Patient-Centred Care Plan for an Elderly Woman with Osteoporosis and Cataract

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Introduction
Person-centred care or patient-centred care is a concept which highlighted a specific
care plan for a particular individual (Harwood, Butler and Page, 2016, p e40). The concept of
patient-centred care is developed on respecting the uniqueness of the patient. In this report, a
patient-centred care plan is described based on the conversation with Laura. She is an 80-
year-old woman who had complications of osteoporosis and cataract. In this case, the care
plan is designed based on the condition of Laura. The plan is consists of educational sessions
with the involvement of health professionals and community hospital. The plan also
considers her psychological aspects and provides adequate care to improve her quality of life.
The care plan is supported by dieticians, physiotherapist and community caregivers.
Critical reflection
The conversation with Laura highlighted several factors where she requires proper
care. Firstly, she is suffering from osteoporosis. Insufficient bone density due to osteoporosis
is the major reason behind her problems in physical activity. In elderly adults, the prevalence
of osteoporosis is comparatively high. During the conversation, the facial expression of Laura
reflected that she was in pain. Due to poor bone density, patients with osteoporosis possess a
high risk of fractures. In the case of Laura, she faced hip bone fracture. Osteoporosis hip
fracture can be critical as it can affect the physical and psychological condition of the patient.
Apart from that, the treatment is also expensive. In the case of Laura, she stays alone and has
no job right now which can be a reason which restricts Laura to go for regular health
checkups. There are several complications of osteoporosis. Difficulty in normal activities is
the most common complication related to osteoporosis. Laura is also facing a similar
problem. Moreover, she is having a problem in her vision due to the cataract which
influences her problems related to mobility. She was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and

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had medications for the condition. Apart from that, she has drinking and smoking habits.
Diabetes along with smoking and drinking can influence the formation of cataract. Apart
from that, cataract surgery is not possible when the blood sugar level of the patient is high.
However, Laura is ignorant about her condition and continues to smoke and drink regularly.
Inadequate information regarding her condition can be a reason for the ignorance of her
health condition. Laura lives alone in her house and she is having difficulty in walking
without assistance. Hence, it is understood that she is not able to prepare her food. Therefore,
the lack of a healthy diet is one of the reasons behind her weakness. Apart from that, a
healthy diet influences the recovery of osteoporosis and diabetes. Different studies reported
the connection between age and depression. In the case of Laura, she is staying alone and due
to her health condition not able to go out of her hose. Therefore, she is having a poor social
interaction which can induce depression.
Review of literature
Osteoporosis refers to a health condition characterized by low bone density which
leads to weak and fragile bones. Several studies reported that Osteoporosis is prevalent
among elderly women. The reason behind it is the deficiency of estrogen hormone which
maintains the structure of bones. Therefore, after menopause, the risk of osteoporosis
increases. Human bones resist fracture due to the adaptation of physical stresses. This
adaptation process is maintained by osteocytes. According to Nulend et al. (2015) reported
that lack of estrogen can lead to osteocyte mediated bone remodelling. Because of that, the
reduction of bone mass and structure occurs. Vitamin D insufficiency is linked with risks
related to osteoporosis. According to a study by Brincat et al. (2015), vitamin D
supplementation can lead to a reduction of chances related to osteoporosis. The According to
a study by Thulker et al. (2016), the risk of osteoporosis among postmenstrual women is
severe and consumption of diet contacting sufficient calcium and vitamin D can reduce the

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chances of osteoporosis. On the other hand, cataract is a health condition characterized by
obstruction of vision. It is a common disorder in older adults. In the case of patients with
diabetes mellitus, cataract is a very common complication. A retrospective observational
study by Becker et al. (2018), reported that patients with diabetes mellitus possess high risks
of cataract. The study was focused on the rate of cataract patients who are having diabetes
mellitus compared to the patients who did not have diabetes mellitus. Statistical analysis of
the data supported the hypothesis that the risk of cataract in patients with diabetes mellitus is
comparatively higher than normal patients. However, the study has a limitation. A cataract is
an ongoing process, the initial date recorded for cataract might not the same as the actual
date. Apart from that age and smoking can influence the formation of cataract. According to a
study by Smith et al. (2016), smoking can modify the type of metal ions in the human lens
and as a result, cataract can occur. The study was conducted in donated eyes ranges from the
age of 11 to 82 among which 10 were known smokers and 14 were non-smokers. The main
drawback of the study was identified as consideration of the entire lens instead of dividing it
into different parts. In addition to smoking, consumption of alcohol also plays a significant
role in the development of cataract. According to a study by Yu et al. (2015), high
consumption of alcohol can lead to the occurrence of cataract in elderly adults. The results of
the statistical analysis indicated the associated between alcohol consumption and cataract
formation. However, the number of studies which contributes the result was small which can
be highlighted as a limitation of the study.
Discussion
Patient-centred care is one of the most important primary health approaches towards
the patient. It supports the communication and therapeutic relationship between health
professionals and patients (Delaney 2018, pp 119-123) The main aim of the plan is to
understand the situation of the patient and design a care plan which respects the patient’s