Osteoarthritis Case Study: Professional Health Competencies

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PROFESSIONAL HEALTH COMPETENCIES
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OSTEOARTHRITIS CASE STUDY
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Section -1
This section details the health condition of the case study patient using the ICF
framework
Health condition
Osteoarthritis is a health condition that gets worsens with age, specifically identified
is obtained in old age. However, there are many causes of developing osteoarthritis in
old age like falls, injuries, bone weaknesses etc. in early ages (Fortinash & Worret,
2014). The case study patient is 50years old female, Helen, who is diagnosed with
generalised osteoarthritis suffering mainly in the hips and hands area. Helen
developed osteoarthritis as a result of fall incidence on cross-country run at the age of
12. This fall incidence at age of 12 leads to severe pain and disability where she was
diagnosed with Perthes disease that eventually developed to osteoarthritis.
Impairments
Helen has a history of failed hip replacement surgery that has made her a wheelchair
user. Her lower body portion is completely non-functional and she needs help to
perform her daily living activities. After being completely dependant on a wheelchair
with no physical activity, she has developed back pain issues as well.
Activity limitations/participation restrictions
Helen is not able to walk straight and perform her daily living activities by herself like
bathing, cooking etc. Helen lost her job (healthcare associate) due to osteoarthritis
developing financial crisis, social isolation, and loss of freedom to interests, hobbies
and movements.
Positive personal/environmental factors
Helen’s parents are the greatest support and positive factor providing her physical and
emotional support to increase her level of physical and mental functionality.
Negative personal/environmental factors
Shortly after Helen failed hip replacement surgery, her 20 years old relationship
ended with divorces that lead to depression, sleeping and eating disorder. This has
negatively impacted her health leading to mental health conditions.
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Section -2
Statement on professional role and client’s health requirement
Being a Healthcare nurse working alongside mental health counsellor the following
activities shall work appropriately to meet the client’s need of managing
osteoarthritis, enhancing physical strength, overcoming depression, eating and
sleeping disorder.
Description of relevant interventions applied by Healthcare nurse for managing
osteoarthritis.
Interventions Justification of the activity/expected
outcomes
Assess the patient’s pain description,
previous pain experiences and pain relief.
This shall help to understand the severity
and seriousness of back pain issue (Harris
& Crawford, 2015).
Assess the patient’s posture, weight,
range of motion (ROM) and ability to
perform daily living activities (ADLs).
This shall help to determine stress, joint
pain and deformity due to osteoarthritis,
which may cause further loss to ROM
and ADLs (Broderick et al. 2014).
Assess the patient’s knowledge and
comfort level about using assistive
devices. Further, providing education
about using them if necessary.
The proper knowledge and use of
assistive devices shall minimise further
risk of falls (Jeon, 2015).
Assess the patient’s vital signs like HR,
BP, respiratory rate etc.
This shall ensure safe implementation of
nursing interventions as per the client’s
level of comfort in performing tasks
(MacDonald, Sanmartin, Langlois &
Marshall, 2014).
Apply cold and hot pack, provide
massage with rest periods, frequent
change of position for functional
alignment, support to joints (rolls,
pillows, towels).
This shall work to provide relaxation and
rehabilitation to chronic back pain. These
activities require no special equipment
easy to perform and most effective
(Kodadek, 2015).
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