Review The Case Study And Complete The Questions

Review The Following Case Study And Complete the Questions That Follow

Review the following case study and complete the questions that follow. Submit your completed document to Blackboard using the assignment link. As a nurse practicing within a family practice, you are interviewing a 55-year-old woman who is an executive assistant at a local law firm, where she has worked for 9 years. She has a 7-year history of respiratory illness, which occurs several times throughout the year, not seemingly connected to the changes in season. She does not use tobacco products in any form.

During your questions regarding her home and work environments, she reports that she enjoys working adjacent to the courthouse in a building over 100 years old because it is such a contrast to her brand-new home on a local golf course. When describing the health of her coworkers, she indicates, “We all share illnesses, which seem to affect everyone else during the year; we just seem to be sicker more often!” What information is pertinent to your client’s case? How would you assess your client’s risk? What would be an exposure pathway for your client? Your document should be 1-2 pages in length, in APA format, typed in Times New Roman with 12-point font, double-spaced with 1” margins, and include at least two citations using references less than five years old. Points Possible: 100

Paper For Above instruction

The presented case highlights several critical factors relevant to a nurse’s assessment of environmental health risks in a clinical setting. The primary concern revolves around the patient’s recurrent respiratory illnesses, her work environment, and the shared health issues among her coworkers. Recognizing these elements enables a targeted approach to identify potential environmental exposures and risk factors that may contribute to her respiratory problems.

One significant aspect is the patient’s work environment. She reports working in a building over 100 years old adjacent to the courthouse. Older buildings often harbor environmental hazards such as mold, asbestos, lead-based paints, and outdated ventilation systems. The presence of mold is especially relevant, as it is a common source of respiratory issues, particularly in damp or poorly ventilated structures (Fung et al., 2019). Mold spores can become airborne and cause allergic reactions, aggravate asthma, and lead to other respiratory conditions. The historical aspect of the building increases the likelihood of exposure to such hazards, which can be persistent if not properly maintained or inspected.

Another pertinent factor is her shared illnesses with coworkers. A pattern of recurrent respiratory infections or illnesses affecting multiple employees suggests a common environmental exposure, which could involve airborne pathogens, mold spores, or other indoor pollutants. The fact that these illnesses are not seasonal suggests that environmental factors within the shared workspace, such as poor air quality or mold contamination, might be contributing to the pattern. This is supported by research indicating that indoor environmental quality significantly impacts respiratory health (Krieger et al., 2020).

In assessing her risk, a comprehensive environmental health history is essential. This would involve questions about her specific symptoms, their onset and duration, and any potential triggers. An inspection of her work environment, including air quality assessments and mold testing, would provide valuable data. Evaluating her home environment is also important; her new home on a golf course may have different environmental exposures such as pesticides, herbicides, or outdoor allergens, although these are less directly implicated in her symptoms unless linked to outdoor air quality and pollen levels.

An exposure pathway to consider is inhalation, especially given that respiratory issues often originate from airborne contaminants. Mold spores, dust mites, and other particulate matter generated indoors can be inhaled and cause or exacerbate respiratory illnesses. Poor ventilation in older buildings exacerbates this pathway by allowing indoor pollutants to accumulate, increasing the client's risk of illness (Li et al., 2021). For her, frequent exposure to mold and indoor allergens in an environment with inadequate ventilation could serve as a primary pathway.

In conclusion, the client’s recurrent respiratory illnesses are likely linked to environmental factors in her work and possibly her home environment. Identifying specific hazards such as mold, poor ventilation, and airborne pollutants is crucial for risk assessment. Interventions could include environmental testing, improving indoor air quality, and possibly relocating or remediating the workplace environment. Such measures could significantly reduce her exposure and help prevent recurrent respiratory illnesses, enhancing her overall health and quality of life.

References

• Fung, T., Davis, J., & Phipps, R. (2019). Indoor mold exposure and respiratory health: A review. Journal of Environmental Health, 81(9), 12-17.
• Krieger, J., Bruce, N., & Gold, D. (2020). Impact of indoor environmental quality on respiratory health. Environmental Research Letters, 15(4), 045004.
• Li, R., Zhang, S., & Zhang, R. (2021). Ventilation and indoor environmental quality: Effects on respiratory health. Building and Environment, 188, 107484.