Question

A. Discuss the difference between a disability and a handicap and provide examples.

B. Describe the principles that a nurse should follow when he or she is caring for persons with disabilities.

c. Identify factors that most likely to contribute to homelessness.

d. Identify risk factors for suicide and how will the nurse assess a client at risk for suicide

Answer 1

A)

disability is an inability to execute some class of movements, or pick up sensory information of some sort, or perform some cognitive function, that typical unimpaired humans are able to execute or pick up or perform. A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.

A handicap is an inability to accomplish something one might want to do, that most others around one are able to accomplish. For example, reading, walking, catching a ball, or communicating.

Example:David is a 4-yr.-old who has a form of cerebral palsy (CP) called spastic diplegia. David's CP causes his legs to be stiff, tight, and difficult to move. He cannot stand or walk.

Disability

David's inability to walk is a disability. His level of disability can be improved with physical therapy and special equipment. For example, if he learns to use a walker, with braces, his level of disability will improve considerably.

Handicap

David's cerebral palsy is handicapping to the extent that it prevents him from fulfilling a normal role at home, in preschool, and in the community. His level of handicap has been only very mild in the early years as he has been well-supported to be able to play with other children, interact normally with family members and participate fully in family and community activities. As he gets older, his handicap will increase where certain sports and physical activities are considered "normal" activities for children of the same age. He has little handicap in his preschool classroom, though he needs some assistance to move about the classroom and from one activity to another outside the classroom. Appropriate services and equipment can reduce the extent to which cerebral palsy prevents David from fulfilling a normal role in the home, school and community as he grows.

B) Principles

• Speak Directly

  Do not speak to the patient’s family caregiver. Speak directly to the patient. Don’t assume that they won’t understand you. Even if they can’t respond, it is still important to address the patient.

• Don’t Make Assumptions

  Do not assume that a patient needs assistance. Instead, offer your assistance and wait for a response. If they accept your offer for help, wait for instructions. You can also ask how you can help them. Be sure to respect their answer.

• Give it Time

  On your first visit, allow extra time. Be patient. Make sure you learn the patient’s full history and do a thorough exam.

• Ask Questions

  If you are unsure of something, don’t be afraid to ask. Patients with disabilities who are able to speak or their family caregivers are more than happy to help others understand the condition.

• Just Like Anyone Else

  Remember that people with disabilities are just like any other person. They want to be treated with respect and have their humanity recognized. Get to know your patient on a deeper level. It is important to know the person past the disability. For many disabled patients, they feel their disability does not define them

C) Factors contributing to homelessness:

• Divorce
• Domestic Violence
• Drug and Alcohol related problems
• Illness
• Job loss
• Lack of affordable housing
• Low wages
• Mental illness
• Natural disasters
• Physical disabilities
• Poverty
• Tragedy

D)Risk factors for suicide

The main risk factors for suicide are:

• A prior suicide attempt
• Depression and other mental health disorders
• Substance abuse disorder
• Family history of a mental health or substance abuse disorder
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Having guns or other firearms in the home
• Being in prison or jail
• Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as a family member, peer, or media figure
• Medical illness
• Being between the ages of 15 and 24 years or over age 60

Assessment of client at risk for suicide:

• Look for expressions of hopelessness
• Look for suicidal communications
• Ask client's about suicide
• Beware of clients with violent behaviour or those with extreme depression.
• Look for suicidal ideations.
• Be vigilant when caring a client with a previous suicide attempt.