Question

Mr. Khalid is a 41-years-old married man. He is an engineer in construction company and has two children. He was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer four months ago. He is receiving palliative care from community-based palliative care center. Although the disease is progressing, he is trying to function independently from his family. He looks full of life by showing enjoyment in spending time with his family and friends. He likes to watch TV with his children and spending time with doing some homework.

1. Discuss the concept of health in the light of the above case scenario.
2. What are the roles that community health nurses can take while she is working with Mr. Khalid?

Answer 1

Ans a. In the given case study, Mr. Khalid is known to have bone marrow cancer. However, he still keeps the spirit of life alive by engaging in independent living and spending time with his family.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Thus, the concept of health is highlighted in the sense that even the individual suffering with a deadly disease is trying to lead a complete physical,mental and social life.

Ans b. Nursing, as an integral part of the health care system, encompasses the promotion of health, prevention of illness of care of people of all ages, in all health care and other community settings. nurses are individual, family, and group responses to actual or potential health problems. These human responses range broadly from health restoring reactions to an episode of illness to the development of policy in promoting the long-term health .

Nursing knowledge is derived from biological, social, behavioral and physical sciences. Nursing interventions and interactions are directed at influencing a change in health status and quality of life. Nurses develop the ability to deliver therapeutic nursing interventions through formalized education combined with guided clinical experience.

Additional educational preparation must be provided to support nurses to gain enhanced knowledge and clinical expertise to provide the specialized care required by people with cancer and their families.

Oncology nursing education has focused on the knowledge and practice of providing care to cancer patients. In-service education or certificate courses at a community college level over and above that acquired in basic nursing education may deliver the knowledge. Cancer organizations have focused attention on developing nurses to administer chemotherapy, work in clinical trials, deliver care to patients receiving radiation treatment, and acquire specialized skills (e.g. central line management). Some organizations have developed formal educational processes to support nurses in working with cancer patients within major tertiary centers and in communities.