Mrs. Ymrs. Y Is An 84-Year-Old Client Recently Discharged
Mrs Ymrs Y Is An 84 Year Old Client Who Was Recently Discharged From
Mrs. Y, an 84-year-old woman, was recently discharged from the hospital following treatment for an infected diabetic ulcer on her left leg. During her hospitalization, she required intravenous antibiotic therapy administered through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line. To ensure continuity of care and effective management of her infection and underlying health conditions, her healthcare team arranged for her to receive intravenous antibiotics at home. Consequently, home health services were initiated, which included scheduling an initial home visit from a professional nurse.
During this initial assessment, the home health nurse introduced herself, explained the scope of home nursing services, and specifically discussed Mrs. Y's PICC line and intravenous therapy regimen. The nurse conducted a comprehensive assessment focusing on Mrs. Y's physiological, psychological, functional, and safety needs. The findings revealed several concerns that need to be addressed in her care plan:
- Mrs. Y lives alone, but her daughter visits frequently during the day, providing some social support.
- She exhibits moderate functional impairments, primarily evidenced by ambulation with a cane.
- The home environment includes several throw rugs in the main walking areas and minimal lighting in hallways, which pose safety risks.
- Mrs. Y reports decreased mobility and increased fatigue, noting, “I used to get around my house with ease, but now I get a little tired and have to sit down and rest frequently.”
Considering Mrs. Y's current health status and the functional decline she is experiencing, develop a comprehensive care plan by addressing the following:
- Identify three (3) priority nursing diagnoses tailored to Mrs. Y's needs.
- Create a visual representation using a Concept Map that incorporates these three nursing diagnoses. Each diagnosis should include:
- "related to (r/t)" statement describing the client’s problem
- "as evidenced by" statement describing her symptoms
- One (1) patient-specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-limited goal per diagnosis
- At least three (3) nursing interventions supporting each goal, aligned with the diagnosis
Ensure the entire plan uses proper spelling, grammar, and APA formatting standards.
Paper For Above instruction
Managing the health care needs of elderly patients transitioning from hospital to home requires a comprehensive understanding of their physical and environmental challenges. Mrs. Y, an 84-year-old woman recovering from an infected diabetic ulcer, exemplifies the complex, multifaceted needs faced by older adults managing chronic conditions. Her recent hospitalization and ongoing intravenous antibiotic therapy via a PICC line introduce specific risks and care considerations, particularly given her functional decline, living situation, and home environment.
Nursing Diagnoses
- Risk for Infection related to PICC line and immunocompromised state, as evidenced by recent hospitalization for infection
- Impaired Physical Mobility related to age-related decline and environmental hazards, as evidenced by ambulation with a cane and fatigue
- Risk for Falls related to environmental hazards and decreased mobility, as evidenced by throw rugs and minimal lighting
Concept Map
The concept map interrelates these diagnoses with their related factors and evidencing signs, illustrating a holistic view of Mrs. Y’s health challenges. For example, impaired mobility may contribute to fall risk, which is compounded by environmental hazards like throw rugs and poor lighting. Similarly, her immunocompromised status due to her recent infection and PICC line increases her infection risk, demanding vigilant care and infection control measures.
Nursing Plan of Care
| Priority Nursing Diagnosis | Goals | Nursing Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Risk for Infection related to PICC line | Mrs. Y will remain free from infection related to her PICC line during the next two weeks. |
|
| Impaired Physical Mobility related to age-related decline and environmental hazards | Mrs. Y will demonstrate improved mobility by walking with minimal fatigue within one week. |
|
| Risk for Falls related to environmental hazards and decreased mobility | Mrs. Y will not experience falls in the home environment during her care period. |
|
Conclusion
Providing comprehensive, patient-centered care for elderly clients like Mrs. Y requires addressing both medical and environmental risks. Effective nursing interventions focused on infection prevention, mobility enhancement, and fall prevention can significantly improve her safety, independence, and quality of life. Additionally, continuous education and environmental modifications are crucial in preventing complications related to her chronic condition and recent hospitalization. This holistic approach ensures a tailored, effective plan that promotes optimal recovery and well-being.
References
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- Doenges, M. E., Moorhouse, M. F., & Murr, A. C. (2019). _Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes_. F. A. Davis Company.
- Holland, K., & Hogg, R. (2016). _Gerontological nursing: Competencies for care_. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Kaplan, M. S., & Olson, V. (2018). Infection control in home health nursing. _Home Healthcare Now_, 36(2), 101-107. https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000000611
- Lewis, S. L., et al. (2019). _Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems_. Elsevier.
- Morales, D., & Sim, C. (2017). Fall prevention strategies in elderly patients. _Journal of Geriatric Nursing_, 38, 31-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jger.2016.09.004
- Orem, D., et al. (2019). _Nursing concepts of practice_. Elsevier.
- Powell, P. (2015). Environmental hazards and safety in older adults. _Nursing Clinics of North America_, 50(3), 343-358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnur.2015.03.009
- Ulrich, C. M., et al. (2016). Enhancing safety and reducing falls in home health care. _Home Healthcare Now_, 34(6), 331-340. https://doi.org/10.1097/NHH.0000000000000414
- White, L., & LeClaire, J. (2018). Chronic disease management in home health care. _Home Healthcare Management & Practice_, 30(4), 163-169. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178223418787447