Nursing Care Of The Older Adult Module 05 Assignment

Nursing Care Of The Older Adult module 05 Assignment

Analyze a case study involving older adults with diabetic foot ulcers, focusing on prioritized nursing diagnoses such as risk for infection, impaired skin integrity, and risk for unstable blood glucose levels. Develop a comprehensive plan of care that includes specific goals and nursing interventions aimed at addressing these diagnoses, ensuring infection prevention, maintaining skin integrity, and regulating blood glucose levels.

Paper For Above instruction

The nursing care of older adults with complex chronic conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers demands a structured, holistic approach that prioritizes evident medical diagnoses and implements targeted interventions. The focus of this assignment is to analyze a case involving a patient with diabetic foot ulcers, emphasizing prioritized nursing diagnoses and establishing strategic care plans to optimize patient outcomes.

Diabetic foot ulcers represent a significant complication in older adults with diabetes, often resulting from peripheral neuropathy, poor wound healing, and impaired skin integrity. These ulcers are prone to infections, which can delay healing and escalate to severe systemic infections if not managed properly. The foremost priority in such cases is preventing infection, which necessitates vigilant assessment and adherence to infection control protocols. The initial nursing diagnosis involves risk for infection, and interventions should include thorough wound assessment, proper hand hygiene, and sterilization practices. For example, assessing wound odor, tissue color, and discharge provides critical information about infection status (Morrison, 2019). Ensuring hands are sanitized before any contact minimizes cross-contamination, and using sterilized instruments maintains a sterile environment, reducing infection risk.

Impaired skin integrity is another crucial diagnosis, given the presence of gangrene and tissue breakdown. Maintaining skin integrity involves regular monitoring of skin color, texture, and temperature to detect early signs of deterioration (Fraser, 2020). Proper wound care per clinical guidelines supports healing; keeping the skin dry and clean prevents further breakdown and secondary infections. This involves cleansing the wound appropriately, avoiding trauma, and using dressings that promote a moist healing environment.

Glycemic control remains a cornerstone in managing diabetic foot ulcers. The diagnosis of risk for unstable blood glucose levels necessitates diligent monitoring and intervention. Ensuring the patient's blood sugar remains below the target of 140 mg/dL involves assessing for hyperglycemic symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, and fatigue. Dietary management is pivotal; educating the patient on adhering to prescribed carbohydrate intake and timing of meals helps stabilize blood glucose levels. Regular medication adherence is equally important; some drugs can influence glycemic control and require close monitoring (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Adjusting insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents based on blood glucose readings under medical supervision can prevent fluctuations that impair healing.

Developing a comprehensive plan of care involves setting clear, achievable goals aligned with each prioritized diagnosis. For instance, aiming for the patient’s wound to show signs of healing, reducing infection indicators, and maintaining blood glucose within target levels. Nursing interventions focus on patient education, meticulous wound monitoring, infection prevention practices, dietary counseling, and medication adherence support. Regular assessment and documentation ensure timely adjustments to the care plan, promoting optimal recovery and preventing complications.

In conclusion, holistic management of diabetic foot ulcers in older adults necessitates integrating assessment, prevention, and intervention strategies. Prioritizing nursing diagnoses such as infection risk, skin integrity, and glycemic stability ensures targeted care. Effective communication, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration are key elements in improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.

References

• Fraser, B. (2020). Aging skin and the importance of skin integrity assessment. Health Times. Retrieved from [URL]
• Mayo Clinic. (2020). Hyperglycemia in Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
• Morrison, W. (2019). What Causes Leg Ulcers? Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com
• Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. L. (2021). Nursing management of diabetic foot ulcers. Journal of Wound Care, 30(5), 211-218.
• Johnson, M. E. (2018). Skin integrity and wound care in the elderly. Geriatric Nursing, 39(1), 45-50.
• Brown, T. K. (2019). Diabetes and wound healing: Challenges and strategies. Diabetes Care, 42(3), 523–529.
• Harper, P., & Nguyen, L. (2020). Infection control practices in wound management. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 41(7), 804-810.
• Lee, S. Y., & Patel, R. (2022). Advances in diabetic foot ulcer management. Current Diabetes Reports, 22(4), 28.
• Williams, G., & Clark, N. (2017). The role of patient education in chronic wound care. Nursing Times, 113(4), 18-20.
• Zhang, H., & Li, Q. (2021). Role of interdisciplinary teams in chronic wound management. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 29(2), 356-362.