Course Competency: Analyze The Increased Complexity Of Care

Course Competencyanalyze The Increased Complexity Of Care Among Older

Identify the client problem your in-service will address. Describe at least 5 consequences of the client problem as it relates to the health, safety, and well-being of older adults. Explain your rationale for choosing the client problem you selected.

Paper For Above instruction

In this proposal, the focus is on addressing the prevalent issue of diabetes among older adults, a critical component of the increased complexity of care in this demographic. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults, significantly impacting their health, safety, and overall well-being. The decision to focus on diabetes stems from its high prevalence, the complexities it introduces in managing comorbidities, and its potential to cause severe health complications if not properly managed.

Diabetes in older adults poses several challenges that can adversely affect their quality of life. Firstly, hyperglycemia increases the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this age group (American Diabetes Association [ADA], 2022). Secondly, diabetes often leads to diabetic neuropathy, which can result in loss of sensation in the extremities, increasing the risk of falls and injuries—an especially dangerous consequence considering the frailty and slower healing in older individuals (Rao et al., 2020). Thirdly, poor glycemic control can lead to diabetic retinopathy, causing vision impairment or blindness, thereby diminishing independence and increasing reliance on caregivers (Kohner et al., 2019). Fourth, diabetes predisposes older adults to infections, such as urinary tract infections and skin ulcers, which can become severe, leading to hospitalization and further decline in health (Geerlings et al., 2021). Fifth, the cognitive decline associated with poorly managed diabetes elevates the risk for dementia, further complicating self-care and adherence to treatment regimens (Kaar et al., 2020). These consequences collectively threaten the safety, health, and overall well-being of older adults living with diabetes.

My rationale for choosing diabetes as the focus of the in-service stems from its status as a major public health issue that disproportionately affects older populations. Managing diabetes in older adults requires a nuanced understanding of various factors such as polypharmacy, comorbidities, cognitive impairment, and limited mobility, which complicate care (American Geriatrics Society [AGS], 2021). Educating clients and their families about effective management strategies—including blood sugar monitoring, medication adherence, dietary modifications, and exercise—is crucial to mitigating adverse outcomes. Furthermore, diabetes management is preventable and manageable through lifestyle changes and medical interventions, emphasizing the importance of patient and caregiver education.

Additionally, it is essential for nursing staff to communicate knowledge about the potential consequences of diabetes proactively. Enhancing awareness among older adult patients and their families can improve self-care practices, reduce emergency hospitalizations, and promote safer living environments. By focusing on diabetes, the in-service will equip nurses with the necessary tools to support older adults effectively, considering the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of this complex condition to facilitate preventative care and improve health outcomes in the elderly community.

References

• American Diabetes Association. (2022). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2022. Diabetes Care, 45(Supplement 1), S1–S267.
• American Geriatrics Society. (2021). AGS updated guidelines for managing chronic diseases in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69(4), 1156-1165.
• Geerlings, S. E., et al. (2021). Diabetes and infections in older adults. Current Diabetes Reports, 21(1), 2.
• Kaar, J. L., et al. (2020). Impact of diabetes on cognitive decline in older adults. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 74(3), 871–880.
• Kohner, E., et al. (2019). Diabetic retinopathy: The current status and emerging treatment options. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 47(5), 607–616.
• Rao, S., et al. (2020). Neuropathy risk and fall prevention in older adults with diabetes. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 43(2), 102–111.