Option 2: Consider The Following Scenario: You Are Caring ✓ Solved
Option 2: Consider the following scenario: You are caring
Consider the following scenario: You are caring for Mr. Jones, who was admitted to the hospital 4 days ago for treatment of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. His diagnoses are fractured right femur, right shoulder dislocation, and closed head injury. Mr. Jones also has chronic hypertension, which has been worsened by his failure to take his medication for several days before the accident and by the stress of the accident.
Mr. Jones is 48 years old, married, and has three children aged 15, 10, and 4 years. He is the owner of a small, home-based plumbing company. Two other plumbers work for him. His wife does not work outside the home but does some of the office work for his company.
The family lives in a small house in a relatively rural area, about 25 miles from the nearest city. Mrs. Jones is a quiet, shy person who does not drive very much outside of her immediate area. Mr. Jones is the dominant figure, making all major decisions in both the business and the family.
The family’s financial situation could be described as “just surviving month to month." The family belongs to a small Baptist church in their community but are not active because Mr. Jones usually considers himself “on call” every weekend. Mr. Jones is a Native American and has no family in the area. Mrs. Jones is from the area and has one sister and an elderly mother living nearby. On the basis of the above information, and the information from your text, describe what you think would be the impact of this illness on Mr. Jones and his family with respect to the questions that follow. What stage of illness do you think Mr. Jones is demonstrating? Give a rationale for your answer. On the basis of references to Mr. Jones’ cultural background and previous behavior, how do you think Mr. Jones would behave as a patient while in the hospital? Would he be cooperative? Would he tell you if he had pain? Would he refuse treatment? What internal and external influences might be factors? What internal, external, and interpersonal stressors might be operative for Mr. Jones? List as many as possible. What stressors might be factors for this family? List as many as possible. What is the potential impact of Mr. Jones’ illness on the family system? As a nurse, what could you incorporate in your plan of care to assist Mr. Jones and his family with their family disruption?
Paper For Above Instructions
Understanding the impact of a severe health condition on both the patient and their family is crucial for comprehensive nursing care. In the case of Mr. Jones, who is facing significant medical challenges after a motor vehicle accident, multiple elements come into play. This analysis will explore the various dimensions of stressors resulting from his condition, their implications for his family, and how nursing care can be tailored to meet these needs.
Stage of Illness
Mr. Jones appears to be in the acute phase of illness following his trauma. He has multiple serious injuries, including a fractured femur, dislocated shoulder, and closed head injury, which indicate a critical health status. This stage is characterized by heightened medical intervention and monitoring to ensure stabilization and recovery (Fiscella & Tancredi, 2015). The acute nature of his injuries alongside his chronic hypertension presents a complex case that requires close attention from healthcare providers, particularly in managing pain and potential complications from his hypertension.
Potential Patient Behavior
Given Mr. Jones' cultural background as a Native American and his dominant role within the family, his behavior as a patient might be complex. Historically, there are cultural tendencies among Native Americans to downplay pain and not readily express discomfort due to cultural norms of stoicism (Bergen et al., 2018). This may lead him to be less cooperative in communicating his pain levels, potentially causing challenges in pain management. Furthermore, his strong familial role could make him hesitant to admit to needing help or treatment, fearing it might burden his family (Sterling, 2021).
Internal and External Influences
Several internal and external influences could affect Mr. Jones during his hospitalization. Internally, his chronic pain and psychological stress from his situation could lead him to experience feelings of vulnerability and anxiety, making him less communicative regarding his condition (McCaffery & Beebe, 2020). Externally, the rural setting of his home, coupled with his financial struggles, may amplify feelings of helplessness and anxiety regarding his recovery and ability to resume work (Wang et al., 2019).
Stressors for Mr. Jones
- Financial strain due to loss of income and medical expenses.
- Fear of losing his business and the subsequent impact on his family.
- Worries about not being able to engage with his children and wife.
- Concerns regarding the future of his plumbing company without his direct involvement.
- Physical limitations and recovery challenges from his injuries.
- Chronic health concerns, particularly his hypertension.
Family Stressors
- Adjustment challenges for Mrs. Jones in managing the household and caring for three children.
- Emotional strain on the children, particularly the eldest, who may feel responsible for family stability.
- Financial difficulties stemming from a single income source.
- Social isolation due to Mr. Jones’ previous work commitments reducing family engagement with the community.
- Potential health concerns for Mrs. Jones due to increased stress levels.
Impact on Family System
The repercussions of Mr. Jones’ illness on the family system can be multifaceted. Mrs. Jones may find herself overwhelmed, taking on additional burdens to compensate for Mr. Jones’ inability to work. The children may experience emotional distress, leading to changes in behavior or academic performance due to the sudden alteration of family dynamics. It is imperative to consider these dynamics when planning care, as the wellbeing of one family member is often closely tied to the wellbeing of others (Cohen & Janicki, 2020).
Nursing Care Plan
To support Mr. Jones and his family through this disruption, the nursing care plan should include:
- Encouraging open communication about Mr. Jones' pain and treatment needs.
- Providing education on chronic disease management, particularly concerning hypertension.
- Engaging with Mrs. Jones to assess her needs and emotional state, offering counseling or support groups if necessary.
- Incorporating family meetings to reinforce support systems and ensure that children's needs are considered.
- Connecting the family with community resources for financial and emotional support.
Ultimately, a holistic approach that recognizes the impact of Mr. Jones' illness on all family members is essential. Through strategic nursing interventions, it is possible to alleviate stressors and facilitate a smoother recovery process for Mr. Jones while ensuring that his family is supported throughout this challenging journey.
References
- Bergen, A. W., Targum, S. D., & Veldhuijzen van Zanten, J. J. (2018). Cultural competence in pain management: A critical review. Journal of Pain Research, 11, 575-584.
- Cohen, M., & Janicki, D. (2020). Family-centered care in nursing: Theoretical foundations and practical applications. Journal of Nursing Management, 28(4), 798-805.
- Fiscella, K., & Tancredi, D. J. (2015). Illness severity and hospital utilization: Evidence of undertreatment. The American Journal of Managed Care, 21(5), e308-e318.
- McCaffery, M., & Beebe, A. (2020). Pain management: A patient's perspective. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 59(1), 15-25.
- Sterling, M. (2021). The influence of cultural background on the patient experience in healthcare settings. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 27(2), 229-238.
- Wang, Y., Roux, A. V. D., & Ko, C. (2019). Socioeconomic status and health: A framework for understanding health disparities. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 44(3), 511-524.