and practices of settler colonial states toward Indigenous peoples? What are some ways that colonialism affects people’s health locally and/or globally?

               
    Colonialism is an age-old practice that is synonymous with the oppression of indigenous and native citizens. The colonial masters were well known for being high handed such that they denied innocent people the access to basic needs and wants. One example of a practice of colonial settler states is that they made social services a preserve of the rich and denied the indigenous people the chance to enjoy them (Global Health Watch, 2017).This is perfectly demonstrated through amenities such as education, health care or even decent housing. The fact that the local people were denied quality and affordable health care meant that they were left to suffer from the complications brought about even by simple infections. Health care is a right that should be accorded every individual despite their social status or position in society. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    How does the capitalist economy affect our health? How does the capitalist economy affect healthcare?

    The capitalist economy is founded upon the principle that people can only access the commodities and assets based on their financial ability. The same reasoning applies to health were people can only access medical facilities based on whether they can afford it or not. This means that even if a person is critically ill and they do not have the money to pay for medication, then little can be done to help them. The capitalist economy has been blamed for making health care very costly and expensive since other countries have even introduced the concept of insurance covers (Global Health Watch, 2017). Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    The latter are meant to make people pay for their own medical care on a regular fashion so that when they fall sick they can walk into a hospital and receive medical attention even if they do not have tangible money. However, this system is also quite expensive since the insurance premiums are supposed to be paid on a monthly basis. The capitalist economy has redefined the meaning of health care and made it an expensive service that can only be enjoyed by the wealthy in society Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    What might medicine look like if it were organized based on human need rather than capitalist imperatives? How might our ideas of health and illness change if we base our society on equity?

    Medication and health care would have a totally new meaning if these amenities were organized based on human need. This would allow people to receive quality medical care at the point they needed it instead of suffering due to lack of money to buy drugs or visit a hospital. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample. The idea or notion of health would totally change if people based their reasoning on equality and fairness (Global Health Watch, 2017). This approach would make it possible for a person to walk into a hospital or health center and receive treatment for the disease or infection that they may have.

    This is a function that has not been made possible by capitalist imperatives which peg a lot of importance on first come first served basis. Additionally, capitalism has made people believe that money is the only resource that dictates whether a person can enjoy good health or not. This reasoning ought to be overturned by social equity as it would streamline the health sector and every person would be assured and guaranteed of accessing medical attention even when they lack enough money. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    What political interventions are needed to improve people’s health locally and/or globally, especially those who are socially ‘disadvantaged’? What are some challenges to organizing for change?

    The improvement of health care requires to be done in an urgent fashion so that it can benefit the people who are termed as socially disadvantaged. This process needs to be done through political interventions where people in power ought to come up with policies and regulations that can fight for the poor and underprivileged in society (Global Health Watch, 2017). An example of how to go about this is by streamlining the medical sector and making health care affordable to every person. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

    This can be done by placing a fair price on medication and at the same time ensuring that doctors do not charge exorbitant prices for their services. However, there are several challenges that are bound to come with the process of organizing for change in the medical sector. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample The first one is the issue of financial and monetary resources where it would be such an expensive affair to introduce a streamlined process for accessing medical care. It would require political governments a lot of money to try to equalize the health sector such that people pay the same cost and charge for a similar diagnostic test (Global Health Watch, 2017).

    The achievement of equity in a local or global scale is not an easy journey but it would be worthwhile to put it to the test and evaluate its performance in intervals. The evaluation of these questions has shed a lot of light on the topic of social determinants of health and it demonstrates how external factors influence the quality of medical care. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample.

     

    References

    Global Health Watch. 2017. The Revival Of Community Health Workers In National Health        Systems.

    Global Health Watch .2017. Climate Cr.

    Global Health Watch. 2017.  UNICEF and the ‘medicalisation’ of ­malnutrition in children.

    Global Health Watch .2017 Private Sector Influence On Public Health Policy. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample

    Global Health Watch .2017. The pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical endeavor.

    Global Health Watch .2017. Cholera Epidemic In Haiti

    Global Health Watch .2017. The Movement For Change.

    Global Health Watch .2017.  Cuba’s International Cooperation In Health

    Global Health Watch .2017. Aboriginal Communit Y-Controlled Health Services In Australia.

    Global Health Watch .2017. Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services In Australia.

    Varcoe, C. Pauly, B and Shari. L. (2016). Intersecting justice and influencing policy. Health         Inequities in Canada : Intersectional Frameworks and Practices. Social Determinants of Health Essay Assignment Sample

  • Families dealing with Dementia Essay

    Families dealing with Dementia Essay

    Develop a paper on the topic :
    Families dealing with Dementia

    Introduction

     Overview of paper -content, organization, objectives

     Identification and defense of topic choice

     Inform the reader what the paper will be discussing

    Overview and Background-Key aspects of topic related to family health

     The student will assess current resources and services available to the target population of families and identify areas that reflect gaps in care. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

     Discussion of what is currently being done? Who does this effect? How does this effect nursing care provided?

     What circumstances have changed or needs to be changed that makes a new nursing approach necessary?

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    Critical analysis

     Discussion regarding impact of issue on the family and nursing, supported by literature

     Critical analysis of the literature using nursing research and practice-based sources. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

     Investigate the quantitative and qualitative research that identifies gaps, barriers or areas of struggle for families as related to the health care system and/or nursing care.

     Discussion of your ideas, including critical analysis and rationale for recommendations and options that would fill the gap and serve family care.

     Integration of appropriate scholarly literature

     Demonstration of critical thinking and scholarly thought

    New Recommendation

     Discussion of new nursing recommendation/approach

     Discussion of pros and cons related to new recommendation/approach

     Identifies how new approach can be implemented. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

     Uses creativity in developing different nursing approach(es) that will address any gap(s). Explain how the new approach may be implemented and the role of the nurse. Throughout this paper ensure to maintain a nursing focus related to families and support your ideas with references. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    Conclusion

     

    When referring to Dementia one must recognize the fact that it is a broad categorization of diseases/ illnesses. However, all are related and attack the same specific part of the body in human anatomy. Dementia is, therefore, a broad category of brain-related ailments, its long-term effects include gradual decrease in the ability of an individual to think and remember things that are core to human existence. These, in turn, lead to interruptions of daily functioning of the ailing patient. Several notable symptoms consist of problems with language, emotional difficulties and persistent decrease in motivation. Families dealing with Dementia Essay. Interestingly consciousness is not affected. Other functions that get changed are; ability to pay attention and focus continuously, visual perception, coordination and motor functions, judgment and reasoning capacity as well as communication. People battling the above often have a short memory, for instance, it is hard to remember pending bills, commitments regarding dates and appointments. Keeping track of personal belongings for example wallets and purses may also prove to be daunting.  There are different types of dementia which are; vascular dementia, Lewy body, Frontotemporal, Parkinson’s disease and others. However the most common and occurring is Alzheimer’s disease, of all reported and diagnosed cases it accounts for two-thirds of the patients making it the most popular form of Dementia (Clarke et al, 2016). It is common to have various types of Dementia in one body, and some cases run through the family hence passed down through generations genetically Families dealing with Dementia Essay. It is worth noting that these cases are very few. These diseases have no known cure, the efforts taken globally are to reduce the risk factors that may bring about the development of dementia. High blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking must end. For a family living with Dementia, it is troubling to see your kin suffer, some have spent a considerable amount of wealth in search of a cure rendering their families impoverished. Denial, anger, loneliness, and fear may engulf the patient and the family due to various myths and misconceptions circulated not understanding that the condition is manageable. In today’s world, it is impossible for the working class to take care of their kin once diagnosed with this ailment. Families dealing with Dementia Essay. These are due to their commitments, and they also need to work to provide for their families, this fact is apparent that the typical human being is not able to give the recommended professional care. Both the rich and the unfortunately result into placing the sick into the hand of caregivers who provide quality services either at home or at their facilities. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND

    Several organizations have emerged due to the needs that have arisen. These groups exist for the sole purpose of supporting, educating and training people on the disease. For instance, relatives need to understand that there is a change in the patients functioning, this prevents them from scolding the patients every time they mess up but put up systems to facilitate them on their duties. Training on how to handle patients is undertaken for example to ensure medication prescribed is accurate (Backhouse et al, 2017). In nations such as New Zealand, such organizations have established websites. Here families get to interact among themselves and share their journey. These give motivation to others to also conquer some of the difficulties they may face. It may not be possible to visit a physiatrist and afford the consultation fees required, but these organizations offer free clinics, free advice to patients and check up on them. However people still discriminate against this ailment terming the patients mad, others brutalized for lack of information, neglected as the cost of treatment is high. These is as a result of the presence of gaps in the areas of training staff, caregivers and family members. There is also a problem with patients receiving medication and help too late into the ailment Families dealing with Dementia Essay. The help becomes of little impact in improving his/ her health. Information Technology system is not compatible enough to provide better and quality services to detect faint symptoms during its earliest stages.

    The existence of online communities globally is essential in sensitization to this diseases, people today take healthier food, control weight, and blood sugar to avoid such complications in future. One of the most significant of the progress is the publications of side effects of smoking on the tobacco packages globally. This act has led to a consistent decline in smoking. Funding is pumped into research and health organizations to develop cures as well as treat the ill. It has led to the hiring of more competent caregivers who can go round attending to those at home. These provide affordable and standard treatment by qualified professionals hence the patients are living a more dignified life. The world health organization projects that minimising the risk factors prevents 50.07% of infections it has therefore recognized the need to have nurses conduct training and sensitization camps to help educate the public in what is now health promotion and client education Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    Earlier nursing homes did not attract a considerable number of ailing patients due to problems like lack of individualized care. Families dealing with Dementia Essay. Those caregivers doing rounds in dwellings suffered a lot. For instance, through the hands of families and friends of the victims who become relentless and do not provide adequate operating space to work. These led to the development of a new approach to facilitate the smooth running of nursing homes, provide sufficient and quality based care as well as winning hearts of the patient’s family and friends. Simple and innovative ways, such as improving quality of life is the way to go (Leahey et al, 2016). For the patient and their family comfort is all they require, simple tasks like carrying a doll or eating a specific snack provide the patient with peace of mind and joy, calming them down and cooling erratic behaviours. Research that drew significant improvements in the patients evidently proved that one should identify tasks that are of the patient’s interest and develop a plan on how to implement them on a daily basis. It is recorded that engagement in this activities reduce argumentativeness and agitation by patients improving their confidence significantly Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

    Occurring in mostly the aged, most people suffering from dementing illnesses require care by a family member, this brings about social, physical, monetary and psychological effects on the family. These may significantly affect one’s career due to high-stress levels and clinical depression which occur in the affected. Many people often have to pick and choose whether to take care of an ailing family member or involve caregivers and institutions. It has created jobs in the health sector whereby more nurses are hired to take care of patients at their homes or in caregiving institutions. An, estimated 30 million people have dementia Families dealing with Dementia Essay. The number also doubles every 20 years. These translates to about 10 million people in the United States of America providing care to family members. In the world, 75% of the patients eventually are taken in by family members who include their sibling, children, and spouses who contribute the highest number of caregivers. Most spouses, wives consist of the most senior number taking care of, their husbands 60%, there is also the most significant proportion of informal caregivers who do not benefit from any amount regarding a salary of allowance (Lethin et al 2016). Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    Estimations show that 44% of those providing care in globally are below the age of 18 this translates into a 306 billion dollars of unpaid wages and allowances. These young ones are mostly looking after their aged parent or grandparents hence may not even recognize the urge to request payments due to the bonds formed during parenting and lack of better alternatives. Families dealing with Dementia Essay Of all caregivers Sanders noted that between 55% and 90% of the caregiving family members, enjoyed activities with their relatives, sense of togetherness, increased faith, feeling of a reciprocal bond and feelings of accomplishments and mastery during the period which they provided care (Kasper et al 2015). Following the above those who wish to propel their careers and do not prefer to provide care themselves they admit their ailing into homes. Similarly, they too are not immune to, stress and depression. Their only delegated duty is providing round the clock care which nurses do at the shelters. Nurses identify the various types of dementia and understand the roadmap through which to provide care to their residents. They hence focus on the remaining abilities of the ailing to promote their well-being. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    Being a broad spectrum of activities caregiving homes should take advantage and establish proper systems to distance themselves with ancient beliefs tainting their names. Disease brought down families physically and financially, once an individual gets convinced of quality care of their relative, there would be no hesitation in admitting them in a residency.  Majority of people living with dementia symptoms live in developing countries. These outline the need for their relatives to work to support the other family members. In developing countries, there is a wide gap between the rich and poor and majority living below the poverty line. Therefore no one should quit a job to give care (DILLARD 2016). Work is essential for survival. Consequently, it is vital for the government and all stakeholders to invest heavily in technology to detect the disease at an early stage. It is also crucial that the public sensitization on the need to avoid social norms that lead to Dementia later on as they age. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    NEW RECOMMENDATION

    The sad reality is that Dementia currently has no cure. It implies that those who have it must live and die with it. Research has shown that half of that population of octogenarians die in nursing homes. These have sparked outrage all over by stakeholders demanding for a gentler approach to how they are taken care off at the hospices. Due to the constant rise in the number of the aged and that of the ailment, the current personal-based and the recovery based approach have been reviewed to establish the better method in the care of the elderly living with Dementia. The recovery-based model is broader and underlines the personal based responsibility. It is better as it allows the patient’s involvement in the activities undertaken. It is a form of empowerment as one chooses how they wish to live in their community. The approach advocates for social inclusion, self-management, and hope in all activities undertaken. Through various studies, it has shown significant progress in boosting confidence and self-esteem among the ailing (Yerushalmi et al, 2014) Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    The recovery-based approach requires one to be their own expert whereby they even identify critical stress point and ways on how to manage them. With the help of a nurse, the patients acquire guidance on methods or techniques through which they can implement their plan. For example, one may be required to eat a favourite snack or hold a doll to divert attention from a stress point. This method has revolutionized mental health treatment. People are provided with a sense of comfort and hope that Families dealing with Dementia Essay.  This approach, however, adds burdens to already overstretched families this therapy is expensive, it also undermines the role of professionalism in treating mental problems in the society.

    CONCLUSION

    Mental health is not a walk in the park, any form of dementia however faint is a call to distress however it is a manageable ailment when discovered early. It is therefore essential that one undergoes check-ups and establishes a healthy living plan to avoid the stress factors that may lead to them. Having no cure adds to the discord in some cases people abandoned by their families at nursing homes seen as a burden. The development of a new approach by nursing institutions is changing the tide and bringing about hope in tackling the ailment. However, more support from all stakeholders is required to reduce the enormous numbers anticipated in the future. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

     

    References

    Backhouse, A., Ukoumunne, O. C., Richards, D. A., McCabe, R., Watkins, R., & Dickens, C. (2017). The effectiveness of community-based coordinating interventions in dementia care: a meta-analysis and subgroup analysis of intervention components.
    BMC Health Services Research
    ,
    17
    1-10. doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2677-2

    Clarke, P. B., Adams, J. K., Wilkerson, J. R., & Shaw, E. G. (2016). Wellness-Based Counseling for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia.
    Journal Of Mental Health Counseling
    ,
    38
    (3), 263-277. Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

    DILLARD, B. (2016). Bridging the gap.
    Fort Worth Business Press
    ,
    29
    (28), 18.

    Kasper, J. D., Freedman, V. A., Spillman, B. C., & Wolff, J. L. (2015). The Disproportionate Impact Of Dementia On Family And Unpaid Caregiving To Older Adults.
    Health Affairs
    ,
    34
    (10), 1642-1649. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0536

    Leahey, M., & Wright, L. M. (2016). Application of the Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Models.
    Journal Of Family Nursing
    ,
    22
    (4), 450-459. doi:10.1177/1074840716667972

    Lethin, C., Hallberg, I. R., Karlsson, S., & Janlöv, A. (2016). Family caregivers experiences of formal care when caring for persons with dementia through the process of the disease.
    Scandinavian Journal Of Caring Sciences
    ,
    30
    (3), 526-534. doi:10.1111/scs.12275

    Yerushalmi, H., & Lysaker, P. H. (2014). The Recovery Approach to Rehabilitation: Implementation in Supervision.
    Journal Of Social Work Practice
    ,
    28
    (1), 59-73. doi:10.1080/02650533.2013.828277 Families dealing with Dementia Essay.

  • Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

    Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

    INTRODUCTION

    Healthcare is an integral concept in our society it is, therefore, a primary talking point in every debate and conversation. With a population of over 66 million people, the United Kingdom’s health care system is a critical area if messed with may mean career suicide. So important it is, that every significant political outfit has its plan and policies to tackle it. Informed by the above it is essential to realise that the National Health Service (NHS), cannot provide services to the people of the kingdom in isolation. Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS? Privately owned hospitals and healthcare facilities have emerged to capitalise on the gap left behind by the national healthcare provider. Various factors such as quality of service, type of ailment, charges for services among others are vital in influencing the choice of facility (Resnick, 2012). Only 8% of Britons prefer to seek their medical attention in private facilities. These show the task at hand and responsibilities bestowed upon the service. Being a state formed institution the National Health Service offers stiff competition to the private firms due to its benefits of tax exemptions, subsidies and many others. Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

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    Essay Topic- Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the   NHS?

    BODY.

    Economics is an essential area when considering the choice of health care. The National Health Service provides free and affordable treatment to all United Kingdom citizens. Prescription charges are exact to standard rates across all countries. The provider consequently offers transfers where a Northern Ireland citizen, for instance, can access the same medical care in England as they do back in their country with no extra costs (Hanefeld et al, 2017). The treatment gets facilitated by the same level of doctors, and through shared information through the electronic patient care, the doctors in every facility can view your medical history not requiring a family member or spouse to explain it to them. It is important to note that this has led to avoidance of the wrong prognosis by lazy doctors who speculate and do not perform adequate tests. The same scenario in private institutions, a patient has to incur huge fees to access treatment. Expenses such as consultation fees, waived at public facilities are present and required before treatment commences. In an instance of a transfer to another facility for a specific medication, one is required to incur much more. These, therefore, are additional constraints to an ailing patient which are avoidable by moving them to a public facility Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

    It is worth noting that the social classes are used to determine where one is to seek medication. The well-resourced in the society are more likely to visit private institutions where they get catered for by their insurance cover, or because they can pay whatever amount incurred. Here they avoid long ques in public facilities. Overcrowding in the public institutions may lead to spread of contagious diseases just by visiting the health facility (Cohen et al, 2013). It is important to note that the survival rates for an incoming patient at the National Health Service dropped in 2005 – 2009 while in other countries such as Germany they increased. These imply that the quality of service offered is not sufficient.  Cost-effectiveness evaluated above is without a doubt a great idea. However, availability of drugs is a headache. Patients always complain that they lack the prescribed medication. These facilities run through taxes payers’ money. It is, therefore, an injustice to heavily tax an individual to cater for his medical bills only to send him to the pharmacy with a prescription to purchase drugs. Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

    Specialized health care is a factor to consider as one chooses the healthcare provider. With the emergence of chronic diseases such as cancers and heart ailments, patients need to evaluate on where they will get the needed help. In the case of cancer, which is incurable (Duncan et al, 2017). Early detection and treatment are essential to avoid losing lives Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS? Heart ailments and brain complications also require specific and quickly operations to save a life. It is my stand that with this illnesses the National Health Service is not the way to go. When one access a private health facility with the above diseases, immediate care begins. Surgery, therapy whatever is required, doctors are on standby to attend to the patients. There are no lines or complicated procedures that hinder one to access these services in time. For example, when one visits the National Health Service, and they require a set of specialised treatment, they get referred to another institution. These show that if it were a life and death situation, probably the individual would pass away moving to another medical facility. It is a matter common knowledge that the public institutions refer patients to private facilities. These imply or is an interpretation of their admission to inadequacy in providing specialised care, insufficiency in staffing among many other issues.

    CONCLUSION

    From the above, a variety of factors affect the choice of where to be treated. Economics, societal status, health condition and many others. When one is sick family, friends and colleagues pray that you get well to proceed with daily duties. However, seeking medical attention at the National Health Service seems like a gamble with one’s life. Private institutions may charge higher, but their quality of service is without a doubt (Honeyford et al, 2017). You get a proper room, proper food even the doctor has the time to concentrate on individual ailments. These increase the chances of a stubborn disease detection and treatment in advance. In public institutions several doctors will access you through shifts, chances of the wrong prognosis are high. Not forgetting that strikes in public facilities are almost imminent. Therefore, considering the two and the quality of service offered and giving credit where it is due, it is only reasonable for a United Kingdom citizen to seek medication in a private facility (Park et al 2017). Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

    References

    Cohen, A., Freeborn, B., & McManus, B. (2013). COMPETITION AND CROWDING OUT IN THE MARKET FOR OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT* COMPETITION AND CROWDING OUT IN THE MARKET FOR OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT.
    International Economic Review
    ,
    54
    (1), 159-184. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2354.2012.00729.x

    Duncan, M., Deane, J., White, P. D., Ridge, D., Roylance, R., Korszun, A., & … SURECAN, i. (2017). A survey to determine usual care after cancer treatment within the United Kingdom national health service.
    BMC Cancer
    ,
    17
    1-9. doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3172-1

    Hanefeld, J., Smith, R., Horsfall, D., & Lunt, N. (2014). What Do We Know About Medical Tourism? A Review of the Literature With Discussion of Its Implications for the UK National Health Service as an Example of a Public Health Care System.
    Journal Of Travel Medicine
    ,
    21
    (6), 410-417. doi:10.1111/jtm.12147 Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

    Honeyford, K., Greaves, F., Aylin, P., & Bottle, A. (2017). Secondary analysis of hospital patient experience scores across England’s National Health Service – How much has improved since 2005?.
    Plos ONE
    ,
    12
    (10), 1-11. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0187012

    Park, J. J., McKee, M., & Atun, R. (2017). Brexit: Severe Risks to Britain’s National Health Service.
    American Journal Of Public Health
    ,
    107
    (10), 1594-1596. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.30401

    Resnick, S., & Griffiths, M. (2012). Delivering Service Quality in Alcohol Treatment: A Qualitative Comparison of Public and Private Treatment Centres by Service Users and Service Providers.
    International Journal Of Mental Health & Addiction
    ,
    10
    (2), 185-196. doi:10.1007/s11469-011-9314-9 Is it better for patients in the UK to seek treatment privately or on the NHS?

  • nursing case analysis example – Mr smith

    Nursing case analysis example – Mr smith

    1.Mr. Smith has expressed an interest in complementary and alternative therapies. What complementary therapies might Mr. Smith explore and what are some considerations for Mr. Smith when choosing a complementary therapy?

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    Mr. Smith is a terminal ascites and HCC patient and this means that his ascites and tumor are beyond the transplantation level. The average survival for stage 4 HCC patients is less than 3 – 4 months (Kumar & Panda, 2014). The therapy available for end stage HCC patients is only symptomatic and there is no definitive direct treatment of the tumor. In this respect, Mr. Smith is only eligible to the available palliative treatment, which includes psychological support, management of nutrition and pain. Palliative therapy is a strategy that improves the patient’s quality of life and enables the family to cope with the life-threatening disease through the relief and prevention of suffering by way of identifying, assessing and treating sources of pain and other challenges – spiritual, psychosocial and physical. HCC patients, like Mr. Smith, often present multiple symptoms linked to decompensated cirrhosis such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, peripheral edema and variceal bleeding (Pinter et al. 2011). The symptom that Mr. Smith was diagnosed with is ascites. It is well documented that unrelieved HCC symptoms have a negative impact on the outcomes of the patient, including mood states, quality of life and functional status. Consequently, understanding this aspect is equally important when providing therapy to end stage HCC patients like Mr. Smith. The recommended therapies for Mr. Smith are pain management therapy, nutrition management, psychosocial needs management as well as the management of symptoms. In addition, the choice of suitable drugs to treat the associated symptoms requires a thorough understanding of the drugs pharmacokinetic as well as their side effect profiles. Worse liver conditions tend to increase the susceptibility of the patient to hemodynamic and pharmacokinetics changes. Mr. Smith’s is a stage 4 ascites patient and therefore his liver condition is worse. This means that if pharmacokinetics are introduced to his body, then the liver conditions are likely to worsen. nursing case analysis example – Mr smith.

    Mr. Smith is receiving the following medications: Thiamine, folic acid, and multi vitamins. What are the benefits of these medications with someone who is diagnosed with Cirrhosis?

    Liver cirrhosis is a serious disease that demands professional medical attention.  Chronic cirrhosis can damage the liver and affect a patient’s ability to process hormones, medicines and nutrients. Proper vitamin supplementation, including taking medications such as thiamine, multi vitamins and folic acid may help Mr. Smith improve his overall health and also protect his liver from further corrosion. Cirrhotic patients often experience a deficiency in vitamin B
    1
    (Thiamine). Most patients diagnosed with end-stage cirrhosis often manifest thalamic lesions. The causes of thiamine deficiency among end-stage liver patients like Mr. Smith include impaired absorption, loss of hepatic storage of the vitamin as well as reduced dietary intake (Berger & Ford, 2017) nursing case analysis example – Mr smith. Thiamine supplementation is highly encouraged for patients suffering from end-stage cirrhosis of either nonalcoholic or alcoholic etiologies. Mr. Smith is one such patient who is suffering from end-stage liver illness and the uptake of thiamine will help his body offset the existing vitamin deficiency. In addition, folic acid (also known as Vitamin B9), will enable the body of Mr. Smith to form red blood cells and also help his body to prevent neural tube problems. Folic acid is also important since it plays a crucial role in the metabolism of proteins and helps minimize blood homocysteine levels in the body. The damage of the liver reduces the ability of a person to process this vitamin and consequently leads to the deficiency of folic acid in the body. Taking folic acid medications will help Mr. Smith to lower the risk of vitamin B9 deficiency. Further, the presence of multi vitamins in Mr. Smith’s medication is useful since it will be able to offset vitamin deficiency in his body that might have been occasioned by the damage of his liver (Kwarta, Nagle & Welstead, 2014). Conclusively, it has been noted that damaged liver impairs the processing of vitamins and as a result, giving Mr. Smith with folic acid, thiamine and multi vitamins supplement will help him offset vitamin deficiency in his system. nursing case analysis example – Mr smith.

    3.Describe the relationship between alcohol intake, cirrhosis and HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) in relation to
    Mr. Smith’s case
    ?

    Testino, et al. (2015) argues that it is widely acknowledged that one cause of end-stage cirrhosis and HCC is the consumption of alcohol. Prior research conducted on the subject concluded that the most common cause of chronic liver disease and HCC is alcohol – responsible for 32 percent to 45 percent of cirrhosis and HCC. It has been revealed that there is a link between metabolic changes, alcohol intake and hepatitis virus. Alcohol intake could be a factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma through direct mechanisms (genotoxic) and indirect means (cirrhosis). The fact that Mr. Smith was diagnosed with HCC and stage 4 ascites can be correctly linked to his 20 year history of consuming alcohol. nursing case analysis example – Mr smith It has been noted that the consumption of alcohol leads to both liver illness as well as HCC. Therefore, it is no surprise that Mr. Smith was diagnosed with the two illnesses. Studies reveal that the consumption of alcohol results in liver damage via exudative stress, inflammation and endotoxins. The range of hepatic injury occasioned by alcohol consumption ranges from biochemical or clinically insignificant damage to fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis all the way to chronic liver disease. The primary role of the liver is to carry out alcohol metabolism. This means that alcohol has far reaching consequences on the performance of the liver. Similarly, alcohol consumption is linked to certain types of cancer such as head and neck; pharynx, oral cavity, larynx, bowel, esophagus, and obviously, liver. Studies have revealed that alcohol could be a critical initiating factor of cancers by enhancing the expression of certain oncogene or impairing the ability of the cell to fix their DNA and as a result, increasing the possibility that oncogenic mutations will occur (Testino, Leone & Borro, 2014). These reasons provide a clear basis as to why Mr. Smith was diagnosed with both cirrhosis and HCC. nursing case analysis example – Mr smith

    Mr. Smith’s friend from his community told him that he should think about organ and or tissue donation upon his death to help out someone in his community. Is Mr. Smith eligible to donate any organs or tissues? Explain your answer
    .

    Organ and tissue donations have become increasingly prevalent in the society today. Terminally ill patients suffering from end-stage cirrhosis and cancer are eligible to donate their organs or tissue to other patients upon their death, but this depends on the patient’s medical condition. Mr. Smith can donate organs such as heart, kidneys, small bowel, pancreas and lungs and tissues such as eyes, heart values tendons and bones to needy patients upon his death (Alberta Health Services, 2016). The reason why Mr. Smith is eligible to donate this body organs and tissues is that the danger of passing on cancer or cirrhosis to the recipient is extremely low. The reason for these low incidences is that the recipients of the organs or tissue are often given medication aimed at suppressing their immune systems and help to curb rejection of the new organ or tissue. nursing case analysis example – Mr smith This enables the immune system to identity and kill the cells containing cancer that may have been mistakenly transplanted with the tissue or organ to the recipient.  However, for patients with actively spreading cancer cells, it is not recommended for them to give out their tissues or organs due to the risk of spreading the cells to the recipient. This means that Mr. Smith can only donate parts of his body organs and tissues if it has been established, beyond reasonable doubt, that the transplant will not endanger the health of the recipient. Upon death, Mr. Smith’s body tissue and organs may be used but careful evaluation of Mr. Smith’s organs and tissues is expected to be carried out upon his death before a decision is made on whether his organ or tissue is medically safe for donation (Accreditation Canada, 2016). nursing case analysis example – Mr smith.

     

    References

    Accreditation Canada (2016).
    Organ and tissue donation standards for deceased donors.
    Received from
    https://accreditation.ca/organ-and-tissue-donation-deceased-donors

    Alberta Health Services (2016).
    Organ, tissue, and eye donation
    . Retrieved from
    http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services/Page13174.aspx

    Berger, S. H., & Ford, R. M. (2017). Alcoholic Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
    Sitaraman and Friedman’s Essentials of Gastroenterology
    , 211.

    Kumar, M., & Panda, D. (2014). Role of Supportive Care for Terminal Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
    Journal Of Clinical & Experimental Hepatology
    ,
    4
    S130-S139. nursing case analysis example – Mr smith

    Kwarta, E., Nagle, S., & Welstead, L. (2014). Update on malnutrition in liver cirrhosis: assessment and treatment.
    Current Hepatology Reports
    ,
    13
    (1), 24-34.

    Pinter, M., Sieghart, W., Hucke, F., Graziadei, I., Vogel, W., Maieron, A., & … Peck-Radosavljevic, M. (2011). Prognostic factors in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib.
    Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
    ,
    34
    (8), 949-959.

    Testino, G., Leone, S., & Borro, P. (2014). Alcohol and hepatocellular carcinoma: a review and a point of view.
    World journal of gastroenterology: WJG
    ,
    20
    (43), 15943.

    Testino, G., Leone, S., Sumberaz, A., & Borro, P. (2015). Alcohol and Cancer.
    Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research
    ,
    39
    (11), 2261. nursing case analysis example – Mr smith

  • Mr. Smith Case study

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Case of Mr. Smith

    Mr. Smith arrived at the local clinic complaining of general malaise and loss of appetite. His doctor referred him to the lab for testing and the results indicated there is a concern with his liver function. Six months later he arrived at the Emergency Department with jaundice, complaints of itchiness and swelling in his legs and has a distended abdomen. Mr. Smith has been admitted to a general medical unit with a medical diagnosis of Ascites. Mr. Smith Case study. It is day three of his admission and you are the RN assigned to him. The following is information you have gathered on Mr. Smith prior to your care: Mr. Smith is 65-years-old, divorced and has no children. He was a factory worker and retired recently. He has lived in Canada his whole life.

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    Past Medical History:

    History of alcohol abuse x 20 years.

    Previous diagnoses of cirrhosis,

    Previous diagnosis of hepatitis C

    Depression

    He has periodic lower extremity swelling.

    He has never smoked.

    Family history is unremarkable

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Medications Taken at Home:

    Spironolactone 100 mg PO QD,

    Furosemide 40 mg PO QAM,

    Loratadine 10 mg PO daily,

    Folic Acid 0.2 mg PO daily,

    Thiamine 5 mg PO daily,

    Multivitamins 1 Tab PO daily,

    Gabapentin 100 mg PO TID,

    Paroxetine 40 mg PO daily,

    Trazodone 50 mg PO QHS,

    Lactulose 30 mls PO TID.

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Physical Exam:

    BP 132/82

    Pulse: 88

    Resp: 24

    Sat 90% RA

    Temp: 37 C/98.6 F

    Weight: 106kg/235lbs

    BMI: 26.7

    Alert, oriented to person, place, year and month but not to day. Neuro exam without motor or sensory deficits

    Sclera is icteric

    Pulmonary and Cardiovascular exam normal

    Abdomen distended with fluid noted, mild tenderness to palpation. Complaints of loss of appetite x one week along with nausea and vomiting

    3+ edema to mid-calf/pedal pulses barely palpable bilaterally

    Integumentary exam with a few spider telangiectasia on face and upper chest and his palms are reddened

    Patient stated that he has gained more than 5kg this month and has been lethargic

    Spleen is enlarged

    Patient mobilizes very slowly and is unsteady on his feet

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Lab Values on admission:

    WBC: 4.0 x 10
    9
    /L (4.0 x 10
    3
    / mm
    3)

    Normal

    Platelets: 127 x 10
    9
    /L (127 x 10
    3
    /mm
    3
    )
    Low

    Hct: 0.35 (35.5%)
    Low

    INR: 1.9
    High

    Albumin: 33 g/L 3.3 g/dL)
    Low

    BUN: 8.0 mmol/L (8 mg/dL)
    Normal

    Creatinine: 100 umol/L (1.0 mg/dL)
    Normal

    Sodium+: 125 mmol/L (132mEq/L)
    Low

    Potassium+: 3.2 mmol/L (3.2 MEq/L)
    Low

    Mg+: 0.73 mmol/L (1.7 mg/dL)
    Low

    AST: 68 U/L
    High

    ALT: 2 U/L
    Low

    Alkaline phosphatase: 130 U/L
    High

    Total bilirubin: 28umol/L (1.8 mg/dl)
    High

    Protein:66 g/L (6.6 g/dL)
    Normal

    Ammonia: 70 umol/L
    High

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Day One

    Diagnostics Ordered:

    Abdominal ultrasonography detected fluid

    Diagnostic paracentesis with
    5L of fluid removed

    Ascitic fluid cultures showed an elevated polymorphonuclear cell count

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Lab Values post diagnostic tests:

    Ascitic fluids results
    :

    20,000 rbc/uL
    high

    500 u/L Polymorph nuclear leukocytes
    High

    SAAG 1.3 g/dL
    Low

    Total protein, 66 g/L
    High

    Cytology smear: indicates
    malignancy
    .

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Day Two

    BP:
    109/58

    Pulse:
    99

    Resp:
    20

    Sat:
    93% RA

    Temp:
    8 C/100 F

    Weight
    : 100 kg/220 lbs.

    Smith has stage 4+ tense ascites and has now been diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). He received three vials of IV albumin 25%. He has been referred to an oncologist and gastroenterologist.

    Mr. Smith Case study

    Day Three

    Mr. Smith is verbalizing that he has taken the cancer news well. He is still a little confused as to what day of the week it is. His abdomen is not as distended since he had the paracentesis completed however his breathing hasn’t slowed down since the removal of abdominal fluid. His appetite has not changed and he doesn’t seem to eating or drinking very much. With the removal of 5L of fluid, Mr. Smith’s weight has now dropped by 6kg in this short time. His peripheral edema is still +4 and pedal pulses are present with the use of a Doppler and paresthesia is noted in feet bilaterally. His mobility is minimal as he finds it difficult to move around. He sometimes feels dizzy when he gets out-of-bed, and is worried that he doesn’t remember which day it is. He has voiced concerns about the amount of fluid that is seeping through his lower legs, as he has to have pads put under him to keep his bed dry and it wonders why they are still itchy Mr. Smith Case study. He has been embarrassed because he is experiencing uncontrolled diarrhea and has not made it to the toilet in time.

    As the RN in charge of Mr. Smith’s care you want to develop a nursing care plan to provide direction on the type of nursing care Mr. Smith may need. You have gathered valuable data to assist with this. In order to come up with a priority direction of nursing care, you must first analyze (break down into parts) and synthesis (combine elements into a pattern) the gathered information in order to evaluate your priorities (Bloom’s Taxonomy). Mr. Smith Case study.