Case Studies on Older People: Hypertension and Fragile Bones

Running head: OLDER PEOPLE
Older People
Name of Student
Name of University
Author Note

1OLDER PEOPLE
Case Study 1:
Response to Question 1:
As diagnosed by GP, Rob is suffering from hypertension. However, he is unwilling to take up proper
medications for it. Moreover, his wife has reported about Rob’s increasing forgetfulness. Rob is also
becoming irritated and frustrated. Often he shows his frustration upon himself. Margaret, Rob’s wife is
suspecting that Rob is suffering from mild dementia. Moreover, the GP has suggested Rob to go through
a thorough assessment to examine his cognitive function.
Response to Question 2:
From the case study, it is easily understandable that Rob is suffering from hypertension. Along with
that, it can also be understood that he is suffering from anxiety issues (Charras, Eynard and Viatour
2016). He is anxious of the side effects of the medications. Rob is suffering from much insecurity that is
related to her old age. He is becoming insecure of the fact the he is aging, and hence might not be able
to work efficiently as he used to do earlier. This is leading him to anger and frustration.
Response to Question 3:
As per the symptoms, the patient is suffering from mild dementia. Hence, the Abbey pain scale
Assessment tool can be used in this regard, in order to assess the severity.
 Facial Expression: Examining facial expression is the first step in determining dementia. The
patients are seen to have tensed and frightened expression (van der Steen et al. 2014). More
often, the patient is seen to be crying or whimpering when put into a tensed situation.
 Physiological Changes: Blood pressure, pulse, pallor of the skin and temperature are to be
checked (Weber et al. 2014). This provides information regarding the severity of the patient’s
condition.
 Physical Changes: As a result of the hypertension and high blood pressure, the patient can suffer
from certain physical changes as well (Charras, Eynard and Viatour 2016). Pressure sores,
contracture and even skin are monitored.

2OLDER PEOPLE
Response to Question 4:
Patients suffering from dementia and other psychological illness mostly needs attention and mental
support. The care plan for Rob will hence include these things.
 Due to the forgetfulness, these patients often forget to take up prescribed medications (Davies
et al. 2014). Hence, it is necessary that the nurse has to be more cautious and attentive in
monitoring Rob and giving him medications.
 His bed should be in a space that could be easily located and near to the toilet.
 Urging Rob to take regular Exercises will be helpful. In addition, he should be given proper
nutritious food and diet (Charras, Eynard and Viatour 2016).
Response to Question 5:
Australia has a well-structured framework to support the patients with Dementia and other
mental illness. As Rob goes to the GP, it is his right to be informed if he is suffering from any illness.
Before starting medication, Rob has be well informed (Crespo, Hornillos and de Quirós 2013). Moreover,
he has the right to select a guardian who will take decisions on his behalf, if his situation worsens. In this
case, his wife may play the role if Rob is willing. Rob can also hire an attorney and make a will if he
wishes.