As a public health nurse at a free clinic, you are assessing and interviewing a 21-year-old woman who has come to the clinic because she doesn’t have any energy and hasn’t felt good in weeks. During the interview, you learn that she averages one meal per day, smokes up to two packs of cigarettes per day, and rummages through trash to find items she can sell to purchase food, snacks, and cigarettes. She admits to using street drugs every once in a while when she can find someone who will share with her. She admits her life is a mess and she doesn’t know how to make it better.
- What data can you gather based on available client information?
- What questions should you ask yourself while interviewing this client?
- During planning, how can you, as the nurse, best assist this client?
- What are the potential strategies that would assist the client to a “better” life?
Your paper should be 2 pages in length, in APA format, typed in Times New Roman with 12-point font, and double-spaced with 1” margins. If outside sources are used, they must be cited appropriately.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: In this case study, a 21-year-old woman presents to a free clinic with complaints of low energy and overall poor health. Through the interview process, the nurse uncovers various living conditions and behaviors that contribute to the patient’s overall well-being. This assignment requires us to answer four questions based on the given case study.
1. What data can you gather based on available client information?
Based on the available client information, the following data can be gathered:
– The client’s age and gender (21-year-old woman).
– Her presenting problem of low energy and feeling unwell for several weeks.
– Inadequate dietary intake (averaging one meal per day).
– High tobacco consumption (smoking up to two packs of cigarettes per day).
– Engaging in survival activities (rummaging through trash to sell items for food, snacks, and cigarettes).
– Occasional use of street drugs when available.
– Recognition of the client’s acknowledgment that her life is in disarray.
2. What questions should you ask yourself while interviewing this client?
While interviewing this client, the nurse should ask themselves the following questions:
– What underlying factors might be contributing to the client’s low energy and overall poor health?
– How can I assess the impact of the client’s inadequate dietary intake and poor nutrition on her physical and mental well-being?
– How can I approach discussing the client’s high tobacco consumption and potential addiction?
– What is the client’s social support system like, and can it be utilized to address her current situation?
– Are there any underlying mental health issues contributing to the client’s destructive behaviors?
– How can I empower the client and help her identify resources to improve her life circumstances?
3. During planning, how can you, as the nurse, best assist this client?
To best assist this client during planning, the nurse can consider the following strategies:
– Collaborate with the client to establish short-term and long-term goals to improve overall health and well-being.
– Facilitate connections with resources such as food assistance programs, addiction treatment services, and mental health support.
– Provide education on the importance of regular meals, balanced nutrition, and the potential health risks associated with smoking and drug use.
– Develop a personalized care plan that addresses the client’s immediate needs while promoting long-term positive lifestyle changes.
– Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to empower the client and enhance her intrinsic motivation for change.
– Establish a trusting and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship to support the client throughout her journey towards a “better” life.
4. What are the potential strategies that would assist the client to a “better” life?
Several potential strategies can assist the client in achieving a “better” life:
– Addressing the client’s immediate basic needs by connecting her with resources for stable housing, food, and regular meals.
– Collaborating with social workers and community organizations to help the client access financial assistance programs and job training opportunities.
– Offering smoking cessation counseling and resources to support the client in reducing or quitting her tobacco consumption.
– Identifying substance abuse treatment programs and support groups to address the client’s occasional drug use and provide resources for recovery.
– Assessing the client for underlying mental health conditions and referring her to appropriate mental health professionals for evaluation and treatment.
– Encouraging the client’s engagement in regular physical activity and providing information on the benefits of exercise for overall well-being.
– Assisting the client in developing coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and life skills to improve her ability to navigate challenges and make positive changes.
Conclusion: In this case study, the nurse plays a crucial role in assessing, planning, and assisting a 21-year-old woman facing numerous challenges. By gathering relevant data, asking critical questions, and implementing appropriate strategies, the nurse can promote the client’s journey towards a “better” life by addressing her physical, mental, and social well-being.
