Question

1. Mr. Smith, a 57-year-old patient, presents at a health fair asking questions about the age-appropriate health maintenance and promotion considerations he should be concerned about. He stated that he only goes to his physician when he is sick and the last time he saw his physician was 2 years ago when he had a sinus infection. (Learning Objectives 7 to 9)

What further assessment does the nurse need to make before designing a teaching plan?

What topics does the nurse need to include for Mr. Smith based on current medical recommendations?

Design a teaching plan that covers the topics.

Answer 1

Health promotion is an important factor throughout the life span. It is important for the nurse to monitor and maintain the health status of the patient. In addition to this, the nurse should understand how to adapt teaching strategies to accomodate for normal aging. In this current times, chronic illnesses are considered as the major health related illnesses aged 65 and over. ASSESSMENT: a) A detailed history is a part of the assessment. Apart from this, medical history and a comprehensive social history will make the nurse to undrstand further. b)Diet history- to know about the dietary habits or any restrictions on patients. c) Psychosocial assessment - helps the nurse to understand the aptient's ability to follow a recommended treatment plan. It may also help to know the long-standing habits an patterns. d) personal resources- helps to know about the other support person or caregiver in the home, adequate finances, a safe and accessible home environment. TOPIC NEED TO INCLUDE BASED ON CURRENT MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The nurse should make the patient aware of a) being able to fit in to the patient needs and lifestyle b) exercise to being healthy c) activity planning to stay healthy d) medications to prevent and to reduce chronic illnesses and e) nutrition. A TEACHING PLAN FOR THE PATIENT: a) Speak in a low tone of voice for easy understanding of words and allow enough time for the patient to assimilate and integrate conceptual material. b) Encourage group teaching to increase their health-related problems to share and solving abilities. To design a teaching plan, the nurse should first consider of the patient SAFETY. Focussing on the goal is the second priority followed by HEALTHY LIFE STYLE CHANGES. Goal setting is necessary for an elderly patient to meet the daily needs of the patient. NUTRITION is considered to be the third priority to keep the patient well nourished and away from diseases and taking of MEDICATIONS at the right time without skipping to prevent from chronic illnesses. EXERCISE also necessary for the patient to stay healthy.