Nursing Care for Clients With Acute and Chronic Health Problems - Essay Example

Nursing care for clients with acute and chronic health problemsDiagnosisAnemiaAnemia refers to low red blood cells in the body to carry oxygen from one place to another. It can come about as a result of blood loss, decreased or faulty red blood cells production or destruction of red blood cells(Hensley, 2007). For the case of Freda, the signs that she is experiencing are quite evident that she is suffering from anemia. The symptoms include feeling tired and short of breath after walking several blocks doing her door-to-door ministry (Vieth & Lane, 2014).

Since she does not report any chest pain, palpitations, cough, wheezing, or leg swelling then can rule out the occurrence of any heart or pulmonary disease (Patel & Carson, 2009).What the doctor would probably order1. A complete blood count that determines the number, size, volume, and hemoglobin content of red blood cells. 2. Blood iron level and serum ferritin level which is the best indicator of total body iron stores(Killip, Bennett, & Chambers, 2007).3. Level of vitamin B12and folate, vitamins necessary for red blood cell production.4. Special blood tests to detect rare causes of anemia, such as immune attack on your red blood cells, red blood cell fragility, and defects of enzymes, hemoglobin and clotting(Weiss & Goodnough, 2005).

Significant parts of her historyThe most important part of the history is the fact that she was started on iron due to low HB levels but later stopped taking them due to stomach upset, this means that if she had a hematological problem, then with time it progressed to a greater degree(Bross, Soch, & Smith-Knuppel, 2010).Nursing care planNursing DiagnosisInterventionRationale1. Altered Peripheral Tissue Perfusion related to low affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen as evidenced by exhaustion. 1. Instruct the patient to avoid physical exertion, emotional stress, low oxygen environments (e.g., airplanes, high altitudes), and known sources of infection.2. Give oxygen as ordered.1. Decreased activity and exposureReduce body’s need for oxygen.2. High concentration of oxygen inalveoli increase diffusion of gasAcross membranes.2. Risk of damage to skin integrity related to changes in body fluid circulation1.

Calculate the patient’s daily fluid requirements. Monitor the patient’s usual fluid consumption and makeNecessary adjustments. Encourage the client to take fluids. Observe for signs of dehydration.2. Record intake and output.1. Optimizing fluid intake ensures thatThe patient gets needed fluid.Dehydration exacerbates the problem.2. Recording enables you to monitordaily fluid intake and spacingthroughout the day.3. Knowledge Deficit related to lack of exposure to cause and treatment of anemia1.

Review basics of anemia.Teach the patient aboutsigns and symptoms of anemia.2. Answer any question the patient might ask pertaining the disease.1. Knowledge of disease helps ensure compliance with treatment regimen and adherence to preventive measures.2. This allays anxiety and any misunderstanding the patient might have.4. Risk for Infection related to chronic disease1. Ensure adequate nutrition by providing high-calorie high-protein diet. Report any signs of infection to physician immediately.2. Isolate the patient from possible sources of infection.

Instruct patient about signs of infection and encourage them to seek prompt health care.1. Chronically ill patients are atgreater risk of infection.2. Restriction of persons with infectiondecreases the patients contact withInfectious agents. Prompt care forinfection reduces the chance ofAnemia crisis.5. Activity intolerance related to tissue hypoxia associated with anemia. 1. Implement measures to reduce fatigue e.g. Schedule several short rest periods during the day.2. Administer iron supplements if ordered for treatment. 1. Reduces fatigue since there is reduced exertion.2. Iron boosts the production of more red blood cells.

ReferencesBross, M. H., Soch, K., & Smith-Knuppel, T. (2010). Anemia in older persons. American Family Physician, 82, 480–487. Hensley, J. M. (2007). Anemia in the elderly. In Fundamentals of Geriatric Medicine: A Case-based Approach (pp. 470–484). Killip, S., Bennett, J. M., & Chambers, M. D. (2007). Iron deficiency anemia. American Family Physician, 75, 671–678.Patel, M. S., & Carson, J. L. (2009). Anemia in the Preoperative Patient. Anesthesiology Clinics. Vieth, J. T., & Lane, D. R. (2014). Anemia.

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. Weiss, G., & Goodnough, L. T. (2005). Anemia of chronic disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 352, 1011–1023.