Case Study Of A Functional Health Pattern Assessment Nursing Essay

Case Study Of A Functional Health Pattern Assessment Nursing EssayThe avocation Functional Health Pattern assessment is ground on a 65 year old Scottish woman who lives independently with her husband in their firm at Happy Valley.The purpose of the interview was explained in increase to an draft of the types of questions which would be asked during the interview. A copy of the interview questions were provided front to the interview (Appendix 1) so the questions would be familiar, and to minimise any disturbance.The importance of maintaining her l mavinliness and the necessity of choosing a pseudonym was discussed which she sensed as gr flow fun. She chose Patricia as she thought it was rather a posh sounding name and one which she had ever so liked.At the beginning of the interview the confidentiality constructions were reiterated to which Patricia indicated verbal permission for her data to be dis virtuallyd as applicable and appropriate with collectible visit to her ethical and legal rights (ANMC 2008, p.4).Patricia was advised any questions which she did non feel ingenious answering could be skipped in order for her to feel booming inwardly the interview environment. That said however, Patricia stated she was happy to discuss any veerg and was keen to hop on the interview.Health comprehension/wellness management exampleAn limn of the clients perceived class of health and tumesce be and how health is managed (Gordon 1994)Patricia perceives her health to be more or less nifty, non 100%, but fairly good for her age. She stated she has ever strived to live a healthy careerstyle and believes that her employment as a Diversional Therapist within an elderly Care facility keeps her young and twin as she walks virtually the facility countless ms throughout the twenty-four hours catching to residents lifestyle take.Patricia presents as a much younger someone than her biological age and attributes this to take a leaking fullt ime and walking somewhere in the neck of the woods of approximately 3 kilometres per day 5 days a workweek. The risks of exploitation cardiovascular disease are greatly decreased by steadfast exercises such as walking and aerobic bodily process in addition to increasing the benefits of physiological and psychological wellbeing (Crisp and Taylor 2005, p.920).Although Patricia takes medicament for the management of hypertension (High Blood Pressure), diagnosed in 2009, she feels that it is well controlled and does not impact on her big businessman to perform her role at work, undertake housework or move is recreational activities with her family on weekends. When not controlled, Hypertension puts strain on the heart, damage blood vessels in the kidneys and damages the retina, resulting in a loss of raft (Herlihy 2007, p.331). As Patricia already suffers reverie problems it is imperative her Hypertension is on a level(p) basis monitored.Patricia regularly attends her doctor and believes it is important to adhere to any recommendation or interposition administered by the doctor. She advised she would be too scared not to do so in case something bad happened to her so she complies implicitly.Although Patricia would like to prevail private health insurance she feels that it is too expensive. She is satisfied with the Medicare system and believes it meets her selects adequately.The necessity of installing aids or changing any aspect of her home to increase safety or prevent accidents has not been necessary. She believes she has not come to this stage of life just yet and feels confident in her ability to manage her household as is.Nutritional metabolous configurationAn outline of the clients invention of food/fluid breathing in relative to metabolic need and nutrient supply (Gordon 1994)During a 24 hour termination Patricia usually consumes three main meals and rarely has snacks during the day when working. She believes her job influences her have pattern during the week as she unaccompanied has a 30 elegant lunch break which leaves little time for large or broaden meals.In the 24 hours prior to the interview Patricia consumed cereal, herbal tea, water, yoghurt, orange juice, fruit, vegetables and muffins. During the week she feels her diet to be balanced and more than adequate.Patricia is a Vegetarian based on her ghostly beliefs, she has no food allergies but does modify her diet regularly based on her remains count on and heapt fluctuations. Research suggests sight who potentially suffer from a binge-eating disorder have a chronicle of weight fluctuations and obesity (Edlin et al. 1997).On the weekend when she spends a lot of time with her family and grand children she admits she consumes more snacks, fast food and foods considered to be empty of nutritionary value such as potato chips, lollies, ice cream and barmy drink, particularly when in company with her grandsons. Patricia laughingly classes her egotism as a weekend complaisant eater. In a recent article (Abedin 2009) indicated, adults tend to eat more when they are around friends and family than when eating with strangers.Tooth decay is primarily caused by circulatory replaces, unretentive dietary habits and poor mouth or dental consonant hygiene (Murray Zentner 1989, p.470) and as a result Patricia has top dentures although they do not inhibit her ability to eat nor restrict the types of food choices available to her. in that location have been no significant changes to her diet as she has aged due to the vegetarian menu she eats for her main meals, however she nisused that she does overeat chip food with her grandchildren. However, when questioned if this overeating has primarily occurred since becoming a Grandmother she sheepishly admitted it was probably a lifelong habit.Sometimes she has noticed significantly bring down energy levels particularly in the afternoon but Patricia believes this to be based on the expectation s of her job and possibly age rather than indications her nutritional intake is a contributing factor. When queried if her Iron and Vitamin intake were sufficient based on the fact she doesnt eat red meat Patricia stated she didnt think it caused her a problem, nor had her Doctor ever mentioned any need for additional supplements.Research has shown (Hunt 2003) throng on a vegetarian diet get all the iron they need by eating iron rich foods, including legumes, green leafy vegetables and beef up breads/cereals although iron pass on be less available for absorption than in diets which include meat. Hunt (2003) suggests, vegetarians should consider consuming vitamin C, or citrus fruits to mitigate absorption ratios in order to balance out nutritional requirements.No issues were identified in terms of hairs-breadth loss, increased facial hair growth, skin disorders or nail growth. Patricia maintains a regular skin government to promote health, elasticity and prevent wrinkles. Her s kin appears well hydrated. Patricias hair and nails were likewise kept up(p).Elimination patternAn outline of the clients pattern of excretory function in relation to the bowel and bladder (Gordon 1994)When reflecting on her voiding pattern Patricia stated she voided approximately three times per day dependent on her day-to-day schedule and her fluid intake, and about the same amount at home in the evening.Patricia experiences no problems with bowel elimination and has neer utilised suppositories, supplements or other medication for either constipation or diarrhoea. She uses her bowels twice a day and believes the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed within her diet coupled with her eccentric based cereal e genuinely morning sufficiently meets her needs. Alteration in elimination patterns can sometimes indicate signs or symptoms of issues within the gastrointestinal system (Crisp and Taylor 2005, p. 1325), but this does not appear to be applicable in Patricias case.Activity exercise patternAn outline of the clients pattern of exercise, and physical activity (Gordon 1994)Exercise which keeps the heart pumping and working steadily for about 20 proceedings per day improves fitness, muffles the risks of heart disease, obesity and maintains mobility (Peterson 2004, p.625).As discussed in the health perception/health management pattern Patricia walks reasonable distances during the day at her intrust of employment. In addition to the walking she conducts gentle Exercise Classes for the residents at the Aged Care facility twice a week. She feels she has sufficient energy to infix in, and conduct, these classes and they form the basis of her regular exercise pattern.Sleep/rest patternAn outline of the clients pattern of sleep, rest and relaxation (Gordon 1994)Patricia says she thoroughly enjoys sleeping and will generally achieve 8-9 hours per night which she thinks provides her with ample rest and recuperation from her day by day activities. According to Crisp and Taylor (2005), the amount and quality of sleep decreases in the fourth-year adult, however Patricia has neither noticed nor see any significant change to her sleep pattern in many eld.When Patricia was approximately 10 old age old she used to sleep-walk but has since outgrown this problem. She states she awakens at 0300 every morning regular as clockwork to go to the bathroom but experiences little difficulty reverting to sleep.Cognitive/Perception patternAn outline of the clients cognitive and sensory perceptual patterns (Gordon 1994)The average sensation shrinks approximately 5-10% in weight between the ages of 20 and 90 resulting in a decrease in working memory, however, the brain can adapt and grow new cells, but this is dependant on physical activity, stimulation and learning (Santrock 2006). Patricia believes the constant mental and physical stimulation of her job keeps her brain active as evidenced by the boffo completion of recent study. She is a keen cross word puzzler and refreshing reader which she feels endures her cognitive functions.Of the five sensors the most significant change has been to Patricias plenty as she has aged. Patricia wears glasses for reading, computer work and magnification for everyday activities. She has her romance tested every three geezerhood and upgrades her eyewear as recommended by the Optometrist.Patricia has not noticed any change in her ability to smell, hear, or strain but admits to a taste change over the years from bouquet to savoury flavours.Self perception/ ego concept patternAn outline of the clients ego concept and perceptions of egotism in relation to embody image, self worth and feeling states (Gordon 1994)Of the most interest and focus, and highlighted throughout this assessment, was Patricias image of herself. Although she states she is reasonably satisfied with her current status in life and what she has achieved for herself and her family, her perception of how she looks demonst rates issues around physical dissatisfaction, possible low self esteem and a deprivation of confidence in social situations. Erikson (1965) theorises maintaining a positive self image and feelings of self worth is essential in order to achieve a successful transition to old age despite changing abilities and limitations.She all the way states she doesnt feel old at 65 years however she believes her weight issues affect her ability to feel confident when she pursues recreational and social activities. physical ideals and social stigma value a thin body, which society symbolises as slews ability to discipline their appetite and restrain themselves from overeating (Germov 2005). Patricia states when she is at work and performing tasks which she perceives are within her capabilities she feels competent and happy within herself.It is plainly when she is required to enter the social arena she is faced with unhappiness and quandary about her body image. Those who are overweight are su bject to stigmatism for being different and falling outside of the social norm (Germov 2005).On condition she will refuse to go out with friends or feels upset about her selection of clothing and fit, negatively believing she will be an embarrassment to friends and family due to her size.When she does socialize outside of her immediate family circle she tends to sit gently and not draw attention to herself especially if the social event has a number of well dressed and slim women in attendance, and particularly if she sees them as being of a similar age bracket to herself. A thin body is viewed by society as the essence of beauty, windual attractiveness, social status, health and occasionally moral worth (Germov Williams 2004).In recent years Patricia states although she does not perceive herself as being either old or tired she admits to using her age as an excuse to decline invitations to attend social functions based purely on the fact that she is not comfortable with her body image.Although she is eligible for a Seniors Card, which is based on age, Patricia refuses to apply for it stating adamantly that she is not old and does not like the connotations that ownership of such a card implies. She says she does not class herself as a Senior and because a Seniors Card is not required. When the possible benefits of the Card were discussed her prompt result was a definite, no thankyou, maybe when Im 80.Role/relationship patternAn outline of the clients pattern of relationships and role engagement (Gordon 1994)Patricia is a mother, grandmother, aunt, wife, sister, friend, employee and work colleague. She views her primary roles at this stage of her life as being a wife, grandmother and employee. She enjoys close relationships with her three daughters. Since the recent death of her only sister, her husband, children and two nieces are the only remaining family in Australia as her parents are deceased. She has no contact with impertinent relatives in Scotlan d.Patricia has a select group of friends but feels as a result of her work commitments during the week, coupled with family commitments, she has little spare time to socialise with friends. She does not belong to any social groups and mentioned that she thought social groups were a waste of her time. Murray and Zentner (1989) state some factors may inhibit older people from pursuing recreational activities based on a perceived poor usage of time, conditioning to appear busy, fears about the future and the lack of preceding opportunities to pursue a hobby or new interest.Sexuality patternAn outline of the clients reproductive and sexuality pattern (Gordon 1994)At the age of 16 years old Patricia began menstruating. Patricia experienced no difficulty during her three pregnancies and has never suffered a miscarriage. Since she began menopause at the age of 45 years Patricia has experienced minimal interest in being sexually active and cites a definite loss of libido however she did i ndicate her sexual needs were profusely met.Eden (2002, p.53) argues womens sexual desires fluctuate over the years with highs and lows, commonly cooccurring with major life changes such as menopause.Patricia says she has a tilted uterus which causes her no problems, pain or issues during sexual intercourse. The uterus normally lies in an anteverted position with statistics showing approximately 20% of women have a retroverted or tilted uterus without experiencing any problems during their life (Andrews 2005).She experiences no embarrassment when openly discussing issues of a sexual nature, nor did she find it difficult to talk about sex education with her daughters. Patricia believes due to it being a taboo subject with her parents when increment up it has influenced her to be very open with her own children.A good health maintenance plan includes regular health screenings, including Pap Smears, self breast examination and mammograms (Leifer Harrison 2004, p.215). Patricia stat es she consciously adheres to preventative health measures.Coping/ filter patternAn outline of the clients general stress tolerance and coping mechanisms pattern (Gordon 1994)The stress Patricia feels when she is at work relates to her supervisor who Patricia states is not as confirmatory as she would like. She does however have other colleagues at work with whom she can debrief as required. She cites her husband as being her primary support and states they have always talked through as a family any issues which may impact on her coping mechanisms.A recent significant nerve-wracking event was the marriage and untimely death of her only sister whilst on honeymoon and the subsequent fight over her sisters Last Will and will which occurred between the new husband and her nieces. Again her husband and daughters were her primary substance of support during this time although she did consider accessing professional counselling.Being aware of what causes stress, how you controvert and having a network of support are all strategies which can care you to manage and control stressful events (Andrews 2005, p.59). Patricia feels she has accepted the outcomes from this event and moved forward.Patricia does not drink alcohol, use medication or take drugs to relieve stress but will comfort eat and compensate with food on occasion resulting in weight gain and subsequently poor body image and what she terms mild undiagnosed depression which she says never lasts for very long.Value/belief patternAn outline of the clients pattern of values, ghostlike beliefs and goals ascertain choices or decisions (Gordon 1994)An individuals sense of spirituality can be influenced by culture, life experiences and religious beliefs (Brush 2000). Patricia is a practicing Mormon and spiritual person. Her family and faith have always been the most important part of her life. She has been married to her husband for 42 years and values her relationship with him.Recent goals have included compl eting a TAFE Course at age 63 years and resettling into a newly purchased home which she feels have all been guided by her faith and spiritual beliefs.She believes she has enjoyed a rewarding life and has always been a big, happy, bubbly person. As indicated in previous patterns Patricias body image pervades all patterns of her life suggesting a lowered perception of self.ConclusionPatricia presented as a reasonably healthy woman for her age. She is active and mobile, she feels healthy, her skin, hair and nails look nourished, and her living environment is clean, well maintained and comfortable.Patricia is aware of the need to maintain her health and undertakes preventative measures in order to continue her good health record. The diagnosed hypertension she experiences is appropriately monitored and medication is religiously taken and reviewed regularly. Similarly her need for glasses to assist with vision is regularly checked with her eyewear strength updated as required.She has e xcellent support, and gains spiritual strength, from her husband, family, friends and religious beliefs. She enjoys positive relationships with many of her work colleagues and has sourced alternative mechanisms for debriefing when work becomes stressful. The benefits of Patricias continue working lifestyle assists in her remaining physically and mentally active, slows her agedness decline, provides a social aspect which she enjoys, and allows her the financial means to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.Although Patricia carries an excess amount of weight primarily at her thighs, hips and buttocks, this does not appear to detract from her general feeling of physical wellbeing although her body image and perception of herself were highlighted negatively in more than one pattern.Interestingly, when discussing her self concept pattern Patricia displayed a number of behaviours suggestive of altered self concept, i.e. avoidance of eye contact during such discussion, putting herself down, an d being overly critical of her appearance (Crisp and Taylor 2005, p.500). However, Patricia believes she recognises when she needs to diet or make efforts to reduce her calorie intake and assume more restrained eating habits.Patricia states she snarl comfortable throughout the interview and believes the assessment process effectively established, maintained and concluded interpersonal communication openly, and in a friendly and collateral manner (ANMC 2008).Overall Patricia felt the questions allowed her to positively reflect on her health and wellbeing status (Puentes 2002) thus, reinforcing her belief that she is aging well and maintaining her lifespan appropriately.