Nightingale’s Approach to Caring for an Elderly Patient: Addressing Emotional Needs and Advocating for Well-being

QUESTION

You are caring for an 82-year-old woman who has been hospitalized for several weeks for burns that she sustained on her lower legs during a cooking accident. Before the time of her admission, she lived alone in a small apartment. The patient reported on admission that she has no surviving family. Her support system appears to be other elders who live in her neighborhood. Because of transportation difficulties, most of them are unable to visit frequently. One of her neighbors has reported that she is caring for the patient’s dog, a Yorkshire terrier. As you care for this woman, she begs you to let her friend bring her dog to thehospital. She says that none of the other nurses have listened to her about such a visit. As she asks you about this, she begins to cry and tells you that they have never been separated. You recall that the stff discussed their concern about this woman’s well-being during report that morning. They said that she has been eating very little and seems to be depressed. Based on Nightingale’s work, identify specific interventions that you would

.

Blog about what action, if any, you would take regarding the patient’s request to see her dog. Discuss the theoretical basis of you decision and action based on your understanding of Nightingale’s work. Also address the planning you would undertake regarding her discharge from the hospital. How would you advocate for the patient based on Nightingale’s observations and descriptions of the role of the nurse.

ANSWER

Nightingale’s Approach to Caring for an Elderly Patient: Addressing Emotional Needs and Advocating for Well-being

Introduction

Florence Nightingale’s principles of nursing emphasize the holistic care of patients, recognizing the significance of their environment, emotional well-being, and social connections. This essay explores the case of an 82-year-old woman who has been hospitalized for burns and is experiencing emotional distress due to separation from her beloved dog. Drawing upon Nightingale’s work, we will discuss specific interventions to address the patient’s emotional needs, as well as the planning and advocacy necessary for her discharge from the hospital.

Nightingale’s Principles

Creating a Healing Environment

Provide a clean, well-ventilated room with adequate lighting to enhance the patient’s comfort and promote a sense of well-being.
Decorate the room with familiar objects or photographs that can evoke positive memories and a sense of familiarity.

Establishing Therapeutic Communication

Engage in active listening and demonstrate empathy to understand the patient’s emotional distress and the significance of her bond with the dog.
Encourage the patient to express her feelings and validate her emotions to create a safe space for emotional release.

Promoting Social Connections

Facilitate opportunities for the patient to interact with her neighbors who provide social support, even if they are unable to visit frequently.
Explore options for virtual communication, such as video calls or phone conversations, to maintain connections with her support network.

Addressing the Patient’s Request

Considering the patient’s emotional distress and Nightingale’s emphasis on patient-centered care, it is important to address her request to see her dog. However, hospital policies and infection control guidelines must also be considered. The theoretical basis for the decision would involve a collaborative approach, involving the patient, healthcare team, and hospital administration, to find a suitable compromise that ensures the patient’s emotional well-being while maintaining the safety of the healthcare environment.

Potential Interventions

Discuss the patient’s request with the healthcare team and explore possible solutions, such as arranging a controlled visit with the dog in a designated area that adheres to infection control protocols.
Collaborate with the patient’s neighbor who is caring for the dog to ensure the dog’s health and vaccination status are up to date.
Provide the patient with regular updates on her dog’s well-being, including photos or videos, to reassure her and maintain the connection between them.

Planning for Discharge and Advocacy

Nightingale’s observations emphasized the importance of a smooth transition from hospital to home and the need for ongoing support. To advocate for the patient’s well-being, the following steps can be taken:

Coordinate with social services and community resources to assess the patient’s post-discharge needs, such as home healthcare services, meal delivery, or assistance with daily activities.
Collaborate with the patient, neighbors, and healthcare team to develop a comprehensive discharge plan that ensures her physical, emotional, and social needs are met.
Facilitate communication and coordination between the patient’s healthcare providers, primary care physician, and any specialists involved in her care to ensure continuity and effective management of her burns and emotional well-being.

Conclusion

By applying Nightingale’s principles of nursing, healthcare providers can provide holistic care to patients, considering their emotional well-being, social connections, and environment. In the case of the elderly patient separated from her dog during hospitalization, addressing her emotional distress through therapeutic communication and exploring options for her to maintain a connection with her pet are crucial interventions. Planning for her discharge and advocating for her well-being based on Nightingale’s principles involve collaborative efforts to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing support. Through this approach, healthcare providers can honor Nightingale’s legacy and provide patient-centered care that encompasses physical, emotional, and social aspects of healing.