NSG 110 Case Study For Concept Map Mr. RC, 81 Years Old ✓ Solved

NSG 110 Case Study for Concept Map #1 Mr. RC. Is an 81-year

Mr. RC is an 81-year-old who is admitted from the hospital to your long-term care facility following a treatment for pneumonia. His wife of 55 years states that she is unable to care for him at home due to her own health issues and concerns about his safety and care needs. The assessment findings include Mr. RC being oriented only to self and his wife, showing memory impairment as he cannot tell the day, time, or state he lives in. His vital signs are as follows: temperature 97.6°F, heart rate 72 bpm and regular, respirations 20 breaths per minute, blood pressure 146/84 mmHg, and oxygen saturation at 96% on room air. He can follow only simple commands and walks unsteadily while holding onto handrails.

Paper For Above Instructions

The case study of Mr. RC, an 81-year-old man admitted to a long-term care facility after hospitalization for pneumonia, sheds light on the complexities involved in geriatric care, particularly when dealing with cognitive decline and physical limitations. Mr. RC's situation is common among elderly patients, where familial caregiving becomes inadequate due to various factors, including the caregiver's health, the patient’s increasing needs, and safety concerns.

Understanding Mr. RC's Condition

Mr. RC displays several critical issues that warrant thorough attention in the context of long-term care. His advanced age and recent hospitalization indicate a high risk for further health complications, particularly when compounded by the psychosocial impacts of moving into a long-term care facility. His wife, Mrs. RC, expresses significant emotional burden, fearing that Mr. RC may sustain injuries due to falls or mishaps resulting from his forgetfulness. This scenario illustrates an important aspect of geriatric care: the family's emotional and physical capability to provide care for elderly relatives.

Cognitive Impairment Assessment

Mr. RC's cognitive assessment shows that he is oriented only to himself and his wife, with an inability to determine the day, time, or his place of residence. These findings suggest the presence of significant cognitive impairment, potentially suggestive of dementia or another form of neurocognitive disorder. According to the DSM-5, cognitive decline that interferes with independence in everyday activities is a key diagnostic criterion for neurocognitive disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). This decline complicates his care needs and increases the family's concern regarding safety while living at home.

Physical Assessment Findings

Vital signs taken during the assessment show that Mr. RC is relatively stable, with a temperature of 97.6°F, a heart rate of 72 bpm, respiration rate of 20, and blood pressure of 146/84. While these values suggest he is medically stable, the patient's gait is unsteady, indicating a risk of falls which can lead to serious injuries in elderly populations (Tinetti et al., 2014). The critical observation regarding his mobility is that he can only walk while holding onto handrails, which speaks to the level of assistance he will require in the long-term care setting.

Importance of Multidisciplinary Approach

To effectively address Mr. RC's care, a multidisciplinary approach is needed. The healthcare team should include physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers to comprehensively assess and address the various aspects of his care. Each discipline contributes uniquely; for instance, physical therapists can develop appropriate exercise regimens for strength and balance, while occupational therapists can assist with activities of daily living, adapting his environment for safety and independence (Boros et al., 2015).

Intervention Strategies

Several intervention strategies can be employed to meet Mr. RC’s needs. First, regular assessments should be conducted to monitor his cognitive and physical status closely. This would entail ongoing evaluations to track any changes in his mental alertness or physical mobility. Daily living assistance, including bathing, dressing, and feeding, should be structured around his capabilities, promoting as much independence as possible while ensuring safety (Pezzin et al., 2013).

Falls prevention strategies are paramount, particularly given Mr. RC's unsteady gait. Such strategies may include environmental modifications within the facility, such as using grab bars in the bathroom, ensuring adequate lighting, and removing tripping hazards in his living area. A fall management program should also be developed that incorporates staff training on how to assist residents who may have balance issues or other physical limitations (Bhasin et al., 2018).

Support for Mrs. RC

A crucial yet often overlooked component of care involves supporting family caregivers. Mrs. RC's feelings of guilt and anxiety should be addressed in the care plan. Providing her with educational resources about Mr. RC's conditions, support groups for caregivers, and respite care options can alleviate some of her stress (Gaugler et al., 2008). Empowering family members with knowledge and support ensures they feel more equipped to handle the challenges of caring for a loved one with complex health needs.

Conclusion

The case of Mr. RC serves as a reminder of the complexity involved in caring for elderly patients who demonstrate both cognitive and physical decline. By employing a patient-centered approach, integrating multidisciplinary interventions, and providing support for family caregivers, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of care for residents like Mr. RC in long-term care settings. The successful transition of elderly individuals into care facilities hinges not only on addressing their immediate health needs but also on reassuring families that their loved ones are safe and well-cared for.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
• Bhasin, S. K., et al. (2018). Interventions to prevent falls in older adults. American Family Physician, 98(7), 408-414.
• Boros, V., et al. (2015). Assessment of occupational therapy interventions for older adults. Work, 52(4), 795-802.
• Gaugler, J. E., et al. (2008). Family involvement in the care of older adults: A study of the relationship between family and caregiver support. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(2), 16-23.
• Pezzin, L. E., et al. (2013). Family caregiving and transition of care in older adults. Family Relations, 62(5), 679-690.
• Tinetti, M. E., et al. (2014). Prevention of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(8), 727-738.