Essentially, as a Nurse Aide, it is crucial to understand and identify Mr. James’s medical problems and emotional and physical needs and address the safety concerns related to his diabetic and cardiac conditions. According to the report, Mr. James is a 75-year-old male with a history of diabetes and severe hypertension. He is also insulin-dependent and recently suffered a heart attack, leading to his admission to the facility. Besides, Mr. James lost his wife suddenly three months ago, which could have added to his emotional and mental state.
It is necessary to manage his diabetes and hypertension, prevent complications, and promote wound healing to address Mr. James’s medical issues. It is recommended to use a multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive care for diabetic patients with hypertension (Fang, 2020). To manage diabetes, healthcare providers typically monitor blood glucose levels, produce insulin and medications, and adjust the patient’s diet to keep their blood sugar levels within the desired range. The study also highlights the significance of regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight to control hypertension and lower the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Besides medical concerns, Mr. James’s emotional and physical needs must also be addressed. Losing a spouse can significantly impact older adults’ mental health, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety (Fong, 2019). To improve Mr. James’s mental well-being, providing emotional support and involving him in social activities with other residents is crucial. Ensuring he gets enough nutrition, hydration, and personal care like grooming, bathing, and dressing is necessary to meet his physical needs.
However, Mr. James’s inappropriate behavior towards other residents in the activity room raises concerns about his safety and the safety of others. As a Nurse Aide, it is essential to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents, with particular attention to those with diabetic and cardiac conditions. Torres-Díaz et al. (2021) pointed out that diabetic patients face various safety risks, such as falls, infections, and hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor Mr. James’s blood glucose levels regularly, prevent falls by removing trip hazards, and maintain proper infection control measures.
Regarding Mr. James’s specific requests during AM care, balancing his preferences with safety concerns is necessary. For instance, while providing him with a shave and a hot tub bath is acceptable, allowing him to clip his toenails is unsafe, as it can lead to injury or infection. Older adults with diabetes are at a higher risk of foot ulcers and amputations due to peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease (Thanigaimani et al., 2021). It is crucial to regularly check Mr. James’s feet for any signs of ulcers or wounds and ensure that he receives proper foot care.
It is also important to note that communication with Mr. James and his healthcare team is crucial for providing optimal care. As a Nurse Aide, it is vital to build a positive relationship with Mr. James, so we can understand his likes and dislikes and address his needs accordingly. Good communication with his healthcare team, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists, is also critical to ensure everyone works together toward his care. Moreover, documenting all the care provided to Mr. James promptly and accurately can help his healthcare team stay informed about any new developments or concerns. By prioritizing effective communication and documentation, Nurse Aides can help ensure that Mr. James receives the best possible care during his stay at the facility.
In summary, Nurse Aides must acknowledge and address Mr. James’s medical conditions and emotional and physical well-being. By implementing a comprehensive care plan that includes medical management, emotional support, and safety precautions for his specific diabetic and cardiac needs, Mr. James can feel comfortable and secure during his stay at the long-term facility. Effective communication with Mr. James and his healthcare team and accurate and timely documentation of care are essential components of optimal care for him.
References
Fang, M. (2020). Trends in diabetes management among US adults: 1999–2016. Journal of general internal medicine, 35, 1427-1434. Web.
Fong, J. H. (2019). Disability incidence and functional decline among older adults with major chronic diseases. BMC geriatrics, 19(1), 1-9. Web.
Thanigaimani, S., Singh, T., & Golledge, J. (2021). Topical oxygen therapy for diabetes‐related foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Diabetic Medicine, 38(8), e14585. Web.
Torres-Díaz, J. A., Sanchez-Mendieta, G., & Jiménez-Castillo, R. A. (2021). An uncommon cause of hypoglycemia in the emergency room: A case report. Endocrinología, Diabetes y Nutrición, 68(9), 673-674. Web.