Question

Read the case study, then answer the questions that follow.

Case study (questions 7-9)

Mrs Hampshire has now been in the facility for 10 weeks. During this time, Mrs Hampshire has gradually improved in her health status. Regular physiotherapy sessions have maintained the muscle tone of the affected side of her body and she has been able use an electric wheelchair, which has increased her level of social interaction and physical mobility.

On admission, communication was noted to be a problem for Mrs Hampshire and was also contributing to her depression and isolation. A communication board was used and Mrs Hampshire also communicated via written words on a notepad, though this was difficult as she was previously left-handed.

Improvement in her speech through regular speech therapy sessions has also meant that Mrs Hampshire is able to communicate her needs more easily.

Mrs Hampshire still requires a special diet. By recording how much Mrs Hampshire is eating and drinking, it is found that she is not taking adequate fluids. After discussion with the supervisor and Mrs Hampshire’s daughter, a plan is made for Mrs Hampshire’s daughter to give her extra fluid after lunch each day. Her daughter also remembers that her mother doesn’t like coffee or tea but prefers chocolate milk. Mrs Hampshire’s fluid is changed to chocolate milk and the fluid intake increases to a healthy level.

What problem-solving activity did the support worker take to assist with fluid intake to improve urinary system functioning? (Approx. 50 words).

Identify the health issues that Mrs Hampshire had and may experience. Explain how each problem affects other systems of the body in supporting healthy functioning. You are required to identify and explain eight health issues (or potential issues) in your answer. (Approx. 160 words).

Answer 1

Broadly speaking there are five kinds of problem solving activity. This is an example of problem solving via strategy where the social worker with consultation identified that how the fluid intake could be improved to improve urinary system functioning. This use of chocolate milk instead of tea and coffee is strategy.

The patient suffered from a paralysis which could be due to a stroke or cerebral thrombosis. This would lead to right or left sided weakness, sensory impairment, issues with speech and language, visual problems, cognitive disorders, memory issues and inability to read and write. The patient was also depressed due to lack of ability to communicate. Being depressed over a greater period of time could lead to difficulty in overcoming serious illnesses. Also as the patient’s fluid intake was less it could lead to dehydration which could lead to heat exhaustion, cramps, heatstroke, low blood volume and renal failure. It could also lead to seizures due to electrolyte loss. Furthermore, due to stroke there could be respiratory dysfunction and cardiovascular dysfunction and increased body temperature and balance incoordination.

Limited mobility may cause depression, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, boredom, disorientation, passive-aggressive verbal and nonverbal communication, mood swings, listlessness, withdrawal, social isolation, regression, altered body image, and feelings of helplessness. It could also lead to development of decubitus ulcer due to lack of movement or if the patient is not moved in the bed.

So, these are the health issues that need to be addressed for benefit of the patient.