Assessment Description
1 Discuss how elimination complexities can affect the lives of patients and their families. Discuss the nurse’s role in supporting the patient’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Provide an example integrating concepts from the “Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work” located in Class Resources.
Assessment Description
2 Discuss how functional health patterns help a nurse understand the current and past state of health for a patient. Using a condition or disease associated with an elimination complexity, provide an example. Include the possible pathophysiological causes of the condition or disease.
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Assessment Description 1:
Introduction:
Elimination complexities can have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families. Nurses play a crucial role in supporting patients facing these challenges.
Answer:
Elimination complexities can range from urinary and bowel incontinence to chronic constipation and fecal impaction. These complications can cause significant physical discomfort, as well as emotional distress and social isolation. Patients and their families may feel embarrassed or ashamed, leading to a reluctance to seek medical attention or treatment.
Nurses can support patients’ psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs by providing a compassionate and understanding environment. They should take the time to listen to patients’ concerns and offer reassurance and emotional support. Nurses can also provide education about self-care, including proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise.
The “Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work” emphasizes the importance of recognizing patients’ spirituality and incorporating it into their care. Nurses can acknowledge and respect patients’ religious beliefs and practices, offering them the opportunity to express their faith and spirituality. For example, a patient who is religious may wish to recite prayers or perform religious rituals during their care. Nurses can create a supportive environment that accommodates these practices and respects the patient’s dignity.
Assessment Description 2:
Introduction:
Functional health patterns assist nurses in understanding the patient’s health status and identifying potential health issues. By assessing the patient’s elimination pattern, a nurse can detect the presence of elimination-related diseases and conditions.
Answer:
One disease associated with elimination complexity is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. The pathophysiological mechanisms of IBS remain unclear, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Using functional health patterns, nurses can assess the patient’s elimination pattern and identify possible triggers for IBS. For instance, stress, anxiety, and dietary factors may exacerbate IBS symptoms. By taking a thorough health history and conducting a physical examination, nurses can diagnose IBS and develop an individualized care plan.
The care plan may include symptom management strategies, such as dietary modifications, relaxation techniques, and medication. Nurses may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as gastroenterologists and psychologists, to provide comprehensive care. By addressing the patient’s physical and psychological needs, nurses can help to mitigate the effects of IBS and promote optimal health outcomes.
